COP-15 establishes Technology Mechanism

The Heads of State and government, brought to a close the two weeks of meeting at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNCCC)2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark with a decision to establish a Technology Mechanism to accelerate technology development and transfer in support of plans to mitigate global warming.

The leaders in the Copenhagen Accord at the conference tagged (COP-15), a copy of which was made available to ICTRealms Online, showed that the accord released on December 18, stated in part 11 that the decision was in order to practically enhance actions on development and transfer of technology.

They also said that the setting up of Technology Mechanism is in support of action on adaptation and mitigation that will be guided by a country-driven approach and be based on national circumstances and priorities.

Equally, the Heads of state and government said they decided on Copenhagen Green Climate Fund to make the establishment of the Technology Mechanism and likes a reality.

“We decide that the Copenhagen Green Climate Fund shall be established as an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the Convention to support projects, programme, policies and other activities in developing countries related to mitigation including REDD-plus, adaptation, capacity-building, technology development and transfer,” part of the accord read.

The Conference of the parties, ICTRealms Online took note of the fact that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of this era, emphasizing their strong political will to urgently combat climate change in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

To achieve the ultimate objective of the Convention to stabilize greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere at a level, they pointed out the need to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.

“We shall, recognizing the scientific view that the increase in global temperature should be below 2 degrees Celsius, on the basis of equity and in the context of sustainable development, enhance our long-term cooperative action to combat climate change,” they said.

Additionally, they recognized the critical impacts of climate change and potential impacts of response measures on countries particularly vulnerable to its adverse effects and stress the need to establish a comprehensive adaptation programme including international support.

They further agreed that deep cuts in global emissions are required according to science, and as documented by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report with a view to reducing global emissions, so as to hold the increase in global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius, and take action to meet this objective consistent with science and on the basis of equity.

“We should cooperate in achieving the peaking of global and national emissions as soon as possible, recognizing that the time frame for peaking will be longer in developing countries and bearing in mind that social and economic development and poverty eradication are the first and overriding priorities of developing countries and that a low-emission development strategy is indispensable to sustainable development,” he said.


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SIM registration’ll be free – NCC

THE Head, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mrs. Lolia Emakpore, has said that the proposed Subscribers’ Identification Module (SIM) card registration exercise billed to resume March 1, 2010 will be at no cost to subscribers.

Speaking on the propriety of the exercise at the latest Telecom Consumers parliament in Lagos, she said the commission has been inundated with complaints on the use of phones for crime.

“So, we thought the way to check this is by identifying owners of GSM phones. The commission had set up a committee of all stakeholders and we have the national identity management commission as well,” she said.

Emakpore, also said although crime will always be there, the commission believes that registration will reduce the rate.

In addition, she said the initial exercise which has been projected to last for about six months from March 1, will be simplified, thus not cumbersome.

“It has been designed in such a way that it will go round the six geopolitical zones of the country and as close as local government areas, so that people who want to register will not have to go too far from the their houses,” she asserted.

Stressing that the devices are hand-held easy to handle, even at the end, the country will have an authentic data base for use subsequently.

She said the conditions for registration are biometrics and identification card, stressing that the reason for the biometrics is to check double registration, explaining that for existing subscribers a time limit of six months has been agreed.

“If we have about 69 million subscribers today it will take six months to complete the registration while that of new subscribers is ongoing and will be done by the operators,” she said.

While allaying the fears of people with more than one telephone lines, Mrs. Emakpore said “if you are entering the next time with the same biometrics, same information for another number it will allow you but when you want to distort the information it will not allow you.”

On likely inconveniences, she said as far as national security is concerned the benefit of SIM registration far outweighs the inconvenience to be suffered in the process, maintaining that the security of the information of subscribers is assured, but for anybody to have access to the data base, the process entails formal written application endorsed by at least an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

“So, your information will not be on the street for everybody to have access to, so you are rest assured,” he said.

Also speaking the presiding chairman at the parliament and president, Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, noted that the benefits of the exercise far outweigh the likely inconveniencies, while enjoining Nigerians to embrace the exercise.

He said the expected delay in registration should not be seen as a hindrance, stressing that the technology is available and all that is now needed is the political will to implement.

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Starcomms bags corporate excellence award

One of the leading Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators in the country, Starcomms Plc, was recently honoured by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) with the corporate excellence award.

The ceremony which took place in Abuja, penultimate Thursday, was part of the activities marking the 2009 Press Week of the Abuja council of NUJ.

The citation on Starcomms at the event by the NUJ awards committee, indicated that the telecommunications operator was nominated into the category was based on the “published and reported matters on the activities and developments of Starcomms over the past years.”

The committee also said that Starcomms deserved the award because the company has “consistently pursued set goals designed to better the lot of Nigerians through quality jobs, providing needed infrastructure and related facilities for fast-tracking the development of the country”

Starcomms, the only publicly quoted telecommunication company in the country, has been at the forefront of giving back to the society as a corporate entity. The company has created hundreds of entrepreneurs nationwide.

The company has also been a pillar of support to the Nigerian Police, having provided the public relations office of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters with free Internet access for two years running now to help the office handle official messages and general complaints emanating from the public nationwide. This is sequel to the company’s provision in 2008, a complete computer with Starcomms izap to the Force.

Responding to the gesture of the NUJ, the Chief Executive Officer of Starcomms Plc, Maher Qubain said “We at Starcomms are very glad that our efforts all over the country are being noticed especially by those whose business has been to monitor the society and give a fair report on the activities of all.”

Starcomms, he said, receive the award with all sense of responsibility and still commit itself to the continuous provision of innovative telecommunication services to Nigerians.

The NUJ award is coming at the heels of the recent harvest of awards by Starcomms at the 2009 edition of the Nigeria Information Technology and Telecommunication Awards (NITTA). At NITTA Maher Qubain, the company’s CEO was adjudged the Nigerian Telecom CEO of the year 2009’.

The company won the ‘Best CDMA Operator of the year 2009’ award while Starcomms’ broadband internet services product & services ‘iZAP’ also won for the second time NIITA’s ‘Best Internet Product of the year 2009’.

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MultiChoice Africa exceeds 1m subscriber-base

The subscriber-base of the continent’s pay-TV operator, MultiChoice Africa, has exceeded 1 million, according to its newly appointed President, Mr. Collins Khumalo.

As said by him, this is a significant milestone, which the pay-TV operator would love to sustain and even grow.

“We are well on track to achieve further growth with the introduction of new satellite technology early next year,” he said, stressing that this feat reflects the resilience of pay TV in tough economic conditions.

Mr. Khumalo, who recently took over from Eben Greyling as MultiChoice Africa President, is expected to provide strategic leadership as the company moves to the next stage of its development.

Greyling has since taken over as Head, pay-TV platforms at MultiChoice Africa’s parent company MIH.

A seasoned executive with a comprehensive track record at MultiChoice Africa’s operations around the continent, Khumalo expressed resolve to sustain the company’s strategic focus of investing in people, supporting the development of small businesses, technology and local content.

Khumalo emphasized that despite the tough operating environment following the global financial crisis, MultiChoice Africa’s growth in subscriber numbers is gratifying, just as he attributed this to the rich and diverse range of world class channels, as well as the variety of affordable DStv bouquet options.

“DStv provides some of the best television entertainment worldwide. It is an affordable and attractive option, catering for the whole family.” Khumalo asserted.

Operating in 48 sub-Saharan countries, Khumalo noted MultiChoice’s investments on the continent on satellite infrastructure, digital technology and new channels, focus ultimately on improving the DStv subscribers’ experience.

To this end, he said, MultiChoice recently rolled out High Definition Personal Video Recorders (HD PVRs), allowing subscribers more control of their viewing though added functionality such as recording, rewinding and pausing live television, allowing viewers and watch programming at their own convenience.

“Through our key channels we will continue to invest in content made in Africa for Africa, in new technology, in skills development and in developing our people to ensure that we continue to deliver exceptional value for our subscribers,” he said, reiterating the commitment of MultiChoice Africa.

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Systemspecs wins award @ ‘09 NITMA

Leading Nigerian software house, SystemSpecs, was at the weekend named the ‘Software Company of the Year’ at the National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA) organized by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) in Lagos.

Commenting after receiving the award, the Managing Director, SystemSpecs, Mr. John Obaro, said his firm is humbled by the recognition.

“We are humbled by this recognition especially when it is coming from your industry and colleagues, it certainly says alot. SystemSpecs would continue to put her best foot forward at all times. We will also continue to strive for excellence in all that we do to protect the integrity of the award and the industry. We thank the NCS for this honour,” he said.

Head, Brand and Marketing at SystemSpecs, Mr. Moses Braimah, said that the firm is leading e-Payment, financial and human capital management software solutions providers, with over 200 clients that cuts across various sectors of the Nigerian economy and the larger African market.

NITMA is an award designed by NCS to acknowledge, celebrate and reward outstanding corporate organizations and individuals in Nigeria who have played major roles in the development and growth of Information Technology.

Some of the distinguished guests present at the ceremony were; Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Science and Technology; Prof. Cleopas Angaye, Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency; Mr. Ibrahim Tihze, President of Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria; Prof Charles Uwadia, President of NCS; Dr. Chris Uwaje, President of Institute of Software Practitioners among others.


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LASIMRA, Glo enter deal on fibre optic deployment

The second national operator (SNO), Globacom and the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA) have entered deal on modalities for the execution of its Glo1 optic fibre cable project around the centre of excellence.

The deal was struck last week in Lagos, following the announcement on the landing of Glo1 submarine cable in September and subsequent readiness of Glo to lay its fibre cable across the country for broadband service penetration as earlier promised with particular reference to Lagos State and its environs.

ICTRealms Online recalls that LASIMRA is the agency responsible for the regulation and maintenance of telecom infrastructure in Lagos, which covers the granting of right of ways for underground cable laying in Lagos metropolis.

The outcome of the deal as confirmed by the General Manager, LASIMRA, Mr. Joe Igbokwe showed that key decisions reached include the modalities for utilising the permit to execute optic fibre cable project in Lagos, which was granted to Globacom recently by the State Government.

Both LASIMRA and Glo1 also agreed that the project should be executed at minimal pain to the citizenry of the state, and that in deploying the value of the permit, any damage to the state infrastructure such as roads and existing underground facilities of service providers should be avoided in the interest of all.

Mr. Igbokwe said LASIMRA would monitor the project closely and requested Globacom to forward its work plan to the agency ahead of the commencement of the project.

It was agreed that LASIMRA should publish the project in all national dailies to intimate and seek the cooperation of all and sundry.

Just as Globacom should simultaneously at not more than three project sites at a time so as to minimize the attendant pain to the public, for ease of traffic management and for effective monitoring of project execution by LASIMRA officials.

“It is expected that LASIMRA should mount its site boards at the project site, so as to stamp its authority on the project,” Igbokwe explained.

Other deal reached at the meeting included that none excavation across roads; execution of overnight project be carried out in critical high traffic areas so as not to compound the chaotic traffic situation in such areas; deploying trial pits before embarking on wholesale excavation of project sites will enable confirmation of the existence of underground facilities such as telecom and electric cables, water and gas pipes.

This, he further said, will help to avoid damaging them and the active involvement of LASIMRA in attendant road reinstatement works, upon project completion, so as to ensure standard.

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Akwa Ibom, 3i Mobile talk on free unlimited calls

PLANS to make Akwa Ibom State the toast in Information and Communication Technology before the end of next year is ongoing as talks between 3i Mobile and the Akwa Ibom State government is expected to lead to the state being the first in the country where people can make free unlimited cellular telephone calls.

ICTRealms Online gathered that 3iMobile is negotiating to deploy the first 4G-capable cellular network that would be available free in two stages, according to a press statement made available to correspondent. (signed by who)

In the first stage, which is due in mid 2010, all state civil servants will be able to make free calls between themselves in the state and extremely inexpensive calls within Nigeria to other networks.

“Due to network architecture and interconnect tariff rates, international calls will be as low as two naira per minute to most European, Asian and North American countries and slightly higher to other regions,” part of the press statement read.

In the second phase, due early 2011, 3i Mobile will roll out its 4G network across the state with a basket of free minutes to the citizens with extra minutes at a small premium.

The statement also said 3iMobile has already demonstrated a live system to the Nigerian army for use in times of conflict, enabling it to shut down existing networks and operate a secure network.

ICTRealms Online also gathered the system is in use by the London Metropolitan Police and was recently used during the last London terrorist bombing.

The system has also been demonstrated at the University of Lagos to enable students call each other without incurring cellular charges.

3i Mobile’s network is completely green technology with the base stations to be deployed by Koyanda Company utilizes solar and wind power thereby eliminating the expensive cost of diesel which drives up the cost of service.

3i Mobile’s network is called a disruptive technology because it challenges incumbents with the capability of transforming the entire mobile cellular business.

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Frenszo Voice Chat debuts on Glo

The second national operator, Globacom, has unveiled phone chat service named ‘Frenszo Voice Chat’ reports REMMY NWEKE.

This, the telcom said, has been designed as an exclusive social networking service for Glo subscribers.

The service enables registered subscribers to find and make friends on the chat service based on defined profiles.

Head, Value Added Services (VAS) at Glo, Mr. Samson Isa, said, Frenszo Voice Chat is a unique, innovative and interesting platform for people to meet like -minded friends with similar interest from any region in Nigeria and stay in touch.

He explained that in order to activate the service, a subscriber needs to dial the short code 547, follow the voice prompt and listen to the pre-recorded profile of other users on the system.

To enjoy the full features of the service, subscribers are advised especially for the first time users to register their profile on the chat engine by recording short and interesting information about themselves.

“Frenszo Voice Chat is a top rated chat service that allows for anonymous conversation in a secure environment with spam and abusive language control,” he said, stressing that the chat could also be done through Short Messaging Service (SMS).

“Once registered, the subscriber can manage his account, edit his profile, block/unblock any friend’s chat ID, edit search criteria and or opt for regional chat rooms. All these contribute to making the Frenszo Voice Chat the most robust and dynamic chat service available,” he said.

The service, according to Mr. Isa, was launched after a thorough User Acceptance Testing (UAT) conducted over the last few weeks by the relevant stakeholders.

This, he said, was to ensure that all subscribers who use the service have a hitch free and memorable user experience.

Isa pointed that the SMS version of the service has been enjoying tremendous patronage with an average of 200,000 hits per day.


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Zinox bags IT excellence prize @ NITMA-09

Acclaimed first internationally certified branded computers, Zinox Technologies Limited, last week in Lagos bagged the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) organized ‘IT Excellence Award.’

The former Minister of Petroleum and a renowned pioneer of the Information Technology (IT) sector in country, Chief Don Etiebet, while presenting the award, said it was for overall achievement and sustained growth in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

Zinox Technologies presently rated the largest IT group in sub-Saharan Africa has won most local and international awards in the sector, especially for pioneering the certified Nigerian computer brand with the first ever Naira keyboard.

Presently, rated the second largest selling computer brand in Nigeria, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC), among international brands, Zinox is the largest partner for both Intel and Microsoft in Sub Saharan Africa.

Responding after the award, the chief operating officer (COO) of Zinox Technologies, Mr. Mr. Sunday Mukoro said the recognition is for creativity, pioneering, hard work and keeping faith with the digital development of the country.

He expressed gratitude to the leadership and members of NCS, for honoring Zinox, assuring that Zinox shall sustain its leadership position through research, products development, hard work and gave the hint that more IT initiatives shall unfold from the Zinox domain in the New Year -2010.

Mr. Mukoro urged the NCS to guard its award platform jealously to ensure that only true industry standards are established and sustained.

Zinox Computers which recently launched the most robust e–Learning suite in Africa and rated No.1 by World e-Library with over 750,000 books etc is the promoter of Digital Knowledge Democracy Project across Africa.

Zinox Computers through major national and international projects is the only computer brand that has penetrated every community and tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Zinox recently deployed e –learning suite with 100 laptops and internet facility in each of the select 120 secondary schools in Nigeria in a major national e- project sponsored by the Universal Service Providers Fund (USPF).


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ICANN seeks comment on new gTLD deal

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is inviting community participation in an open consultation regarding the proposed registry agreement for new gTLDs.

ICANN said in a press statement that meeting is being organized in response to a commitment made by Internet body at a session in Seoul recently to continue discussions with the community about open issues in the agreement, including the process for amending the agreement, aspects of registry services reviews and restrictions on registry operators' ability to distribute names through affiliated registrars.

The consultation, ICANN said, will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2010.
The statement also said a conference call Bridge and Adobe Connect access will be available for this discussion and all interested parties are encouraged to participate.


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