DTT: MultiChoice to rollout May 2011

With the conclusion of the trials for the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) in South Africa, slated for March 2011, leader in Digital Terrestrial Transmission (DTT) in Africa, MultiChoice Africa said it has concluded plans to roll-out its DVB- version 2 by May next year.

Disclosing this at the two-day workshop on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTTv) in Johannesburg, last week, the Technical Director, M-Net, Mr. Dave Hagen, noted that currently, the firm is running trials across South Africa, which is due to end by March 2011, when the commercial launch is expected.

M-Net is a pay-television subscriptions’ arm of MultiChoice Africa.

DVB – Terrestrial Second Generation, also known as DVB-T2, he said, is set to revolutionize the way Africans would soon consume television, re-purposing frequencies to be more effectively utilized away from analogue to digital terrestrial transmissions (DTT) to deliver multi-channel entertainment.

According to Hagen, 60 household is taking part in the on-going DVB-T2 trails in Soweto, describing it as successful given the kind of feedback M-Net has received so far, stressing that the efficiency of DVB-T2 is superior to both Terrestrial Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB-T) and DVB-T with delivery of estimated between 30 and 65 per cent greater capacity and implementation costs are less than ISDB-T with Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG).

Explaining the choice of DVB-T2 for digital migration by M-Net, Mr. Hagen said before now, the stakeholders had met with the South African regulator for the communications sector, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA); licensed both M-Net and eTV to conduct the trials in November 2009.

He said that ISDB-T is a standard deployed in Japan, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, while China chose DTMB standard, emphasising that the choice ofDVB-T2, which is the latest since May 2009, which has turned DVB-T2 TV sets and STB into the hottest items in the United Kingdom consumer electronics.

DVB – Terrestrial Second Generation, also known as DVB-T2, is set to revolutionize the way Africans would soon consume television, re-purposing frequencies to be more effectively utilized away from analogue to digital terrestrial transmissions (DTT) to deliver multi-channel entertainment.

This, he said, culminated in South Africa launching T2 on Single Frequency Network (SFN), which entails that many transmitters in same area are on same frequency.

The configuration for the trials, he said, saw to the selection for same networks and SFN operation as well as DVB-T2 yielding 66 per cent more payload at equivalent coverage and network cost, with the possibility of over 20 channels against T1 which offers 12 channels at most.

The Soweto trial project by M-Net was based on simple viewer agreement with criteria being that you must not have satellite but existing TV set.

“All homes approached accepted to be part of the trial after we improved our accreditation,” he said, pointing out that there is need for more awareness on DTTV, because, some residents though the trial was the government finally ‘giving out decoders for free.’

The trial, he said, encouraged MultiChoice to purchase a total of 300 units of high end decoder with High Definition (HD) designed specifically for the Freeview network configuration, involving the usage of existing antennas where possible, whereas some homes have very poor antennas, invariably not Ultra High Frequency (UHF) compliant.
MultiChoice, he said, has established mini call centre to support the trial project, saying that weeks after the trial began, very few calls were received.

He noted that the trial or deployment of DVB-T2 opens up multi-channel television to a wider audience of viewers, allowing them more choice and greater variety in their viewing options.

He elucidated that the results of the measured study was extremely positive and showed clearly that DVB-T2 is an excellent technology providing a viable multi-channel television services for all communities in terms of efficiency and technical performance.

“By providing a gateway to a whole world of great entertainment, sport, news, information and more,” he said, adding that there is no dish to install, but it’s a simple technical process.

“You simply plug in a DTT box, put up a standard aerial and switch on your television. The same frequency that previously delivered 1 analogue television channel now give you a choice of between 18 to 20 channels to watch. First generation digital standards such as DVB-T and ISDB-T only deliver between 9 and 12 channels,” he said.

He maintained that the second generation DVB-T2 standard is significantly more effective, “that’s what we wanted to test, to try the efficiency of the system in actual homes, to discover the real benefits of putting out the best technology in the world.”

Hagen recalled that African governments have a mandate to embrace a digital future and as a stakeholder whose African roots are very deep, MultiChoice had investigated widely, invest in research to explore available technologies and to understand what the best standards would be.

“ M-Net have always been pioneers, we see our responsibility to ensure that the television systems we put in place not only work well but are the best available, for our partners, for our audiences and ultimately for our continent so that it can progress in line with global development,” he said.


ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

DDC: Nigerians condemn TCIS over suit

Nigerians have condemned Messrs Technocrat Consult and IT Systems (TCIS) Limited for dragging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to a Lagos Federal High Court over claims that it invented the Direct Data Capturing (DDC) Machines.

They also said that it is an action tantamount to disruption of democracy in the country.

Leading the condemnation at the weekend was the Chairman, publicity committee at the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Mr. Tajudeen Ejilonibun, who described the step as inimical to the national development and Information Technology sector in particular.

He, therefore, called on those behind the suit to have a rethink, especially the political class to allow the digitisation of electoral system in the country.

He listed some of the advantage of allow IT to evolve in the 2011 electoral process to include cutting off the rigging methodology by scrupulous politicians and thuggery.

He therefore urged every well-meaning Nigerian to support INEC in this regard and standard against any other process that could scuttle the programme.

“Deploying IT in the political system would reduce a lot of stress for the country because it would take away rigging,” he said.

Reacting to the suit against INEC and three contractors, a Nigerian who gave his name as Abbas, decried the situation saying alleging that it looks like greed gone haywire.

“From what we can garner from reports, there is no way this company can be credited with what it’s claiming. How do you claim inventing wireless transmission of biometric data in 2010? That technology is already being used many years ago,” he wondered.

Equally, for Haruna Garko, the claim sounds fraudulent and definitely may have made INEC chief not to listen to such claims.

Just as Amon Joe, wanted to know if Technocrat Consult and IT Systems Limited was able to disclose their “special invention” to INEC at the preliminary stage of bidding and how they are sure that those other companies were going to “copy-cat” their invention in their design.

Additionally, Amon asked if INEC paid Technocrat Consult and IT Systems Limited for its consultancy services and what was their initial agreement, wondering if the firm has the capability to manufacture the machines that INEC has given out to those other companies.

In his comment, Wale Moses, said that the case may not just end in the country, because, according to him, Technocrat Consult and IT Systems Ltd may face a case of technology theft outside the shores of Nigeria eventually.

ITRealms Online recalls that the plaintiff had demanded N8 billion as damages, alleging it invented the technique, a portable telecommunication device used in biometric identification and owned the patent right No RP: NG/P/2010/283 on the invention.

According to the plaintiff in the case before Justice Okechukwu Okeke of Federal High Court Lagos, the invention comprised of a portable and lightweight fingerprint apparatus, which could scan and record fingerprint images in the field and wirelessly transmit the said images to a central unit for the purpose of providing immediate identity and background checks on the individuals being fingerprinted.

The firm is contending that INEC infringed on its patent right, when it included the technique in the DDC machines contract awarded to the three firms without its permission.

The plaintiff stated that INEC invited it for a meeting at its head office in Abuja on July 27, 2010, while its commissioners were present when its (plaintiff) gave a full demonstration of the technique and at the said meeting, it gave the full disclosure of the services it proposed to render to INEC, including alleging that its innovations covered by a patent registration.

ITRealms Online gathered consequently they asked the court to restrain the defendants and their agents from importing, manufacturing or distributing the DDC machines within the scope of its registered patent on the technique.

It also wants the court to hold that it is the original author and inventor of the technique, and that the defendants’ DDC machines infringe on its device, thus seek to restrain the defendants and their agents from infringing on its registered patent on the device.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Interswitch attains MasterCard capability

Premier electronic transactions switching firm, Interswitch Nigeria Limited, has attained MasterCard acquiring and issuing capability outlines.

This would enable Nigerian banks on its secure network to issue MasterCard EMV debit and credit cards to their customers.

Validating this development, the Managing Director of Interswitch, Mr. Mitchell Elegbe, said that the solution would empower the banks to accept local and international MasterCard transactions on their e-payment channels, which include Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Point of Sale (PoS) terminals and web.

“The solution leverages the banks Postilion Front-End-Processor for the issuance of MasterCard debit cards,” he said.

As said by Elegbe, Interswitch’s MasterCard Credit and Prepaid card solution is a hosted service, whereby Interswitch performs card management and transaction processing role, thereby reducing the banks huge investments in software, hardware, maintenance of the solution and infrastructure.

He recalled that in 2008, Interswitch was appointed as a MasterCard Member Service Provider (MSP), thereby allowing Interswitch to provide Third Party Processor (TTP) and Independent Service Organisation (ISO) services to the banks to meet all their MasterCard processing needs.

With this latest development, he noted that Interswitch has become the only payment switching platform in the country that processes more than one card scheme.

Interswitch platform accepts transactions from Verve card, Freedom card and MasterCard.

Elegbe further said the attainment of MasterCard acquiring and issuing capability is part of Interswitch’s way of creating more value for its partner banks as well as providing more choices for the cardholders in the country.

“This platform will provide our partner banks with additional sources of revenue through merchant charges and discounts. It will also enable these banks to accept both domestic and international cards on their ATMs and at merchant locations like hotels, restaurants and online shops,” he said.

He also informed that the MasterCard EMV cards issued by Nigerian banks on Interswitch platform would be accepted across over one million ATMs in over 210 countries and territories worldwide. The cards will allow bank customers to have access to either their Naira or Dollar accounts from within and outside Nigeria.

Nigerian banks that have already taken advantage of the cost effective hosted service for issuance and acquiring of MasterCard payment services include GTB, BankPHB, First Bank, Skye Bank, Ecobank and Unity bank among others.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

NCC focuses on managing competition

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said managing competition and ensuring the delivery of quality services to consumers would be its main focus under the new regulatory dispensation.

Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Eugene Ikemefuna Juwah, who was represented by the Mr. Reuben Mouka, the Commission’s Head of Media, while speaking on the theme "Driving Convergence through Connectivity Infrastructure’ at the 4th IT Edge West Convergence Forum in Lagos, weekend, said the Commission recognizes that convergence is the consequence of advancements in technology and that its benefits must be optimized in such a way as to ensure that consumers ultimately benefit.

“Convergence brings better services in the telecom sector. We don’t have a say on the issues of convergence trends. That is purely technological and beyond any regulatory institution. But what is important is to ensure that such trends are put to the benefits of the consumers. Nine years ago, the structure of NCC was how to license operators and bring services to the consumers but focus is now changing into how to manage competition between operators in the market providing different services,” said Dr Juwah at the one day event organized by Know-How Media Limited publishers of IT Edge News. Com magazine.

“We are partnering with the organizers of this event because we known how important it is. Event like this provide an avenue for us to share ideas and find solutions to a lot of things. As we are all aware technology has already converged and technology in any country does not wait for anybody. We have to chase it and catch up with it, so today’s event provides an opportunity to find solutions to the new challenges that convergence poses,” he said.

According to him, convergence could not be deliberated without the media taking the lead in discussing the issues and even when solutions are proffered, it is the responsibility of the media to educate the public on the benefit to the consumer,” added Juwah. He expressed confidence in the ability of the media to join other stakeholders in raising discourse on issues as they affect the industry.

The benefits of convergence could only be fully realized if the various institutions that regulate the ICT sector in Nigeria are also fused, said heads of professional ICT organisations and trade bodies at the Forum. President of Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN) Dr Jimson Olufuye argued that government must demonstrate the willingness to follow global technology trends as they impact on the people.

He said multiple regulators must be cast away to reflect the trends today. Vice President of Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Adewale Jones, was more explicit.

He called for a review of the different laws setting up the NCC, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to allow for a smoothening of the grey areas with a view to converging areas that has become exigent to fuse for better results to be achieved in the sector.

Jones said there is too much regulatory ambiguity in the sector that needed to be addressed before the ‘opportunities inherent in the convergence of the media, regulation, content and digitalization under the frame work connectivity infrastructure’ can be fully realized.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Glo launches Season2 of Text4millions promo

Globacom has launched the second season of its popular, exciting and highly rewarding Glo “text4millions” promo.

The Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO), Mr. Mohamed Jameel said at the media launch in Lagos that the promo was introduced because of the positive impact the first edition had on the lives of the network’s subscribers.

“As you may recall, the first edition of the Glo “text4millions promo” which we launched last year, was warmly embraced by our subscribers. The promotion created over 133 millionaires from Glo subscribers nationwide, while thousands of other subscribers won valuable consolation prizes and airtime worth millions of Naira. It is on record that Mallam Ibrahim Abukar, a 36-year old electrician based in Abuja, FCT went home with the grand prize of N30million,” he said.

Jameel explained that while the first season saw the creation of one Glo millionaire daily for the duration of the promo, the stakes have been raised higher as Season 2 of the Glo “text4millions” promo will create two millionaires daily.

This, he said, means that two winners of N1million each will emerge daily for the next 100-days of the promo.

Also, Jameel said in the loaded package, one subscriber will go home with the monthly jackpot of N10 million cash for three months, while the winner of the grand prize will go home with the sum of N30 million.

Other exciting prizes to be won by Glo subscribers in the promo include one brand new 3.5 litres Toyota Venza for three months, one HP Laptop computer daily for 100 days and one motorbike daily for 100 days.

“1000 Glo subscribers will also win a N500 recharge card every week,” he said.

Additionally, Jameel said the promo was coming at the right time as it holds the promise of an exciting Xmas and New Year season of unprecedented rewards for current and new subscribers on the Glo network.

“With a total cash payout of over N200m and an additional prize value running into hundreds of millions of naira, this promotion will make an enormous contribution to the lives of the lucky winners, positively touch their families and give our subscribers a special reason to rejoice as we turn the corner into the New Year, 2011,” he said.

Giving insight into the promo participation, the Head, Value Added Services (VAS), Mr. Samson Isa, said, subscribers are simply required to send “WIN” to the short code 555, thereby standing a chance of winning any of the fantastic prizes being offered in the promotion.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

CWG achieves Oracle’s platinum status

The Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) has attained Oracle Corporation’s Platinum Partner.

Head, Corporate Communications, CWG, Mr. Chidi Okpala, disclosed this in Lagos, noting that with this elevation to Oracle’s Platinum partner, CWG has been placed in a preferred position to provide a more enhanced solution to its growing customers in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and the other African countries where they play in the Information Technology market.

He also said that Oracle, which is reputed as the world’s number one database possessing a robust technology to manage the growing transactions of business organisations.

“In this part of Africa, CWG has invested in no small measure to the Oracle technology and through admirable professionalism enhanced and enabled businesses across the West African region in such ways that it has enhanced their productivity and business output,” he said.

Highlighting the fact that with this current status, CWG is given the opportunity to participate at Oracle Advisory board level where challenges of customers within the region is brought to the fore and treated promptly.

“As a Platinum partner, CWG now has access to market development funds which would enable it bring in, organize road shows on new product offerings from Oracle and support more products and solutions to its customers,” he said.

Additionally, Okpala said that with this edge, CWG’s customers are assured of more improved solutions that would enhance better efficiency in business.

He recalled that Oracle had in the early part of 2010, made one of the biggest purchases recorded in the Information technology business globally when it acquired another global software giant, Sun Microsystems in which CWG was a partner too at the highest level.

“The Platinum status of CWG now places the company as one of the top two Oracle partners within the region, with a high priority placement on the Oracle Solutions Catalog,” he said.

Pointing out that for CWG’s Hardware and Infrastructure division, CWL Systems and its software division ExpertEdge Software, this new Oracle status creates an edge for them over their contemporaries as it affords them better opportunities and benefits which would aid efficient service to customers.

Just as he noted that Oracle provides the world’s most complete, open, and integrated business software and hardware systems to more than 370,000 customers globally—including all the fortune 100 organisations that represent a variety of sizes in more than 145 countries around the globe.

“This combination of Oracle and Sun means that customers can benefit from fully integrated systems—the entire stack, from applications to disk which are faster, more reliable, and lower cost,” he said.

ITRealms Online recalls that CWG has physical presence across Africa including Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda, with plans to expand to other African countries in the near future.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

CBN endorses eTranzact for MobileMoney

A leading mobile and electronic payment company in the country, eTranzact International Plc, has received an approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to launch Mobile Money into the electronic payment market.

The Managing Director of eTranzact, Mr. Valentine Obi, made this disclosure in Lagos, saying that his office was granted the approval on November 26, 2010.

Obi said that eTranzact Mobile Money platform would be launched as multi network capable and interfaces seamlessly with third party payment schemes.

“eTranzact Mobile Teller is a new solution driven by the eTranzact Mobile platform and is the first of its kind in Africa. The product has been specifically designed to improve access to finance to customers in low banking coverage areas via the use of the mobile phone,” he said.

According to him, the mobile money would ride on all the Global System for Mobile (GSM) and Private Telephone Operators (PTO) networks, thus extending the capability of the user’s mobile into a highly interactive feature-rich payment device.

“It leverages on the mobile handset capabilities to overcome the limitations of cash or card transactions,” he said.

Obi also noted that Mobile Teller solution would create job opportunities for Nigerians around nationwide, both for educated and uneducated people as they would become eTranzact Mobile Tellers.

He explained that the eTranzact Mobile Teller solution offers unique services such as Instant Account Issuance, Person-to-person payments, Person-to-Business such as Cable TV payment, Post-paid payment, Mobile Top-Up, Funds Transfers to mobile phones and bank accounts, School fees payment to name a few.

eTranzact is in partnership with consortium of banks, International Development agencies, Microfinance institutions and Telecom Operators to deliver a world-class Mobile Money Solution.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

More winners get reward @ MTN Y’ello Bounty promo

More winners have received their reward on the MTN Y'ello Bounty promo with the presentation held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the weekend.

Some of the prizes won included five motorcycles, eight TEC generating sets, one DSTv sets, 38 Nokia phones and 17 laptops.

Speaking at the event, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Kola Oyeyemi, who was represented by the Regional Marketing Manager, South West, Laolu Osundina, said that it was a gesture driven by share commitment to positively affect as many customers’ live as possible.

At MTN, he said, they hold subscribers in high esteem, which explains why the operator keep developing innovative products enhance their lives and businesses.

“We also embark, from time to time, on initiatives that reward their loyalty with life enriching prizes,” he said.

One of the lucky customers and Policeman, Mr. Ojo Joel, expressed delight in joining the league of those being rewarded by MTN, stating, “It is not easy to be selected among the millions of people who are on the network. MTN has the largest number of customers in this country. So, for me to be one of the winners, it is a wonderful feeling. I am highly elated,” he said.

The promo, he said, is open to all new and existing prepaid customers on MTN’s ‘Link Plans’ adding that MTN recently unveiled value added offerings for its various market segments.

He pointed out that the MTN Smartlink is for accomplished professionals and entrepreneurs; MTN Bizlink is targeted at individuals in pursuit of commercial endeavours, while MTN Prolink is for young and mid-level professionals with a passion for career and social progress. MTN Funlink is for the youth and trendy and MTN Happylink is for mainstream customers and home makers.

The Y’ello Bounty promo train continues to move around the country. The next prize presentation is scheduled to hold on Friday, December 17 at Enugu. Customers are encouraged to recharge from N200 and above in two weeks to authenticate their eligibility to be selected as a winner.

ITRealms Online recalled that this is the second out of seven prize presentation ceremonies planned by MTN to reward its loyal customers across the country.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

... As winners emerge in Airtel’s MAMA scheme

Over 30 subscribers of Airtel Nigeria have emerged winners in the on-going MTV Music Awards with Airtel (MAMAs) Trivia promo.

Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. George Andah, said that MAMAs Trivia promo, an interactive short messaging service (SMS)-based offer designed to excite and reward youths, the young-at-hearts and telecoms consumers across the country.

He also said the promo, which is a run-up to the 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel, offers a grand prize of $10, 000 USD and MAMAs VIP Tickets for two.

He explained that at a draw held last weekend at the corporate headquarters of Airtel Nigeria, seven customers emerged winners of cash prizes of $6,000.00 USD while 20 customers emerged winners of Nokia phones.

Andah said that an additional eight customers won the MAMAs VIP tickets just as the draw produced 14 winners of complimentary airtime, with each of the winners of complimentary airtime worth N20,000.00.

Cash prize winners in the draw, he said, include Mr. Ifeanyi Ahuzuru, a plastic trader resident in Ondo State; Mrs. Zudaida Audu, a Katsina based tailor; Mr. Shadrach Anor, a student of Government Secondary School, Calabar and Mr. Lawal Lukeman, a 35 year old resident of Ikorodu, Lagos.

Some winners of MAMAs VIP tickets include Mrs. Temidayo Owolabi, a trader in Oyo State and Miss Victoria Daniel, a student of Livingstone Secondary School, Otukpo, Benue.

He noted that when officials of Airtel Nigeria contacted the winners, they were excited for the winnings and commended the company for creating an exciting entertainment platform for telecoms consumers across the country to watch and mingle with musical icons in Africa and beyond.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Etisalat explains acquisition of Alheri’s 3G license

Following conclusion of discussions between Emerging Market Telecommunications Service (EMTS) trading under the name of Etisalat Nigeria, has bought over the Third Generation (3G) license belonging to Alheri Mobile Services Limited.

Alheri Mobile Services Limited is a fully owned subsidiary of Dangote Group, Alheri Mobile is a holder of a 3G license for Nigeria.

Etisalat also said that the 3G services would be up and running commercially by mid 2011.

Confirming this to Champion Infotech, the chief executive officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Steven Evans said that the agreed purchase of the license concludes the acquisition process, which puts Etisalat Nigeria in the position of having immediate access to the full use of a 3G license alongside other three Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications operators in Nigeria, including Glo, MTN and Airtel.

Mr. Evans noted that Etisalat was delighted to acquire the 3G license, which is an essential element of its plans for further developing the market for mobile broadband in Nigeria.

“We have placed a strong emphasis on offering data services to all our customers from launch through enabling edge on all our cell sites throughout Nigeria. Now with 3G, we can further develop our data and mobile broadband portfolio and offer our customers even higher levels of service. There is pent-up demand in Nigeria for Broadband and we intend to be leaders in satisfying it,” he said.

Equally commenting, the chairman, EMTS, Mr. Hakeem Bello Osagie said the acquisition of the 3G license is the professional way in which the negotiations were led by Mr. Aliko Dangote and his team.

”We look forward to further cooperation in the future," he said.

Managing Director, Alheri Mobile and Head of Dangote’s telecommunications arm, Mr. Boye Olusanya, said it makes sense for his firm to sell Alheri Mobile to Etisalat Nigeria as they believe that the market could only be sustained in the medium to long term.

“We intend to use the capital raised to develop our other assets in the telecommunications market and we look forward to continuing to deepen our relationship with Etisalat Nigeria,” he said.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Airtel says freedom in mobile is 2Good

Airtel Nigeria has said that freedom in mobile communications has been elevated as it introduced 2Good offer, which gives customers’ value on local calls and attractive call rates to the United States (US) on its network.

Head, Corporate Communications at Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Oparah disclosed this , last weekend, saying that a new promo on all calls after the first minute of the day at 20 kobo per second has been introduced.

This, he said, would apply to all calls on its network and to other networks across the country for all local destinations and to the US.

“The 2Good offer gives Airtel customers the much awaited ‘Freedom’ to make calls at just 20 kobo per second after the first minute in the day,” he said.

Oparah explained that on the 2Good offer, for the first minute subscribers would pay 60 kobo per second and enjoys the benefits for all such calls in the rest of the day, stressing that the subscriber enjoys the freedom to make calls at this rate to any network in the country.

“2Good also brings this same freedom to make calls at the same 60 kobo per second for the first minute in the day and 20 kobo per second thereafter to all his family and friends in the US,” he highlighted.

Oparah quoted the Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Rajan Swaroop, as saying that with the launching of Airtel brand last month in the country, they had promised to deliver innovative, affordable and relevant solutions to bring about more freedom to the customers.

“Our 2Good promotion demonstrates our commitment to live up to that promise,” Swaroop said.

The new tariff offer from Airtel, Swaroop also said, clearly lives up to the expectations of Nigerians and the challenge laid down recently by President Goodluck Jonathan, while launching Airtel brand in Abuja.

Additionally, the chief executive officer, said, 2Good offers 20 free on net Short Messaging Services (SMSes) to every customer with N100 recharge every month.

“Airtel customers just need to send *446# to experience 2Good for 30days,” he said.
Swaroop further reassured that Airtel would be driven by its vision to be the most loved brand in daily lives of Nigerians.

“2Good offers Freedom to our customers to make more calls to their loved ones. This is the first of the range of our exciting products, with superior network and service, which would redefine ‘Freedom’ to mobile communications for Nigeria” he said.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

Xmas: iZAP doles out additional 50% extra validity

In the spirit of the Christmas season, Starcomms plc has extended its validity period for its internet product, iZAP by 50 per cent.

The offer which commenced last week Thursday, according to its Chief Commercial Officer of Starcomms, Mr. Tushar Maheshwari, allows subscribers on iZAP, would enjoy this till December 12 2010.

He said that all iZAP users except those on the 250 hours plan would get the bonus validity time, stressing that customers on the 250 hours already have the stretch three months validity on their subscription.

This largesse of the season which is expected to help IZAP customers, who activate or renew their subscription during the promotion period, browse the internet way into the new year before another renewal, will be enjoyed by all IZAP users in the country.

“With this, the customers can send and receive data messages all through the holiday period without the hassles of renewal that comes with their normal validity period. The extension comes automatically with new activation or renewal if it is done within the stipulated period of the promotion,” he said.

Maheshwari said that the company decided on it aware that the Christmas season is very crucial to Internet users both for their businesses and for pleasure.

“The company therefore believes that it is the right period to add value to their lifestyles,” he said.

Maheshwari further give instance customers on the hundred hours’ package will enjoy 45 five days of browsing time, stressing that this in effect signifies a roll-over of whatever number of hours is left on their package after the 30 days normal validity period of their subscription plan.

Starcomms iZAP, he noted, had in the last four years, ruled the world of internet products offered by telecommunication companies in the country for its speed, ease of use and value.

Since 2007, he said, the iZAP brand has been adjudged the Internet Product of the Year in the Nigeria Information Technology and Telecommunication Awards. This year the brand has won the same award at the African Telecom Hall of Fame.

IZAP is enjoyed by Internet users on Starcomms’ network in major Nigerian cities of Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Benin, Calabar Warri, Abeokuta, Ilorin, Katsina and their surrounding towns and villages.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D