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APC by Schneider Electric, a global critical power and cooling services provider to industry leading product, software and systems for home, office, data centre and factory floor applications, has explained its offer of Back- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
The regional director for Africa at APC by Schneider Electric, Mr. Carl Kleynhans, said that the product was introduced for those who would like to follow up on the Paralympics taking off this month of September.
As said by him, sports lovers should not allow themselves to be disqualified by power challenges.
“Don’t get disqualified by power problems! With the APC Back-UPS, you’ll get the gold medal from your friends and family,” he advised.
He said it is unthinkable to discover that one could be sitting comfortably with friends, family, drinks and snacks conveniently at hand and only a few minutes to go, as well as your favourite athlete looks like he’s going to make it to the podium against the odds, then the light goes off.
“At best, the time taken to reset your reception box and your high definition or plasma screen means it could all be over by the time service is restored. At worst, the effects of power outages or unreliable power quality could leave your sophisticated electronic equipment stretcher off for longer than the post-match celebrations,” he said.
Adding that the aforementioned incidence of power outages or diminished power quality is not unusual these days, and it is unfortunately more likely at times when lots of other people may be sitting on their sofa following the game as well.
“If you don’t trust Nigeria’s creaking power grid to get you to the land of the rising sun this August, then trust APC’s new generation of Back-UPS solutions. A UPS cuts in when the grid fails to deliver the quantity or quality of power needed to run your equipment.
APC, he pointed out, provides the most trusted range of home and small office UPSes in the world and the easy to use range includes options for all types of Kleynhans noted that the APC Back-UPS range has received accolades from influential consumer IT publications for its reliability, its ease of use, its versatility across many types of equipment and its value for money.
“The HS range has been developed to cater for the specific needs of home technology and the RS range for equipment operating in poor power areas, or which requires extended back-up periods,” he explained.
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Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Tinsel debuts on MNet
TINSEL, a new soap opera, with Nigerian and Ghanaian casts debuted Tuesday on the MNet, a Digital Satellite Television (DSTV) movie channels 1 and 2 and would run twice a week for 65 episodes, reports CHARLES OKOH.
Produced by Jaiye Ojo as executive director and Femi Odugbemi, as director, the film, like every soap, has several story lines that revolves around two film studios trying to outdo each other in a power play.
According to Odugbemi, the production of Tinsel is a further testimony to the fact that Mnet has been investing and will continue to invest in countries where their market is.
He said the film has only Nigerian and Ghanaian acts because these are the largest markets for Mnet in the West African region.
“Tinsel is a production that celebrates the Nigerian movie industry and the drama is about players against the background of Nigerian home movies,” he said.
Equally speaking, the executive producer, Ojo said the casting took place in both Abuja and Ghana, adding that in all, over 80 people participated in the production of the film.
On the mode for selection of the cast, he said, it was based purely on merit and that the auditioning took place both in Nigerian and Ghanaian for all who indicated interest.
The multi-camera studio production which cost N117 million to produce will also highlight the intriguing issues of piracy and power play between the two film studios.
The movie took 110 days to shoot also has Joseph Ehunda and Erika Clapper among others as members of the team.
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Produced by Jaiye Ojo as executive director and Femi Odugbemi, as director, the film, like every soap, has several story lines that revolves around two film studios trying to outdo each other in a power play.
According to Odugbemi, the production of Tinsel is a further testimony to the fact that Mnet has been investing and will continue to invest in countries where their market is.
He said the film has only Nigerian and Ghanaian acts because these are the largest markets for Mnet in the West African region.
“Tinsel is a production that celebrates the Nigerian movie industry and the drama is about players against the background of Nigerian home movies,” he said.
Equally speaking, the executive producer, Ojo said the casting took place in both Abuja and Ghana, adding that in all, over 80 people participated in the production of the film.
On the mode for selection of the cast, he said, it was based purely on merit and that the auditioning took place both in Nigerian and Ghanaian for all who indicated interest.
The multi-camera studio production which cost N117 million to produce will also highlight the intriguing issues of piracy and power play between the two film studios.
The movie took 110 days to shoot also has Joseph Ehunda and Erika Clapper among others as members of the team.
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Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Validity: NATCOMS may drag Starcomms to court
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) may have concluded plans to drag a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Starcomms Plc to the law court if by August 31 the operator did not remove its mobility validity on the network to zero.
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) specializing in the protection and upholding the rights of telecommunications consumers in the country and spearheaded the successful switch-off campaign on Friday, September 19, 2003, clamouring for reduction in the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) tariffs and better services.
ITRealms Online recalled that at the 48th edition of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)-organized monthly Telecom Consumer Parliament, which held Friday, August 1, 2008 at the Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos State, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, noted that his office was inundated with complaints about Starcomms and other mobile operators who cut off or deny their subscribers access to services on their networks, claiming that there was no or sufficient airtime validity on a given line.
Airtime validity according to some of the operators’ definition entails that subscribers must have a given period upon which to use up their airtime loaded on their mobiles and after such a time the airtime loaded, if not used up, automatically become forfeited which in most cases last between one week and two weeks.
Also, if a subscriber does not have valid airtime for a period such users in some networks like Starcomms cannot receive calls or even Short Messaging Service (SMS).
Speaking to ITRealms Online in an exclusive chat last weekend, NATCOMS National President, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, said his group would drag Starcomms precisely and allied to court first for cheating on Nigerian subscribers and secondly and most importantly for disregarding NCC directive to stop with such routine.
According to him, prior to the upcoming anniversary of the Telecom Consumers Parliament for this year billed for this Friday, August 29 at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, NATCOMS intends having a special session with NCC to streamline other issues on board with top on the agenda being the compliance or otherwise of Starcomms and cohorts on the removal of mobile validity.
“We would hold meeting with NCC before the session and we intend to ask them directly as regulator if Starcomms has complied, otherwise we’re going to the court on September 1,” Ogunbanjo declared.
He reiterated that it is not a mere threat, wondering why some of the telecom operators would choose to disobey the regulator like NCC with international repute.
“I can’t understand why Starcomms has been arrogant to NCC directives among others,” he decried, adding that it is disheartening but NATCOMS is not relenting in its resolve to take court action against them after the aforementioned meeting.
He insisted that last February, NCC had given a similar directive to Starcomms during the monthly telecom consumer parliament and it was surprising to learnt that months later, the operator is yet to comply.
Noteworthy is that NCC boss gave the latest directive following a complaint brought before the parliament by a lady Starcomms subscriber, and said that such excuses do not hold waters any longer, especially when the person in question has airtime on his or her mobile lines.
He warned Starcomms sternly alongside any other operator enjoying such undue privilege whether on the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators, to stop forthwith.
As said by him, NCC may be forced to wield the ultimate stick of sanction on mobile operators who refused to adhere to this no validity on mobile directive.
“Don’t restrict them, because it is their money and they should be able to use it as at when they like,” he warned.
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Privacy Notice: Essentials of Mozilla Firefox version 3 (3)
Market Intelligence:
5. WEBSITE INFORMATION SERVICES. Mozilla and its contributors, licensors and partners work to provide the most accurate and up-to-date phishing and malware information. However, they cannot guarantee that this information is comprehensive and error-free: some risky sites may not be identified, and some safe sites may be identified in error.
6. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY. The product is provided “as is” with all faults. To the extent permitted by law, Mozilla and Mozilla’s distributors, and licensors hereby disclaim all warranties, whether express or implied, including without limitation warranties that the product is free of defects, merchantable, fit for a particular purpose and non-infringing. You bear the entire risk as to selecting the product for your purposes and as to the quality and performance of the product. This limitation will apply notwithstanding the failure of essential purpose of any remedy. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties, so this disclaimer may not apply to you.
7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. Except as required by law, Mozilla and its distributors, directors, licensors, contributors and agents (collectively, the “Mozilla Group”) will not be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, consequential or exemplary damages arising out of or in any way relating to this agreement or the use of or inability to use the product, including without limitation damages for loss of goodwill, work stoppage, lost profits, loss of data, and computer failure or malfunction, even if advised of the possibility of such damages and regardless of the theory (contract, tort or otherwise) upon which such claim is based.
The Mozilla Group’s collective liability under this agreement will not exceed the greater of $500 (five hundred dollars) and the fees paid by you under the license (if any). Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental, consequential or special damages, so this exclusion and limitation may not apply to you.
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5. WEBSITE INFORMATION SERVICES. Mozilla and its contributors, licensors and partners work to provide the most accurate and up-to-date phishing and malware information. However, they cannot guarantee that this information is comprehensive and error-free: some risky sites may not be identified, and some safe sites may be identified in error.
6. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY. The product is provided “as is” with all faults. To the extent permitted by law, Mozilla and Mozilla’s distributors, and licensors hereby disclaim all warranties, whether express or implied, including without limitation warranties that the product is free of defects, merchantable, fit for a particular purpose and non-infringing. You bear the entire risk as to selecting the product for your purposes and as to the quality and performance of the product. This limitation will apply notwithstanding the failure of essential purpose of any remedy. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties, so this disclaimer may not apply to you.
7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. Except as required by law, Mozilla and its distributors, directors, licensors, contributors and agents (collectively, the “Mozilla Group”) will not be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, consequential or exemplary damages arising out of or in any way relating to this agreement or the use of or inability to use the product, including without limitation damages for loss of goodwill, work stoppage, lost profits, loss of data, and computer failure or malfunction, even if advised of the possibility of such damages and regardless of the theory (contract, tort or otherwise) upon which such claim is based.
The Mozilla Group’s collective liability under this agreement will not exceed the greater of $500 (five hundred dollars) and the fees paid by you under the license (if any). Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental, consequential or special damages, so this exclusion and limitation may not apply to you.
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ATCON signs deal with 3 event managers for ComBIT-08
Umbrella body of telecom firms in the country, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has signed up three event management entities for its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) expo, ComBIT 2008.
Disclosing this, the Publicity Secretary and chairman, Planning Committee at ATCON, Mr. David Roberts said that the signing of the three seasoned events managers, namely Faces & Profiles Limited, Exxcon Limited and TextServe Limited as consultants is to ensure that ComBIT meets up with the international standard.
“They are already working with us to ensure that the quality of the event is significantly raised to meet international standards. They have brought in their wealth of experiences from other well organised events to make ComBIT 2008 a world class expo,” he said.
According to him, ATCON is also partnering effectively with the press to ensure that adequate publicity is given to the event.
“As a step forward, we have invited all stations of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) across the country, the Federal Radio Corporation (FRCN), all radio and television stations owned by the 36 states of the federation, all private radio and television stations as well as selected international and African regional magazines and newspapers,” he said, adding that they will participate and give adequate coverage to the event.
“We have equally mapped out a robust advertising campaign to boost publicity for the event. We are in deed fully prepared to take the event to the highest level possible,” he revealed.
ATCON is a non-profit and non-governmental trade association for all ICT operating companies in Nigeria, that was inaugurated on December 10, 1993 and has over the years shown very strong commitment to the rapid expand of Nigeria’s telecommunications networks as well as the accelerated development of the entire ICT sector in Nigeria.
ComBIT expo, he explained is one of ATCON’s contributions towards consistent stimulation of the growth of ICT in Nigeria and in deed Africa.
ITRealms Online recalls that a fortnight ago, ATCON announced the dates for ComBIT 2008, scheduled to hold at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Centre, Onikan-Lagos.
President, ATCON, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem also informed that the ComBIT Expo billed for October 20 through 22, is a product of ATCON’s strategic re-branding of NICOMM Exhibitions & Conferences organised annually by the group in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Communications, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as well as other industry stakeholders since 1995.
“The plan of ATCON and its collaborators is to grow ComBIT expo into a flagship and globally recognized ICT event in Nigeria and Africa with a view to further stimulating the development of our ICT industry through more local and foreign direct investment into the sector,” he said.
Ekuwem equally said that ComBIT expo has been designed to provide a veritable platform for cultivating commercial partnerships between foreign principals and local representatives, dealers, distributors and resellers of ICT and allied products and services in the country.
“It will further offer ample opportunities for investors to explore and exploit the abundant market opportunities in the very vibrant ICT sector in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
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Disclosing this, the Publicity Secretary and chairman, Planning Committee at ATCON, Mr. David Roberts said that the signing of the three seasoned events managers, namely Faces & Profiles Limited, Exxcon Limited and TextServe Limited as consultants is to ensure that ComBIT meets up with the international standard.
“They are already working with us to ensure that the quality of the event is significantly raised to meet international standards. They have brought in their wealth of experiences from other well organised events to make ComBIT 2008 a world class expo,” he said.
According to him, ATCON is also partnering effectively with the press to ensure that adequate publicity is given to the event.
“As a step forward, we have invited all stations of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) across the country, the Federal Radio Corporation (FRCN), all radio and television stations owned by the 36 states of the federation, all private radio and television stations as well as selected international and African regional magazines and newspapers,” he said, adding that they will participate and give adequate coverage to the event.
“We have equally mapped out a robust advertising campaign to boost publicity for the event. We are in deed fully prepared to take the event to the highest level possible,” he revealed.
ATCON is a non-profit and non-governmental trade association for all ICT operating companies in Nigeria, that was inaugurated on December 10, 1993 and has over the years shown very strong commitment to the rapid expand of Nigeria’s telecommunications networks as well as the accelerated development of the entire ICT sector in Nigeria.
ComBIT expo, he explained is one of ATCON’s contributions towards consistent stimulation of the growth of ICT in Nigeria and in deed Africa.
ITRealms Online recalls that a fortnight ago, ATCON announced the dates for ComBIT 2008, scheduled to hold at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Centre, Onikan-Lagos.
President, ATCON, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem also informed that the ComBIT Expo billed for October 20 through 22, is a product of ATCON’s strategic re-branding of NICOMM Exhibitions & Conferences organised annually by the group in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Communications, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as well as other industry stakeholders since 1995.
“The plan of ATCON and its collaborators is to grow ComBIT expo into a flagship and globally recognized ICT event in Nigeria and Africa with a view to further stimulating the development of our ICT industry through more local and foreign direct investment into the sector,” he said.
Ekuwem equally said that ComBIT expo has been designed to provide a veritable platform for cultivating commercial partnerships between foreign principals and local representatives, dealers, distributors and resellers of ICT and allied products and services in the country.
“It will further offer ample opportunities for investors to explore and exploit the abundant market opportunities in the very vibrant ICT sector in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D
PNN, Speakeeze partner on 300 mobile outlets
Leading total telecommunication solutions provider, Private Networks Nigeria Limited (PNN), is partnering Speakeeze in setting up 300 stores before the end of next year.
The agreement announced in Lagos would see the roll out of Speakeezee stores all over nation before December 2009.
The Speakeezee stores are designed to be a one-stop-shop for the acquisition, repair and maintenance of quality mobile phones and accessories with a customer centric focus aimed at achieving 100 per cent customer satisfaction.
ITRealms Online recalls that PNN had late last year, after the injection of expansion capital by Aureos West Africa, announced the intention to deploy mobile phone retail outlets in all Nigerian cities and towns by December, 2009.
Announcing this deal, the Managing Director and chief executive officer, PNN, Alhaji AbdulRahman Abiola-Odunowo, said that the agreement is expected to fulfill the missing component within the Nigerian telecoms environment.
The synergy, he said, is billed to fill the void that exists in the delivery of excellent technical support and unbiased service in the retail sector of the telecom industry.
“This agreement with Speakeezee is the beginning of great things to come. The Speakeezee brand is synonymous with our service and value aspirations. As you all know, Speakeezee mobile stores have been around since 1992 and have remained consistent in offering intelligent cutting edge services. We are taking mobile retail business to a level of excellence,” he said.
Also speaking, the chief executive officer, Speakeezee, Otunba Dotun Olakunri, explained that this agreement is a result of close collaboration between his firm and PNN over the last 10 years.
“The decision to develop Speakeezee retail brand with PNN is based on the fact that the management of PNN has shown an understanding of what the Speakeezee brand stands for and what the expectation of Speakeezee clients are. We believe that the synergy with PNN will further enable Speakeezee deliver our excellent value to the Nigerian public who have consistently yearned for quality and independent service offerings.”
He further said that this is an exciting period for Speakeezee, adding, “Mobile Technology is evolving at a pace that needs a dynamic and forward looking outfit like Speakeezee, partnering with PNN, to adapt to the ever increasing change in the Telecoms industry and bring intelligent cutting edge services to the door step of Nigerians.”
He disclosed that the roll out plan would commence on Monday, September 1, 2008 which entails the opening of Speakeezee outlets in various parts of the country in phases.
He outlined that the first two phases would be the deployment of 10 Speakeezee outlets in Lagos area, namely Ikeja, Surulere, Victoria Island, Jos, Ado-Ekiti, Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Asaba and Benin.
While the second phase involves opening of 25 Speakeezee outlets to be launched in Lagos, viz Awolowo Road, Lagos Island, Apapa, Yaba, Lekki, Isolo; Kaduna, Abuja, Warri, Onitsha, Eket, Ibadan, Owerri, Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Akure, Calabar, Bauchi, Nnewi, Sagamu, Sango-Ota, Aba, Zaria, Ilorin and Maiduguri.
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The agreement announced in Lagos would see the roll out of Speakeezee stores all over nation before December 2009.
The Speakeezee stores are designed to be a one-stop-shop for the acquisition, repair and maintenance of quality mobile phones and accessories with a customer centric focus aimed at achieving 100 per cent customer satisfaction.
ITRealms Online recalls that PNN had late last year, after the injection of expansion capital by Aureos West Africa, announced the intention to deploy mobile phone retail outlets in all Nigerian cities and towns by December, 2009.
Announcing this deal, the Managing Director and chief executive officer, PNN, Alhaji AbdulRahman Abiola-Odunowo, said that the agreement is expected to fulfill the missing component within the Nigerian telecoms environment.
The synergy, he said, is billed to fill the void that exists in the delivery of excellent technical support and unbiased service in the retail sector of the telecom industry.
“This agreement with Speakeezee is the beginning of great things to come. The Speakeezee brand is synonymous with our service and value aspirations. As you all know, Speakeezee mobile stores have been around since 1992 and have remained consistent in offering intelligent cutting edge services. We are taking mobile retail business to a level of excellence,” he said.
Also speaking, the chief executive officer, Speakeezee, Otunba Dotun Olakunri, explained that this agreement is a result of close collaboration between his firm and PNN over the last 10 years.
“The decision to develop Speakeezee retail brand with PNN is based on the fact that the management of PNN has shown an understanding of what the Speakeezee brand stands for and what the expectation of Speakeezee clients are. We believe that the synergy with PNN will further enable Speakeezee deliver our excellent value to the Nigerian public who have consistently yearned for quality and independent service offerings.”
He further said that this is an exciting period for Speakeezee, adding, “Mobile Technology is evolving at a pace that needs a dynamic and forward looking outfit like Speakeezee, partnering with PNN, to adapt to the ever increasing change in the Telecoms industry and bring intelligent cutting edge services to the door step of Nigerians.”
He disclosed that the roll out plan would commence on Monday, September 1, 2008 which entails the opening of Speakeezee outlets in various parts of the country in phases.
He outlined that the first two phases would be the deployment of 10 Speakeezee outlets in Lagos area, namely Ikeja, Surulere, Victoria Island, Jos, Ado-Ekiti, Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Asaba and Benin.
While the second phase involves opening of 25 Speakeezee outlets to be launched in Lagos, viz Awolowo Road, Lagos Island, Apapa, Yaba, Lekki, Isolo; Kaduna, Abuja, Warri, Onitsha, Eket, Ibadan, Owerri, Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Akure, Calabar, Bauchi, Nnewi, Sagamu, Sango-Ota, Aba, Zaria, Ilorin and Maiduguri.
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Telecomms can’t thrive without courier – Emeje
Assistant Postmaster General (APG) and Head, Courier Regulatory Department (CRD), Dr. Simon Emeje has declared that the telecommunications sector cannot thrive without the courier services sub-sector, reports CHARLES OKOH.
Dr. Emeje said this during at the annual AFRITECC 2008 Congress in Lagos, last week, noted that the survival of courier is not only vital to the economy but one of the highest revenue spinners for many developed countries of the world.
“All over the world, the post stands out and Nigeria should not be an exception,” he declared, adding that in spite of the boom in the communications sub-sector, it could not thrive without the courier sub-sector.
He cited for instance that if a telecom company places order for an equipment or laptop, it could only be delivered via courier services.
Dwelling on the “Courier Services in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects,” Emeje said some of the factors militating against postal services is lack of recognition of the importance or the role and position it occupies world-wide in the economy of scale and particularly in development of Nigeria’s telecom industry.
He also wondering why a service like the post which is as old as the world should be allowed to die in a developing country like Nigeria, underscoring the activities of unlicensed courier companies, pilfering, dumping and loss of items, as well as knowledge bankruptcy on courier enterprise, as some of the other factors confronting the sub-sector.
The Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) through CRD, he pointed out, has commenced clampdown on some unlicensed courier companies adding that so far about 70 of such companies have closed owing to sharp practices.
Noting that NIPOST venture into the courier services with Express Mail Services (EMS/Speed Post) in 1986, but that it is not proper because according to him “NIPOST cannot be a player and at the same time a referee.”
“In 2004, the courier operators agitated that they would want an independent body to regulate them. In 2005, a ministerial committee produced a draft postal bill on postal reform which would be endorsed and sent to the National Assembly to set up an independent postal regulatory body like Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC),” he stated.
While calling for a faster process to make this dream come true, Dr. Emeje also informed that there is a dire need for most postal services in the country.
“The city of London alone has 1,000 courier companies but the nation as a whole has 234 courier companies,” he lamented.
Dr. Emeje said by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) treaty, there should be one post office to 6,000 people as against the situation in the country where it is one post office to about 28,000 people.
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Dr. Emeje said this during at the annual AFRITECC 2008 Congress in Lagos, last week, noted that the survival of courier is not only vital to the economy but one of the highest revenue spinners for many developed countries of the world.
“All over the world, the post stands out and Nigeria should not be an exception,” he declared, adding that in spite of the boom in the communications sub-sector, it could not thrive without the courier sub-sector.
He cited for instance that if a telecom company places order for an equipment or laptop, it could only be delivered via courier services.
Dwelling on the “Courier Services in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects,” Emeje said some of the factors militating against postal services is lack of recognition of the importance or the role and position it occupies world-wide in the economy of scale and particularly in development of Nigeria’s telecom industry.
He also wondering why a service like the post which is as old as the world should be allowed to die in a developing country like Nigeria, underscoring the activities of unlicensed courier companies, pilfering, dumping and loss of items, as well as knowledge bankruptcy on courier enterprise, as some of the other factors confronting the sub-sector.
The Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) through CRD, he pointed out, has commenced clampdown on some unlicensed courier companies adding that so far about 70 of such companies have closed owing to sharp practices.
Noting that NIPOST venture into the courier services with Express Mail Services (EMS/Speed Post) in 1986, but that it is not proper because according to him “NIPOST cannot be a player and at the same time a referee.”
“In 2004, the courier operators agitated that they would want an independent body to regulate them. In 2005, a ministerial committee produced a draft postal bill on postal reform which would be endorsed and sent to the National Assembly to set up an independent postal regulatory body like Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC),” he stated.
While calling for a faster process to make this dream come true, Dr. Emeje also informed that there is a dire need for most postal services in the country.
“The city of London alone has 1,000 courier companies but the nation as a whole has 234 courier companies,” he lamented.
Dr. Emeje said by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) treaty, there should be one post office to 6,000 people as against the situation in the country where it is one post office to about 28,000 people.
ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D
Visafone emerges best brand @ telecom awards
The fast emerging leader in Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Visafone, has emerged the Best Telecom Brand in the country at the 2008 edition of the Nigeria Telecom Awards, which held in Lagos, according to the poll conducted by Phillips Consulting.
Visafone, which unveiled its brand and services barely six months ago and precisely on February 22, 2008 has in its short span of operations broken records with a number of industry firsts right from commencement when it made history as the first telecoms company in Nigeria to roll out commercial operations in 12 states and over 40 cities from day one.
The CDMA operator has since spread its coverage areas to 17 states and over 150 cities and is set to garner an unprecedented 1 million subscribers in less than six months of operations.
A press statement from the Visafone and signed by the Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Toni Kan, noted that the company, which has a banker turned telecom firm founder, Mr. Jim Ovia also unveiled a new and innovative product that extends its Value Added Services (VAS) to its subscribers.
Tagged as the “RC Data Pay,” the product allows data users (internet subscribers) on the Visafone network to recharge or pay for internet subscriptions through their handsets, using recharge cards. The service could be used from any Visafone phone handset on any tariff plan, and the data subscription is automatically updated within seconds at the dial of a short code if the subscriber has sufficient balance.
“One more proof of Visafone’s commitment to excellent quality of service and fulfillment of its brand promise of spreading the joy of communication,” he said.
According to him, Visafone’s three-pronged business model which is predicated on superior quality of service, wide coverage and excellent voice clarity, thus endearing the telco to the masses.
The company’s promise to enable Nigerians experience the joy of communication has been exemplified in its introduction to the market of some of the classiest, most stylish and lowest priced phones that subscribers have seen in the history of the nation’s telecom sector.
He added that Visafone’s vibrant red colour and aesthetically pleasing shops and Visafone zones have also raised the standard in telecom outlet branding across the nation.
“We’re delighted by our emergence as the Best Telecom Brand of the year 2008 less than six months into the launch of the brand. This award is recognition and validation as well as a call to better service delivery. The success we have achieved is a collective one and we want to thank the Nigerian people, the press and all the stakeholders who have ensured a smooth launch and growth of the Visafone brand,” he asserted.
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Visafone, which unveiled its brand and services barely six months ago and precisely on February 22, 2008 has in its short span of operations broken records with a number of industry firsts right from commencement when it made history as the first telecoms company in Nigeria to roll out commercial operations in 12 states and over 40 cities from day one.
The CDMA operator has since spread its coverage areas to 17 states and over 150 cities and is set to garner an unprecedented 1 million subscribers in less than six months of operations.
A press statement from the Visafone and signed by the Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Toni Kan, noted that the company, which has a banker turned telecom firm founder, Mr. Jim Ovia also unveiled a new and innovative product that extends its Value Added Services (VAS) to its subscribers.
Tagged as the “RC Data Pay,” the product allows data users (internet subscribers) on the Visafone network to recharge or pay for internet subscriptions through their handsets, using recharge cards. The service could be used from any Visafone phone handset on any tariff plan, and the data subscription is automatically updated within seconds at the dial of a short code if the subscriber has sufficient balance.
“One more proof of Visafone’s commitment to excellent quality of service and fulfillment of its brand promise of spreading the joy of communication,” he said.
According to him, Visafone’s three-pronged business model which is predicated on superior quality of service, wide coverage and excellent voice clarity, thus endearing the telco to the masses.
The company’s promise to enable Nigerians experience the joy of communication has been exemplified in its introduction to the market of some of the classiest, most stylish and lowest priced phones that subscribers have seen in the history of the nation’s telecom sector.
He added that Visafone’s vibrant red colour and aesthetically pleasing shops and Visafone zones have also raised the standard in telecom outlet branding across the nation.
“We’re delighted by our emergence as the Best Telecom Brand of the year 2008 less than six months into the launch of the brand. This award is recognition and validation as well as a call to better service delivery. The success we have achieved is a collective one and we want to thank the Nigerian people, the press and all the stakeholders who have ensured a smooth launch and growth of the Visafone brand,” he asserted.
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... As ZOOMmobile clinches CDMA prize
Recently rebranded Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), ZOOMmobile, has added two industry awards to its basket as it was named the CDMA Company of the Year, and the Most Improved Telecommunications Company of the Year 2008, by the board of trustees of the Nigerian Telecoms Awards.
A press statement from the ZOOMmobile by the Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Oge Udeagha said, the awards were jointly presented to the company by the former Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (Rtd.) and former Communications Minister, Gen. Tanko Ayuba (Rtd.), at a ceremony held at the Expo Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, barely two weeks after the re-branding of the company from Reltelwireless to ZOOMmobile.
The organizers of the awards, lauded ZOOMmobile for leading the CDMA sector of the telecommunications industry on such indices as subscriber base, coverage areas, affordability and product innovation.
Speaking after receiving the awards, the Executive Vice-Chairman of ZOOMmobile, Mr. Ken Aigbinode, dedicated the awards to the indomitable spirit of the management and staff of the company, and Nigerians, for their immense belief in and support for, the company, over the 10 years since its incorporation.
“We are extremely delighted and at the same time, humbled by these awards. They will serve as constant reminders to us of the bond we have with our numerous subscribers, to always keep ahead of competition by providing cutting-edge services and continue to pursue our mission of making telecommunications services available and affordable to every individual or group, irrespective of socio-economic status,” he said, noting that the greatest reward for doing work is the opportunity to do more.
“We thank Nigerians for the opportunity to serve,” he said.
Recalling that ZOOMmobile which recently re-branded and introduced the 0707 numbering plan, has won almost all the significant industry awards in its category, including the “ICT Company of the Year 2008”, from ThisDay Newspaper, “CDMA Company of the Year 2007”, from the Nigerian Telecoms Awards, among others.
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A press statement from the ZOOMmobile by the Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Oge Udeagha said, the awards were jointly presented to the company by the former Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (Rtd.) and former Communications Minister, Gen. Tanko Ayuba (Rtd.), at a ceremony held at the Expo Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, barely two weeks after the re-branding of the company from Reltelwireless to ZOOMmobile.
The organizers of the awards, lauded ZOOMmobile for leading the CDMA sector of the telecommunications industry on such indices as subscriber base, coverage areas, affordability and product innovation.
Speaking after receiving the awards, the Executive Vice-Chairman of ZOOMmobile, Mr. Ken Aigbinode, dedicated the awards to the indomitable spirit of the management and staff of the company, and Nigerians, for their immense belief in and support for, the company, over the 10 years since its incorporation.
“We are extremely delighted and at the same time, humbled by these awards. They will serve as constant reminders to us of the bond we have with our numerous subscribers, to always keep ahead of competition by providing cutting-edge services and continue to pursue our mission of making telecommunications services available and affordable to every individual or group, irrespective of socio-economic status,” he said, noting that the greatest reward for doing work is the opportunity to do more.
“We thank Nigerians for the opportunity to serve,” he said.
Recalling that ZOOMmobile which recently re-branded and introduced the 0707 numbering plan, has won almost all the significant industry awards in its category, including the “ICT Company of the Year 2008”, from ThisDay Newspaper, “CDMA Company of the Year 2007”, from the Nigerian Telecoms Awards, among others.
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NiRA accredits 35 registrars for .ng
Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has accredited 35 registrars to give boost access to potential registrants on the nation’s country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD), .ng.
President, NiRA, Mr. Ndukwe Kalu made this disclosure in his leadership business plan for the association as part of their achievement in the last one year of assuming office.
Speaking at the second Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association, Kalu said they were excited to note that the recent Registrar Accreditation exercise was on very sound track.
“The executive board has approved the recommendations of the Registrar Accreditation Committee with the selection of 35 provisional Registrars,” he said.
These registrars, he said, were drawn from within and outside the country.
“We have registrars from Kano, Abuja, Lagos Enugu among others. Also we have Nigerians in Diaspora who have also been selected,” he declared, adding that a Senegalese firm is among the provisional registrars, which also happens to be the only Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) accredited registrar on the continent.
“We are excited by the number, location and caliber of these registrars, that includes internet pioneers like Linkserve,” he said, stressing that these registrars would finish the outstanding Registrar requirements to be able to commence operations come September 1, 2008.
These set of pioneer Registrars, Kalu pointed out, represent a landmark achievement for NIRA and core strength.
He also said that as a virgin domain base that NiRA and in fact .ng would have the strength to tap from other countries’ experiences both bad and good in order to grow steadily.
“For example our late start has enabled us to learn from the premium domain concept that has enabled us offer the cheapest domain registration rates in the world and of any new ccTLD. This has been possible because we have carved out two premium classes for domain,” he said.
Emphasizing that the two classes for domain is more like the airline industry first class and business class.
“Our ‘First class’ domains are those soon to be auctioned on the second level. These domains are very limited and may not exceed 20 in number. It would offer desired companies or institutions the opportunity to register on the second level for personal use or at the third level. For example mtn.ng. zain.ng, glo.ng among others,” he explained.
In additional, he said that NiRA has the equivalent of the ‘business class’ premium domains which are selected generic or special names on any of the commercial second level domains like .com.ng, net.ng, org.ng, mobi.ng, name.ng.
“This represents over 10,000 such names which would also be available on auction at regular intervals. Some of the names include bank.com.ng, bank.org.ng, market.com.ng etc.
Reiterating that this core strength would immediately place the .ng ccTLd in the global spotlight.
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President, NiRA, Mr. Ndukwe Kalu made this disclosure in his leadership business plan for the association as part of their achievement in the last one year of assuming office.
Speaking at the second Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association, Kalu said they were excited to note that the recent Registrar Accreditation exercise was on very sound track.
“The executive board has approved the recommendations of the Registrar Accreditation Committee with the selection of 35 provisional Registrars,” he said.
These registrars, he said, were drawn from within and outside the country.
“We have registrars from Kano, Abuja, Lagos Enugu among others. Also we have Nigerians in Diaspora who have also been selected,” he declared, adding that a Senegalese firm is among the provisional registrars, which also happens to be the only Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) accredited registrar on the continent.
“We are excited by the number, location and caliber of these registrars, that includes internet pioneers like Linkserve,” he said, stressing that these registrars would finish the outstanding Registrar requirements to be able to commence operations come September 1, 2008.
These set of pioneer Registrars, Kalu pointed out, represent a landmark achievement for NIRA and core strength.
He also said that as a virgin domain base that NiRA and in fact .ng would have the strength to tap from other countries’ experiences both bad and good in order to grow steadily.
“For example our late start has enabled us to learn from the premium domain concept that has enabled us offer the cheapest domain registration rates in the world and of any new ccTLD. This has been possible because we have carved out two premium classes for domain,” he said.
Emphasizing that the two classes for domain is more like the airline industry first class and business class.
“Our ‘First class’ domains are those soon to be auctioned on the second level. These domains are very limited and may not exceed 20 in number. It would offer desired companies or institutions the opportunity to register on the second level for personal use or at the third level. For example mtn.ng. zain.ng, glo.ng among others,” he explained.
In additional, he said that NiRA has the equivalent of the ‘business class’ premium domains which are selected generic or special names on any of the commercial second level domains like .com.ng, net.ng, org.ng, mobi.ng, name.ng.
“This represents over 10,000 such names which would also be available on auction at regular intervals. Some of the names include bank.com.ng, bank.org.ng, market.com.ng etc.
Reiterating that this core strength would immediately place the .ng ccTLd in the global spotlight.
ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D
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