Glo, Bitflux slug it out at 2.3GHz auction

ITRealms:

All is now set for the anticipated 2.3 Gega Hertz (GHz) auction by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and between Globacom Limited and Bitflux Communications Ltd in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, reports ITRealms.

The auction which is expected to be a tight rope for both bidding companies has garnered international attention as investors continue to watch in earnest how NCC under the leadership of Dr. Eugene Juwah can executive this test on Wednesday, February 19 through 20 at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja.

ITRealms also gathered that several industry watchers have already began to fault the guidelines which availed the likes of Globacom Ltd led by Otunba Mike Adenuga; a second national carrier to enter the competition despite the avalanche of licenses in its kitty.

Whereas ITRealms learnt that Bitflux Communications Ltd is a brainchild of VDT Communications Limited and reputed for its broadband reseller records led by Mr. Abiodun Omoniyi.

However, it was further gathered by ITRealms that invariably the duo who could be described as last companies standing for this auction may have met the stipulated guidelines by NCC.

ITRealms recalls that NCC had earlier announced the two approved bidders of 2.3 GHz frequency spectrum auction, saying its in line with the terms of the information memorandum published on the 2.3GHz spectrum auction by the Commission.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D

ICANN board rectifies NGPC resolutions

ITRealms:

The board of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has rectified the resolution of the New Generic Top Level Domain (gTLD) Programme Committee (NGPC), reports ITRealms.

The Board also reaffirms to ITRealms, its rationale for resolutions 2012.04.10.01-2012.04.10.04, stating in order to have efficient meetings and take appropriate actions with respect to the New gTLD Programme for the current round of the programme and as related to the Applicant Guidebook.

According to the Board, it has decided to create the "New gTLD Programme Committee" in accordance with Article XII of the Bylaws and has delegated decision making authority to the Committee as it relates to the New gTLD Programme for the current round of the programme which commenced in January 2012 and for the related Applicant Guidebook that applies to this current round.

ITRealms equally gathered that establishing the NGPC without conflicted members, and delegating to it decision making authority, has provided some distinct advantages, including helping eliminate any uncertainty for conflicted Board members with respect to attendance at Board meetings and workshops since the New gTLD Programme topics could be dealt with at the Committee level.

Further, ITRealms reports NGPC chaired by Cherine Chalaby has provided the community with a transparent view into the Board's commitment to dealing with actual, potential or perceived conflicts.

ITRealms it was learnt that the Board Governance Committee (BGC) Subcommittee for Conflicts & Ethics on new gTLDs initially evaluated all board members' statements of interest relating to new gTLDs when the membership of the NGPC was first established.

The Subcommittee ITRealms reports, continued to review new Board members' new gTLD related statements of interest and any changes in previously made statements of interest for the purposes of determining if any Board member including voting Directors and no-voting Liaisons, has an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest such they should not be a member of the NGPC.

ITRealms recalls that when the Subcommittee first evaluated the statements of interest, Steve Crocker, ICANN board chairman, was determined to be conflicted, but due to his recently reported some changes to his statement of interest relating to new gTLDs and the Subcommittee has thoroughly evaluated those changes.

“The Subcommittee has determined the Steve Crocker is no longer generally conflicted as it relates to new gTLDs. As such, the Subcommittee has recommended that Dr. Crocker be made a voting member of the NGPC. The Board agrees,” part of the resolution made available to ITRealms read.

ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D
Pix: Cherine Chalaby, Chairman NGPC