The battle for Microsoft to buy Yahoo!’s search engine seems over, REMMY NWEKE reports that there is politics beneath.
Dead on arrival:
The much awaited Annual General Meeting (AGM) of acclaimed most trafficked Internet portal, Yahoo! Incorporated, has come and gone without any headway for the software giant, Microsoft Corporation to presently realize its dream of buying into Yahoo! search engine either as in whole or in part.
It all begun like rumour that Microsoft and Yahoo! would merge as at first quarter of 2007 and precisely in February, through a joint venture based on overture by Yahoo! according to Microsoft. Yahoo! promptly dismissed this claim in a press statement, saying it would consider Microsoft’s proposal, but described it as ‘unsolicited.’
But as the months go by the picture became clearer that Microsoft was actually making some advances to the owners of Yahoo! over its interest to buy over the search engine. This intensified to last for over six months yet un-ended, thereby dominating discussions among industry players ever since. Thus, affirming that there is an atom of truth in every of rumour.
By February this year, the chief executive officer at Microsoft, Mr. Steve Ballmer had raised the stake to $44.6 billion (about N5,226 trillion) to be divided into cash and shares for the offer.
Based on projections, Microsoft expects online advertising to double in the next three years, from about $40 billion in 2007 to $80 billion by 2010, therefore a merger or partial buy on Yahoo would ensure realization of these economies of scale.
True Prediction:
In December 2006, proprietors of ShoeMoney.com, predicted 10 reasons why Microsoft would seek to acquire Yahoo in 2007, to include that it is unheard of for the software giant to seat back while Google makes a display of how to take a search engine from level two to be reckon with as top 20 American companies.
Equally of note was futile shots at getting market share in the online advertising game by Microsoft which experts said would not be viable contest without acquiring Yahoo! and its number of Internet users.
In addition, analysts at ShoeMoney.com noted that the search algorithm owned by Microsoft – algo; is by far the single biggest challenge facing the company based on the fact that when there are no users using the search engine, as it were, tons of online adverts remain undisplayed on its platform. Stressing that if Microsoft were to acquire Yahoo!’s search algorithm it would be a giant step in getting users back into its fold.
Experts also said that Microsoft tried to broker an initial deal via a firm formally known as Overture for showing ads on msn.com search as most advertisers confirmed that Microsoft’s Adcenter has little volume from its search engine. Just as the Yahoo Publisher Network (YPN) is rated as the best contextual advertising network with great quality control team and real phone number (s) that real people answer.
Optimistic Microsoft:
The beat was up on Microsoft interest in Yahoo after the initial attempts failed for almost four months to make Yahoo to bow to its demands; from $20 billion (about N2,354 trillion) to $44.4 billion (about N5,226 trillion).
However, about a fortnight to the August 1 Yahoo! AGM, Microsoft in its desire began moves to re-open negotiations with the new board expected to emerge afterwards, with focused interest for partial instead of wholesome purchase of the search engine, according Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Microsoft, Mr. Chris Liddell, at the Financial Analyst Meeting 2008 held prior to the August AGM, just as inspired billionaire cum activist and Yahoo! shareholder, Mr. Carl Icahn was expected to uphold his threat to sack the current board of directors with Mr. Jerry Yang as the chief executive, over their refusal to yield to Microsoft deal worth $47.5 billion (about N5.59 trillion) at the last count.
“We took the view, and we still take the view, that Yahoo! is essentially a declining asset. … What changed was time, because ‘Time passed and value eroded’ and We don’t have a situation now where the initial offer that we made makes any sense any more from economics,” Liddell said.
Icahn as gladiator:
Investor Icahn known for raiding corporate entities withdrew opposition few days to the August 1 meeting and after promising Microsoft a successful bid. This action, observers said was blackmail on the incumbent board and management.
As indicated by his blog, IcahnReport.com, threat suspension was on realization that many shareholders do not really share his views, in spite of the campaigns. The fear was that Microsoft would eventually enslave most of the Internet or web users, especially advocates of the open source regime and to some extent diminish the high speed internet provider.
Part of Icahn’s blog revealed thus, “The proxy fight is over and it will not do shareholders or Yahoo any good to have the annual meeting turn into a media event for no purpose. Last week, (before AGM) I realized it was impossible to gain enough support from the large institutions to win a majority of the Yahoo directorships ....
“A few days ago, I met with both Jerry Yang and Roy Bostock and I believe both genuinely wish that we will be able to work together to enhance value. While we still disagree on many points, I have great hope ‘this will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
Out come of the AGM:
The AGM ended with all incumbent nine-man board of directors led by Mr. Bostock, returned ‘unopposed’ except for Robert A. Kotick who soon after resigned but was replaced by Mr. Carl Icahn. Others are Ronald W. Burkle, Eric Hippeau, Vyomesh Joshi, Arthur H. Kern, Mary Agnes Wilderotter, Gary L. Wilson and Jerry Yang.
For Yang, the company is at a unique point in history with the eyes of the world focused on Yahoo! and tracking its performance. “The value inherent in Yahoo!’s unique collection of assets is truly extraordinary, and the progress we’ve made on our initiatives this year signals our ability to capitalize on the underlying potential of these assets.”
Though the board was expanded by additional three seats, reportedly created to please Icahn, there names would be announced on August 15, 2008.
African views and beyond:
Although some Internet enthusiasts like Ms. Nnenna Nwakanma, a software expert, believes that bulk of the Microsoft revenue does not come from developing countries, so Africa does not have much to loose if the bid was successful or not. But opposing school of thought noted that Africa is obviously important, stressing that Microsoft depends on investment in developing countries to make good revenue through the government and people by selling its applications, which have more or less left these countries with the notion that without Microsoft solution they may be going no where with computing.
It was further argued that the popularity of Microsoft Windows on most Personal Computers (PCs) originally ever before Open Source titles is another point that could not be dismissed easily.
Equally others opted that Microsoft target was Facebook, which is also making waves now and as they vowed to delete their account if Microsoft succeeds. “Microsoft can’t do anything anymore; or at least anything that doesn’t involve company buyouts?” For them, integrating the search team at Yahoo! with Facebook would avail any formidable army to take on Google.
Another Internet enthusiast, Dan Bull lamented: “Microsoft is really hell-bent on taking over the internet,” which summarizes the people’s fear in developing countries of the world and open source community.
Now that the politics of search engine is over, who knows the next step of acquisition to be made by Microsoft?
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The Complicit Screen: Midnight Feast @TikTok by Remmy Nweke — Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS
Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! Part I of a Three-Part ITREALMS Investigative Series under Telecom...
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
WIN, SABI my priority – Ndukwe
Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe at the weekend in Lagos, declared that his priority in the next three years remaining in his tenure would be to ensure spread of telecom infrastructure through the Wire Nigeria (WIN) project and broadband via the State Accelerated Broadband Initiative (SABI).
He also promises to leave a legacy of very professional and strong regulatory body, and a robust telecoms network crisscrossing the entire nation before he quits the scene in 2010 when his tenure expires.
Fielding questions from newsmen at an interactive session, weekend in Lagos, to mark the 7th anniversary of launch of the acclaimed Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) services in the country, Ndukwe said he believes that once the right processes are put in place, there will be no reason why things would not continue to move in the right direction, and that he would entrench those ideals within the one and half years left of his tenure.
Enumerating some of his priorities, Ndukwe said include massive expansion of telecom transmission infrastructure across the country through the Wire Nigeria (WIN) project, spreading broadband and Internet services to urban and semi urban location through the State Accelerated Broadband Initiative (SABI), and achieving a profound improvement in quality of services across the networks.
“Between now and 2010 this country will have even a more robust telecom industry. I will like to continue to develop the manpower of the Commission and set up the right processes.
“My major aspiration is to continue to develop the commission to be manned by very good people that will be able to sustain and maintain the reputation of the Nigerian Communications Commission even after I have left”, he said.
On the day the NCC boss was also decorated with the award of Icon of the Nigerian Telecom Revolution, at the ceremony organized by Telecom News magazine, he said Nigeria has a lot to celebrate on the 7th anniversary of the telecom revolution as Nigerian has become the leading telecom nation in Africa in terms of subscriber base, at more than 54 million lines as at today, and is one of the top ten countries in the world in the field of growth of the telecom industry.
According to him, the sector has witnessed surprised expectations with huge investments still coming, citing an instance with the buying of Multilinks by Telkom South Africa, the merger of four operators to form the bigger Visafone, the partial acquisition of Intercellular by Sudatel, and expansion of the investment base of Starcomms which has also gone to the stock market, as very significant in the attractiveness of the industry to telecom investments.
“Since January this year, the telecom network has witnessed steady growth which currently outstrips 1.2 million lines every month, which indicates the fact that the growth rate is still not abetted. This also shows that Nigeria has witnessed economic growth because there is a linkage between acquisition of telecom services and economic improvement”, he said.
Dr. Ndukwe also said Nigeria is proud to be playing host to other African regulators who are seeking to understudy the various processes and strategies adopted by the Commission to register the current successes. These countries include Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Liberia, Gambia among others.
He also said the Commission has been very active on the issue of quality of services across the networks with marginal improvements recorded against all odds. According to him, some of the measures taken in this direction include the imposition of compensation to the subscribers. He said this is the first time a telecom regulator in Africa, if not in any part of the world, would force the operators to pay compensation to all the active subscribers in their networks.
He said the reason for forcing the compensation was because the Commission believed that the subscribers would have lost some seconds and minutes as a result of the unacceptable quality of services rendered by the affected operators.
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He also promises to leave a legacy of very professional and strong regulatory body, and a robust telecoms network crisscrossing the entire nation before he quits the scene in 2010 when his tenure expires.
Fielding questions from newsmen at an interactive session, weekend in Lagos, to mark the 7th anniversary of launch of the acclaimed Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) services in the country, Ndukwe said he believes that once the right processes are put in place, there will be no reason why things would not continue to move in the right direction, and that he would entrench those ideals within the one and half years left of his tenure.
Enumerating some of his priorities, Ndukwe said include massive expansion of telecom transmission infrastructure across the country through the Wire Nigeria (WIN) project, spreading broadband and Internet services to urban and semi urban location through the State Accelerated Broadband Initiative (SABI), and achieving a profound improvement in quality of services across the networks.
“Between now and 2010 this country will have even a more robust telecom industry. I will like to continue to develop the manpower of the Commission and set up the right processes.
“My major aspiration is to continue to develop the commission to be manned by very good people that will be able to sustain and maintain the reputation of the Nigerian Communications Commission even after I have left”, he said.
On the day the NCC boss was also decorated with the award of Icon of the Nigerian Telecom Revolution, at the ceremony organized by Telecom News magazine, he said Nigeria has a lot to celebrate on the 7th anniversary of the telecom revolution as Nigerian has become the leading telecom nation in Africa in terms of subscriber base, at more than 54 million lines as at today, and is one of the top ten countries in the world in the field of growth of the telecom industry.
According to him, the sector has witnessed surprised expectations with huge investments still coming, citing an instance with the buying of Multilinks by Telkom South Africa, the merger of four operators to form the bigger Visafone, the partial acquisition of Intercellular by Sudatel, and expansion of the investment base of Starcomms which has also gone to the stock market, as very significant in the attractiveness of the industry to telecom investments.
“Since January this year, the telecom network has witnessed steady growth which currently outstrips 1.2 million lines every month, which indicates the fact that the growth rate is still not abetted. This also shows that Nigeria has witnessed economic growth because there is a linkage between acquisition of telecom services and economic improvement”, he said.
Dr. Ndukwe also said Nigeria is proud to be playing host to other African regulators who are seeking to understudy the various processes and strategies adopted by the Commission to register the current successes. These countries include Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Liberia, Gambia among others.
He also said the Commission has been very active on the issue of quality of services across the networks with marginal improvements recorded against all odds. According to him, some of the measures taken in this direction include the imposition of compensation to the subscribers. He said this is the first time a telecom regulator in Africa, if not in any part of the world, would force the operators to pay compensation to all the active subscribers in their networks.
He said the reason for forcing the compensation was because the Commission believed that the subscribers would have lost some seconds and minutes as a result of the unacceptable quality of services rendered by the affected operators.
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Privacy Notice: Essentials of Mozilla Firefox version 3 (2)
1. LICENSE GRANT. The Mozilla Corporation grants you a non-exclusive license to use the executable code version of the Product. This Agreement will also govern any software upgrades provided by Mozilla that replace and/or supplement the original Product, unless such upgrades are accompanied by a separate license, in which case the terms of that license will govern.
2. TERMINATION. If you breach this Agreement your right to use the Product will terminate immediately and without notice, but all provisions of this Agreement except the License Grant (Paragraph 1) will survive termination and continue in effect. Upon termination, you must destroy all copies of the Product.
3. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. Portions of the Product are available in source code form under the terms of the Mozilla Public License and other open source licenses (collectively, “Open Source Licenses”) at http://www.mozilla.org/MPL. Nothing in this Agreement will be construed to limit any rights granted under the Open Source Licenses. Subject to the foregoing, Mozilla, for itself and on behalf of its licensors, hereby reserves all intellectual property rights in the Product, except for the rights expressly granted in this Agreement. You may not remove or alter any trademark, logo, copyright or other proprietary notice in or on the Product. This license does not grant you any right to use the trademarks, service marks or logos of Mozilla or its licensors.
4. PRIVACY POLICY. You agree to the Mozilla Firefox Privacy Policy, made available online at http://www.mozilla.com/legal/privacy/, as that policy may be changed from time to time. When Mozilla changes the policy in a material way a notice will be posted on the website at www.mozilla.com and when any change is made in the privacy policy, the updated policy will be posted at the above link. It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand the terms of the privacy policy ….
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2. TERMINATION. If you breach this Agreement your right to use the Product will terminate immediately and without notice, but all provisions of this Agreement except the License Grant (Paragraph 1) will survive termination and continue in effect. Upon termination, you must destroy all copies of the Product.
3. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. Portions of the Product are available in source code form under the terms of the Mozilla Public License and other open source licenses (collectively, “Open Source Licenses”) at http://www.mozilla.org/MPL. Nothing in this Agreement will be construed to limit any rights granted under the Open Source Licenses. Subject to the foregoing, Mozilla, for itself and on behalf of its licensors, hereby reserves all intellectual property rights in the Product, except for the rights expressly granted in this Agreement. You may not remove or alter any trademark, logo, copyright or other proprietary notice in or on the Product. This license does not grant you any right to use the trademarks, service marks or logos of Mozilla or its licensors.
4. PRIVACY POLICY. You agree to the Mozilla Firefox Privacy Policy, made available online at http://www.mozilla.com/legal/privacy/, as that policy may be changed from time to time. When Mozilla changes the policy in a material way a notice will be posted on the website at www.mozilla.com and when any change is made in the privacy policy, the updated policy will be posted at the above link. It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand the terms of the privacy policy ….
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Visafone lifts 200 Okada riders
Visafone flagged off its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative at the Victoria Island Bar Beach last weekend with the presentation of some helmets and reflected jackets to some Okada riders.
According to Tolulope Ogunlesi of the Corporate Communications at Visafone, the event witnessed the presentation of over 200 protective helmets and reflective jackets to Okada riders drawn from Victoria Island – Law school and Eko Hotel Roundabout units.
Working in conjunction with Arrive Alive, an NGO committed to ensuring the safety of motorists and road users across Nigeria, the Visafone official said it launched the initiative as a means of contributing to the safety of road users as well as cushioning the traumatic head injuries suffered by okada drivers who usually drive without helmets while also providing reflective jackets for night time operations.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Chike Nwaka, Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone II Head Quarters of the FRSC who was represented by Assistant Corps Commander, Mr. M. L Abdullahi commended Visafone for the initiative which he called a “timely and worthwhile venture that will reduce fatalities on our roads and protect the lives of both okada riders and their passengers.”
Explaining the rationale behind the CSR initiative, Visafone, Head, Communications at Visafone, Mr. Toni Kan Onwordi said Visafone has and will always “look beyond the bottom line as a responsible corporate citizen. As a wholly Nigerian owned company, we are committed not just to ensuring that Nigerians experience the joy of communication through our services, we also want them to experience a better quality of life by empowering them economically and ensuring safety of lives on our roads.”
According to the company, the Bar Beach event is a pilot scheme and will be replicated across the state and country in due course.
ITRealms Online recalls that the emerging leader in the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators in the country, Visafone Communications Limited, rolled out in the ancient city of Kano.
Head, Corporate Communications, Visafone Limited, Mr. Toni Kan, said that Kano has joined the growing list of cities enjoying Visafone passport to connect the world.
During the launch, he said, the management team of the telco paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kano.
The team led by the Northern Regional Head, Visafone, Mr. Taiwo Ogunkanmi, said the launch was on the heels of a test-run recently concluded in the city by the telco.
He also told the Emir that Visafone’s strategies are aimed at ensuring that Kano experiences to the fullest the joy of communications for which the company is known for.
While expressing gratitude to the monarch, Ogunkanmi said, Visafone was in Kano to help speed up economic growth and human capacity development.
Responding, the Emir of Kano said, he was aware of the company’s emergence and entrance into Kano as well as the progress the company was already making.
He promised to offer the company “any assistance you may require in Kano.”
In another development, plans are already in top gear for Visafone’s commencement of operations in the city of Zaria.
This launch is coming at a time the company is intensifying its resolve to cover the entire country with its network.
Mr. Kan, added “we are spreading the joy of communication to Zaria in fulfillment of our pledge to offer Nigerians a passport to reach the world. Zaria is strategic because it is a university town and Visafone is a very youth-centric brand.”
He recalled that Visafone launched commercial operations on February 22, 2008 in 12 states and over 100 cities.
The company has since grown its coverage area to 16 states and over 150 cities in the past 3 months in fulfillment of its promise to provide Nigerians with a veritable “passport to reach the world.”
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According to Tolulope Ogunlesi of the Corporate Communications at Visafone, the event witnessed the presentation of over 200 protective helmets and reflective jackets to Okada riders drawn from Victoria Island – Law school and Eko Hotel Roundabout units.
Working in conjunction with Arrive Alive, an NGO committed to ensuring the safety of motorists and road users across Nigeria, the Visafone official said it launched the initiative as a means of contributing to the safety of road users as well as cushioning the traumatic head injuries suffered by okada drivers who usually drive without helmets while also providing reflective jackets for night time operations.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Chike Nwaka, Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone II Head Quarters of the FRSC who was represented by Assistant Corps Commander, Mr. M. L Abdullahi commended Visafone for the initiative which he called a “timely and worthwhile venture that will reduce fatalities on our roads and protect the lives of both okada riders and their passengers.”
Explaining the rationale behind the CSR initiative, Visafone, Head, Communications at Visafone, Mr. Toni Kan Onwordi said Visafone has and will always “look beyond the bottom line as a responsible corporate citizen. As a wholly Nigerian owned company, we are committed not just to ensuring that Nigerians experience the joy of communication through our services, we also want them to experience a better quality of life by empowering them economically and ensuring safety of lives on our roads.”
According to the company, the Bar Beach event is a pilot scheme and will be replicated across the state and country in due course.
ITRealms Online recalls that the emerging leader in the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators in the country, Visafone Communications Limited, rolled out in the ancient city of Kano.
Head, Corporate Communications, Visafone Limited, Mr. Toni Kan, said that Kano has joined the growing list of cities enjoying Visafone passport to connect the world.
During the launch, he said, the management team of the telco paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kano.
The team led by the Northern Regional Head, Visafone, Mr. Taiwo Ogunkanmi, said the launch was on the heels of a test-run recently concluded in the city by the telco.
He also told the Emir that Visafone’s strategies are aimed at ensuring that Kano experiences to the fullest the joy of communications for which the company is known for.
While expressing gratitude to the monarch, Ogunkanmi said, Visafone was in Kano to help speed up economic growth and human capacity development.
Responding, the Emir of Kano said, he was aware of the company’s emergence and entrance into Kano as well as the progress the company was already making.
He promised to offer the company “any assistance you may require in Kano.”
In another development, plans are already in top gear for Visafone’s commencement of operations in the city of Zaria.
This launch is coming at a time the company is intensifying its resolve to cover the entire country with its network.
Mr. Kan, added “we are spreading the joy of communication to Zaria in fulfillment of our pledge to offer Nigerians a passport to reach the world. Zaria is strategic because it is a university town and Visafone is a very youth-centric brand.”
He recalled that Visafone launched commercial operations on February 22, 2008 in 12 states and over 100 cities.
The company has since grown its coverage area to 16 states and over 150 cities in the past 3 months in fulfillment of its promise to provide Nigerians with a veritable “passport to reach the world.”
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Poor internet connectivity worries Rufai
MANAGING Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat), Mr. T. Ahmed-Rufai has decried the lack of internet connectivity at all levels of education in the country, reports CHARLES OKOH.
Mr. Ahmed-Rufai who spoke during a recent chat with newsmen wondered what kind of learning would be achieved in this age without connectivity to the world wide web.
"We have about 6,500 primary schools in this country and less than one per cent of them have access to internet connectivity; the same thing is happening to our secondary schools and universities. Now tell me, what learning will anyone achieve in this age without connectivity to the world wide web," he lamented.
On how NigComSat could create jobs, he said: "if you are going to create jobs, you first need to have to create skills and if you are going to create skills, you have to create a knowledge and learning base for the entire country."
He said Japan, Singapore, Korea, England and the United States achieved their present status because of knowledge and technological innovation.
"The US has the world largest oil reservoirs. They are followed by Canada but they are under lock and key till date, particularly the off-shore. They are not exploring, so, oil is not the basis of their position in the world economy. They got to that position from the day John F. Kennedy made the proposition that they were going to put a man in the moon," he said.
As a result of that, Mr. Ahmed-Rufai said, more than 20,000 small and medium scale (SMEs) engineering companies were formed to achieve excellence in all their various areas and that had a spill over effect on micro-electronic industries.
He also decried the poor quality of graduates from our higher institutions of learning, adding that NigComSat plans to set up internet centres in select institutions so that students could have affordable access.
Incorporated on April 4, 2006 as a wholly government-owned limited liability company, NigComSat Limited, is the first African satellite communications company to manage and operate the first geostationary communications satellite (NigComSat-1) in sub-Saharan Africa.
NigComSat was established to carry on business for profit, manage, operate and maintain in orbit communications satellites in respect of; satellite to satellite services, telephony (urban and rural), television, HDTV, DTH, teleprocessing, telepresence, tele-education, telemedicine, e-government, e-commerce, satellite radio, mobile and paging, broadcasting, broadband internet services, Real time monitoring services in shipping, petroleum pipeline, navigation, global positioning systems, and services or facilities, earth stations, terminals, antenna, frequency bands (C, Ku, Ka or L bands).
NigComSat 1 has two ground control stations for the orbit maintenance and network operation services of the satellite. These two stations are located in Kashi, China and Abuja, Nigeria, with the latter being the stations main station and the former servicing as back up station.
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Mr. Ahmed-Rufai who spoke during a recent chat with newsmen wondered what kind of learning would be achieved in this age without connectivity to the world wide web.
"We have about 6,500 primary schools in this country and less than one per cent of them have access to internet connectivity; the same thing is happening to our secondary schools and universities. Now tell me, what learning will anyone achieve in this age without connectivity to the world wide web," he lamented.
On how NigComSat could create jobs, he said: "if you are going to create jobs, you first need to have to create skills and if you are going to create skills, you have to create a knowledge and learning base for the entire country."
He said Japan, Singapore, Korea, England and the United States achieved their present status because of knowledge and technological innovation.
"The US has the world largest oil reservoirs. They are followed by Canada but they are under lock and key till date, particularly the off-shore. They are not exploring, so, oil is not the basis of their position in the world economy. They got to that position from the day John F. Kennedy made the proposition that they were going to put a man in the moon," he said.
As a result of that, Mr. Ahmed-Rufai said, more than 20,000 small and medium scale (SMEs) engineering companies were formed to achieve excellence in all their various areas and that had a spill over effect on micro-electronic industries.
He also decried the poor quality of graduates from our higher institutions of learning, adding that NigComSat plans to set up internet centres in select institutions so that students could have affordable access.
Incorporated on April 4, 2006 as a wholly government-owned limited liability company, NigComSat Limited, is the first African satellite communications company to manage and operate the first geostationary communications satellite (NigComSat-1) in sub-Saharan Africa.
NigComSat was established to carry on business for profit, manage, operate and maintain in orbit communications satellites in respect of; satellite to satellite services, telephony (urban and rural), television, HDTV, DTH, teleprocessing, telepresence, tele-education, telemedicine, e-government, e-commerce, satellite radio, mobile and paging, broadcasting, broadband internet services, Real time monitoring services in shipping, petroleum pipeline, navigation, global positioning systems, and services or facilities, earth stations, terminals, antenna, frequency bands (C, Ku, Ka or L bands).
NigComSat 1 has two ground control stations for the orbit maintenance and network operation services of the satellite. These two stations are located in Kashi, China and Abuja, Nigeria, with the latter being the stations main station and the former servicing as back up station.
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NiRA's 2nd AGM holds today
The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) would today at the Ikeja Airport Hotel, Lagos host its second Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The event has as part of its agenda to receive the annual report and financial statement for the year ended May 31, 2008 together with the auditors report.
NiRA president, Mr. Ndukwe Kalu, equally said that the AGM would approve a business plan and budget for the period of the current financial year which began June 1, 2008 through May 31, 2009.
In addition, the house would authorize the directors to fix the remuneration of the auditors as well as reviewing of the constitution.
ITRealms Online recalled that stakeholders in the nation’s Information Technology (IT) subsector recently commended the release of 14 policy-documents by the NiRA.
Equally the National IT Development Agency (NITDA) had in Abuja signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the take over of the Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) by NiRA, subsequently, the association put into the public domain 14 policy-documents seeking comments from the Internet community.
Commenting on the policy documents in a chat with newsmen, some stakeholders commended the releasing of the documents into the public domain, which they said positions NiRA as truly carrying stakeholders along and organised in an open-door policy.
Some of those who spoke on the documents included the Director, Licensing at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mrs. Mary Uduma, Registrar, Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Mr. Sekiru Shehu and industry enthusiast, Mr. Tope Fashedemi.
According to Mrs. Uduma who also is the Vice President of NiRA, the recent endorsement of dotted lines by NiRA and NITDA for a successful take over of .ng management followed by the release of 14 policy-documents would enable Nigerians and
Internet community precisely to contribute their quota from the beginning.
She also said that the take over would afford Nigerians to truly fly the nation’s flag on the Internet.
Nigeria, she said, has to ensure a secured but globally accepted standards for the local hosting of the ccTLD, “That is the only way to ensure transparency and stability.”
For the CPN registrar, Mr. Shehu, Nigerians must embrace the challenge posed by the long time controversies that trailed the .ng growth in the country by ensuring that they are part of the current revolution.
He also charged Nigerians and the nation’s media especially those in the core Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to be really and actively involved so as to make the success of the input being seek by NiRA to ensure they understand the relevant needs of the policy-documents so as to contribute adequately and rightly informed the public and Internet community accurately.
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The event has as part of its agenda to receive the annual report and financial statement for the year ended May 31, 2008 together with the auditors report.
NiRA president, Mr. Ndukwe Kalu, equally said that the AGM would approve a business plan and budget for the period of the current financial year which began June 1, 2008 through May 31, 2009.
In addition, the house would authorize the directors to fix the remuneration of the auditors as well as reviewing of the constitution.
ITRealms Online recalled that stakeholders in the nation’s Information Technology (IT) subsector recently commended the release of 14 policy-documents by the NiRA.
Equally the National IT Development Agency (NITDA) had in Abuja signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the take over of the Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) by NiRA, subsequently, the association put into the public domain 14 policy-documents seeking comments from the Internet community.
Commenting on the policy documents in a chat with newsmen, some stakeholders commended the releasing of the documents into the public domain, which they said positions NiRA as truly carrying stakeholders along and organised in an open-door policy.
Some of those who spoke on the documents included the Director, Licensing at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mrs. Mary Uduma, Registrar, Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Mr. Sekiru Shehu and industry enthusiast, Mr. Tope Fashedemi.
According to Mrs. Uduma who also is the Vice President of NiRA, the recent endorsement of dotted lines by NiRA and NITDA for a successful take over of .ng management followed by the release of 14 policy-documents would enable Nigerians and
Internet community precisely to contribute their quota from the beginning.
She also said that the take over would afford Nigerians to truly fly the nation’s flag on the Internet.
Nigeria, she said, has to ensure a secured but globally accepted standards for the local hosting of the ccTLD, “That is the only way to ensure transparency and stability.”
For the CPN registrar, Mr. Shehu, Nigerians must embrace the challenge posed by the long time controversies that trailed the .ng growth in the country by ensuring that they are part of the current revolution.
He also charged Nigerians and the nation’s media especially those in the core Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to be really and actively involved so as to make the success of the input being seek by NiRA to ensure they understand the relevant needs of the policy-documents so as to contribute adequately and rightly informed the public and Internet community accurately.
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LASIMRA hosts summit on mast, towers
The Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA) has concluded plans to hold its maiden all-inclusive stakeholders’ summit in Lagos. The summit is scheduled to hold tomorrow, August 21st, 2008 at the Golden Gate Restaurant.
Disclosing this, head, Press and Public Relations Office, Mrs. Rahmat Alabi, LASIMRA, said the summit is designed to address the dangers associated with collapsed and abandoned masts and their implications.
She also said the event would be attended by top government officials, telecom operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), banks, allied companies and all other organisations that transmit information through masts and related technology.
According to her, Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), is expected to be the chief host of the occasion.
Additionally, the summit would address the need to intensify awareness and emphasize the importance to adhere strictly to safety and maintenance standards prescribed for infrastructural facilities across the state.
As said by her, LASIMRA is worried over the rising rate of collapse masts in the state and the dangers associated with it, hence the need to address the issue at the forum, just as the summit seeks to promote a harmonious working relationship between the agency and its primary stakeholders.
Alabi further said that Lagos State Government has left no stone unturned in its unrelenting efforts to engender an orderly environment that is conducive to living, working, movement of goods and services and recreation in the overall interest of the entire citizenry.
While soliciting the active involvement and participation of all stakeholders in the telecom industry, banks, internet service providers, radio, television stations, and allied companies, in making the maiden summit a huge success, she revealed that the agency plans to make the summit an annual event that would continually address burning issues among stakeholders.
Alabi noted that there is need to canvass for the creation of information/enlightenment stands by interested participants at the venue of the event.
Equally expected at the event is the governor emeritus of Lagos State , Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as special guest of honour. Guests of honour include chief executive officers of telecom companies, the 25 mega banks, ISPs, PHCN, NNPC Group, Lagos State Water Corporation, Gas/Oil companies and radio/television houses.
Corporate sponsors include 21st Century Technologies, Gaslink, Helios Towers , Multilinks, Globacom, MTN and Nokia Siemens Networks.
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Disclosing this, head, Press and Public Relations Office, Mrs. Rahmat Alabi, LASIMRA, said the summit is designed to address the dangers associated with collapsed and abandoned masts and their implications.
She also said the event would be attended by top government officials, telecom operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), banks, allied companies and all other organisations that transmit information through masts and related technology.
According to her, Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), is expected to be the chief host of the occasion.
Additionally, the summit would address the need to intensify awareness and emphasize the importance to adhere strictly to safety and maintenance standards prescribed for infrastructural facilities across the state.
As said by her, LASIMRA is worried over the rising rate of collapse masts in the state and the dangers associated with it, hence the need to address the issue at the forum, just as the summit seeks to promote a harmonious working relationship between the agency and its primary stakeholders.
Alabi further said that Lagos State Government has left no stone unturned in its unrelenting efforts to engender an orderly environment that is conducive to living, working, movement of goods and services and recreation in the overall interest of the entire citizenry.
While soliciting the active involvement and participation of all stakeholders in the telecom industry, banks, internet service providers, radio, television stations, and allied companies, in making the maiden summit a huge success, she revealed that the agency plans to make the summit an annual event that would continually address burning issues among stakeholders.
Alabi noted that there is need to canvass for the creation of information/enlightenment stands by interested participants at the venue of the event.
Equally expected at the event is the governor emeritus of Lagos State , Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as special guest of honour. Guests of honour include chief executive officers of telecom companies, the 25 mega banks, ISPs, PHCN, NNPC Group, Lagos State Water Corporation, Gas/Oil companies and radio/television houses.
Corporate sponsors include 21st Century Technologies, Gaslink, Helios Towers , Multilinks, Globacom, MTN and Nokia Siemens Networks.
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NCC calls for reduced interconnect rates
EXECUTIVE Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe has called for a change in the Short Messaging Services (SMS) tariff from prepaid customers.
He said a situation prepared subscribers pay more than their post-paid counterpart is unacceptable just as he advised operators to ensure that the interconnection rate is reduced to at least N5 for SMS.
Dr. Ndukwe said that the present practice of between N9 and N10 as interconnect rate is unacceptable, advising that operators should work out an appropriate rate that is uniformed to encourage the use of SMS as an alternative platform to voice in the country.
Speaking during the recent consultative forum with operators and consumers in Lagos, he said, that the commission consistent with its participatory regulatory principles, before arriving at major decision that will impact on the industry, has assembled concerned stakeholders to participate in deliberating on the need for a reduction of SMS tariff towards encouraging telecommunications subscribers to effectively utilize SMS platform for communications.
Dr. Ndukwe also said the commission refrains from price regulation, even though it has the right to dictate price because it believes in a competitive market but when the commission feels that the cost is too high it would intervene.
According to the NCC boss, the reduction in interconnect rate which would ultimately lead to reduction in charges on SMS would be good for the industry and for the consumers.
Dr. Ndukwe said the lower tariff on SMS will not only reduce the pressure on voice but also increase the utilization of SMS as medium of choice of communication for consumers.
On the disparity in rate between pre-paid and post-paid subscribers, he described it as man’s inhumanity to man, wondering why pre-paid consumers who are in the majority in the country should pay more stating that in places where post paid consumers pay more this may be understood but that since the operators make more money from prepaid consumers, they should not be treated that way.
"Let Nigeria take the lead from others by charging less on the prepaid because they are in the majority in the country," he said.
He expressed thanks to the operators present for their positive attitude and willingness to cooperate with the commission on the need for reduction of the SMS rates.
Some of the operators who attended the forum included, Zain, Globacom, Zoom, Intercelluar, Visafone, MTN, Multi-Links Telkom, Starcomms and Etisalat.
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He said a situation prepared subscribers pay more than their post-paid counterpart is unacceptable just as he advised operators to ensure that the interconnection rate is reduced to at least N5 for SMS.
Dr. Ndukwe said that the present practice of between N9 and N10 as interconnect rate is unacceptable, advising that operators should work out an appropriate rate that is uniformed to encourage the use of SMS as an alternative platform to voice in the country.
Speaking during the recent consultative forum with operators and consumers in Lagos, he said, that the commission consistent with its participatory regulatory principles, before arriving at major decision that will impact on the industry, has assembled concerned stakeholders to participate in deliberating on the need for a reduction of SMS tariff towards encouraging telecommunications subscribers to effectively utilize SMS platform for communications.
Dr. Ndukwe also said the commission refrains from price regulation, even though it has the right to dictate price because it believes in a competitive market but when the commission feels that the cost is too high it would intervene.
According to the NCC boss, the reduction in interconnect rate which would ultimately lead to reduction in charges on SMS would be good for the industry and for the consumers.
Dr. Ndukwe said the lower tariff on SMS will not only reduce the pressure on voice but also increase the utilization of SMS as medium of choice of communication for consumers.
On the disparity in rate between pre-paid and post-paid subscribers, he described it as man’s inhumanity to man, wondering why pre-paid consumers who are in the majority in the country should pay more stating that in places where post paid consumers pay more this may be understood but that since the operators make more money from prepaid consumers, they should not be treated that way.
"Let Nigeria take the lead from others by charging less on the prepaid because they are in the majority in the country," he said.
He expressed thanks to the operators present for their positive attitude and willingness to cooperate with the commission on the need for reduction of the SMS rates.
Some of the operators who attended the forum included, Zain, Globacom, Zoom, Intercelluar, Visafone, MTN, Multi-Links Telkom, Starcomms and Etisalat.
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ATCON advocates standard committee on ICT awards
Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has expressed dismay over what it tagged “flagrant abuse of ‘Nigeria Telecom/ICT Awards’ by unknown fellows, just as it advocated for the setting up of “Nigerian Digital Awards Standards Committee” to harmonize the standards.
“… Even by organizations, groups and individuals who have no locus standi, experience, objectivity, expertise or link with the information and communications technology industry in Nigeria,” ATCON said.
A press statement signed by ATCON’s first Vice President, Chief Bayo Banjo and the Publicity Secretary, Mr. David Roberts, said the proposed committee would ensure a credible and internationally recognized and respected Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) awards in Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), all ICT professional associations and concerned industry stakeholders.
The umbrella body of telecom companies in the country equally proposed that the committee would be all-encompassing in its composition.
The group urged support for Nigerian Digital Awards Standards Committee expected to set the mandatory standards for credible awards selection processes for the sector.
According to the press statement, a panel composed of respected, principled, objective, relevant and experienced professionals “should be selected or constituted by the NCC and the body of industry associations to handle the evaluation and selection processes in accordance with the provision of the Nigerian Digital Awards Standards Committee.”
They noted that it is on record that the communications industry in Nigeria is currently ranked second only to the oil industry, thus undisputedly one of the world’s fastest growing markets for mobile communications.
Pointing out that the industry regulator, NCC, today enjoys worldwide respect for its principled, professional and transparent handling of telecom licenses auction processes.
“In fact, Nigeria has led the world in many aspect of telecommunications development since the deregulation of the sector in 1992. All these have brought a sense of pride to our nation and we should not fold our arms and allow self-seeking individuals of group mar these achievements,” the group said.
For concerned ATCON, the dangers posed by indiscriminate and in most cases, frivolous awards which often do not follow standardized and credible processes of selection of awardees, is fast becoming a kind of scam which, if not curtailed now, could further erode Nigeria’s image and credibility both at home and abroad.
“What impression would be created if two or three separate companies turn up at an international function all claiming to be the ‘Nigeria Telecom Company of the Year 2007’?” they asked.
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“… Even by organizations, groups and individuals who have no locus standi, experience, objectivity, expertise or link with the information and communications technology industry in Nigeria,” ATCON said.
A press statement signed by ATCON’s first Vice President, Chief Bayo Banjo and the Publicity Secretary, Mr. David Roberts, said the proposed committee would ensure a credible and internationally recognized and respected Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) awards in Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), all ICT professional associations and concerned industry stakeholders.
The umbrella body of telecom companies in the country equally proposed that the committee would be all-encompassing in its composition.
The group urged support for Nigerian Digital Awards Standards Committee expected to set the mandatory standards for credible awards selection processes for the sector.
According to the press statement, a panel composed of respected, principled, objective, relevant and experienced professionals “should be selected or constituted by the NCC and the body of industry associations to handle the evaluation and selection processes in accordance with the provision of the Nigerian Digital Awards Standards Committee.”
They noted that it is on record that the communications industry in Nigeria is currently ranked second only to the oil industry, thus undisputedly one of the world’s fastest growing markets for mobile communications.
Pointing out that the industry regulator, NCC, today enjoys worldwide respect for its principled, professional and transparent handling of telecom licenses auction processes.
“In fact, Nigeria has led the world in many aspect of telecommunications development since the deregulation of the sector in 1992. All these have brought a sense of pride to our nation and we should not fold our arms and allow self-seeking individuals of group mar these achievements,” the group said.
For concerned ATCON, the dangers posed by indiscriminate and in most cases, frivolous awards which often do not follow standardized and credible processes of selection of awardees, is fast becoming a kind of scam which, if not curtailed now, could further erode Nigeria’s image and credibility both at home and abroad.
“What impression would be created if two or three separate companies turn up at an international function all claiming to be the ‘Nigeria Telecom Company of the Year 2007’?” they asked.
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Nakande to open Convergence forum
The Minister of State for Communications, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande, would Friday this week, declared open the second IT Edge-organised West Africa Convergence Forum in Lagos.
The organizers said that participants would cut across the oil and gas, banking, legal, telecom and entertainment sector.
According to them, the high profile event has more than 30 speakers lined up, including Nigeria’s chief telecom regulator Dr. Ernest Ndukwe as confirmed lead discussant in the five sessions IT Edge Convergence Forum.
Also, they said, discussions are expected to articulate the way forward on the future of the industry in sub-Sahara’s biggest telecom market with a combined active telecom subscription in excess of 78 million, as Nigeria leads the West Africa sub-region with over 56 million telephone subscribers.
Part of topics to be centred on include the rights infringement of intellectual property by content providers; and the provision of robust infrastructure to accelerate the growth of convergence.
The event with the theme “Infrastructural Challenges in the Converging environment” they said, would also have the United Nations on consultant on Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D), Ghanaian Prof. Clement Dzidonu who would be joining chief executive officers, namely the Ibadan-based ISP Skannet, Mr. Sunday Folayan on the opening session tagged: West Africa: The Convergence-Environment and Policy Implications. Dzidonu would be examining the ‘Implications of Convergence within the ICT4D space.’ He is to be joined in discussions by Folayan and Chris Uwaje, two leading private sector players pushing conduit services and content.
The Infrastructure session, they said, is to feature some of the industry’s chief executive officers and chief technical features of backbone providers including Dr. Kwame Boakye, CEO of Backbone Connectivity Network, Ola Popoola of Phase 3 Telecom, Gerald Ilukwe of Galaxy Backbone. They would be joined by Professor Boroffice Ajayi, director general of Nigeria Agency for Space Research and Development (NARSDA) among others.
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The organizers said that participants would cut across the oil and gas, banking, legal, telecom and entertainment sector.
According to them, the high profile event has more than 30 speakers lined up, including Nigeria’s chief telecom regulator Dr. Ernest Ndukwe as confirmed lead discussant in the five sessions IT Edge Convergence Forum.
Also, they said, discussions are expected to articulate the way forward on the future of the industry in sub-Sahara’s biggest telecom market with a combined active telecom subscription in excess of 78 million, as Nigeria leads the West Africa sub-region with over 56 million telephone subscribers.
Part of topics to be centred on include the rights infringement of intellectual property by content providers; and the provision of robust infrastructure to accelerate the growth of convergence.
The event with the theme “Infrastructural Challenges in the Converging environment” they said, would also have the United Nations on consultant on Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D), Ghanaian Prof. Clement Dzidonu who would be joining chief executive officers, namely the Ibadan-based ISP Skannet, Mr. Sunday Folayan on the opening session tagged: West Africa: The Convergence-Environment and Policy Implications. Dzidonu would be examining the ‘Implications of Convergence within the ICT4D space.’ He is to be joined in discussions by Folayan and Chris Uwaje, two leading private sector players pushing conduit services and content.
The Infrastructure session, they said, is to feature some of the industry’s chief executive officers and chief technical features of backbone providers including Dr. Kwame Boakye, CEO of Backbone Connectivity Network, Ola Popoola of Phase 3 Telecom, Gerald Ilukwe of Galaxy Backbone. They would be joined by Professor Boroffice Ajayi, director general of Nigeria Agency for Space Research and Development (NARSDA) among others.
ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D
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