%20Taxation%20ethics,%20revenue%20neutrality%20&%20campaign%20finance%20paradox%20by%20Remmy%20Nweke%20-%20Telecoms%20Clinic@ITREALMS.jpg)
Poised to exercise its might on the continent, MTN Group, has finalised the acquisition process of Telecel Zambia, just as it has appointed Mr. Mike Blackburn as the chief executive of the telco.
The conclusion came following the approval from the regulatory authorities in Zambia.
Group Chief executive, MTN Group, Mr. Phuthuma Nhleko announced this development, expressing the venture holds positive growth within the MTN family.
“We are pleased that our acquisition of Telecel Zambia has been concluded as we believe the operation holds very positive growth prospects for the MTN Group," he said.
Stressing that MTN looks forward to commencing operations in Zambia and is confident that the expertise and approach to doing business on the continent will contribute effectively to the growth of the mobile industry in Zambia.
He also declared the appointment of Mr. Blackburn, as Chief Executive Officer for the Zambian operation. He was formerly chief financial officer at MTN Uganda.
ITrealms recollects that few weeks ago MTN Group had announced the acquisition of the 51 per cent stake in Lottery Telecom, trading under the name Telecel Cote d’Ivoire, in the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire.
While the former chief executive officer of MTN Cameroon, Mr. Ron Allard, is the chief executive officer of Telecel Cote d’Ivoire.
Group Executive: Corporate Affairs, MTN Group, Dr Yvonne Muthien, in a press statement made available to ITrealms, said, additionally, the group has appointed Ms SB Mtshali as its company secretary with effective from 1 August 2005.
It is anticipated that all these culminate to the recent acquisition of a 51 per cent share in Telecel Cote d’Ivoire, and the acquisition of Telecel Zambia increases the MTN Group’s operations to eight on the continent.
MTN Group has presence South Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Rwanda and Swaziland.
With the latest acquisitions MTN Group’s now has a total subscriber base above 18 million.
Featured post @ITREALMS
Friday, August 12, 2005
Vmobile commences phone-fix service with 1yr warranty
Leading Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) network, Vmobile Nigeria, has commenced a one-year handset warranty and after sales service to cell phones purchased at any of its numerous authorised trade partners and Vstores nationwide.
This, Vmobile said was introduced as part of its determination to continuously delight its customers and add value to services available on the network.
Fixing of phones bought from the company is also to attract service charge of N500. In addition, the operator said the introduction was aimed at helping Vmobile customers derive the best benefit from their phones and remain in touch.
Head of Events, Sponsorship and Public Relations at Vmobile Nigeria, Mr. Obinna Ariwodo, said the warranty service covers manufacturer’s defect usually refer to as out of box failure and faults that occur within 12 months of the purchase of the phone.
He said that under the warranty plan, handsets that develop fault within seven days of purchase will be replaced free of charge, whereas handsets that developed fault within 12 months of purchase will be repaired, all subject to manufacturer/Vmobile’s Standard Warranty Terms and Conditions as outlined in the Cell phone Guide enclosed in the phone pack.
"Any faulty handset would only be replaced at the original point of purchase and should be accompanied by the warranty card and invoice obtained, detailing the make, model, IMEI number and date of purchase of the handset," he said.
Subscribers and potential subscribers alike, he advised, should look out for the warranty stickers at the point of purchase each time they want to procure new phone.
He explained, however, that warranty will not apply if there are signs of customisation, misuse, physical damage, liquid damage or abuse on the handset.
Mr. Ariwodo also said that while purchasing handsets from any of Vmobile’s authorized outlets, customers are to ensure that the handset has a one-year warranty sticker on the handset package and that all accessories, manual, and user guide supplied by the manufacturer are intact.
"The subscriber should also ensure that the handset is tested in the presence of customer care agent, to ensure that it is in perfect condition, and that the Warranty card attached to the Cell phone guide is completed and a copy kept properly," he said.
Subscribers should be informed that warranty repairs will attract administrative charge of N500 only and that the warranty service is limited to handsets purchased from Vstores and authorized trade partners’ outlets that are used on the Vmobile network.
This, Vmobile said was introduced as part of its determination to continuously delight its customers and add value to services available on the network.
Fixing of phones bought from the company is also to attract service charge of N500. In addition, the operator said the introduction was aimed at helping Vmobile customers derive the best benefit from their phones and remain in touch.
Head of Events, Sponsorship and Public Relations at Vmobile Nigeria, Mr. Obinna Ariwodo, said the warranty service covers manufacturer’s defect usually refer to as out of box failure and faults that occur within 12 months of the purchase of the phone.
He said that under the warranty plan, handsets that develop fault within seven days of purchase will be replaced free of charge, whereas handsets that developed fault within 12 months of purchase will be repaired, all subject to manufacturer/Vmobile’s Standard Warranty Terms and Conditions as outlined in the Cell phone Guide enclosed in the phone pack.
"Any faulty handset would only be replaced at the original point of purchase and should be accompanied by the warranty card and invoice obtained, detailing the make, model, IMEI number and date of purchase of the handset," he said.
Subscribers and potential subscribers alike, he advised, should look out for the warranty stickers at the point of purchase each time they want to procure new phone.
He explained, however, that warranty will not apply if there are signs of customisation, misuse, physical damage, liquid damage or abuse on the handset.
Mr. Ariwodo also said that while purchasing handsets from any of Vmobile’s authorized outlets, customers are to ensure that the handset has a one-year warranty sticker on the handset package and that all accessories, manual, and user guide supplied by the manufacturer are intact.
"The subscriber should also ensure that the handset is tested in the presence of customer care agent, to ensure that it is in perfect condition, and that the Warranty card attached to the Cell phone guide is completed and a copy kept properly," he said.
Subscribers should be informed that warranty repairs will attract administrative charge of N500 only and that the warranty service is limited to handsets purchased from Vstores and authorized trade partners’ outlets that are used on the Vmobile network.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
NCC boss tasks stakeholders on corporate governance
EXECUTIVE Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, has outlined the importance of corporate governance in the telecom sector, tasking stakeholders to join forces to ensure that the battle to entrench this in the industry becomes meaningful.
Dr. Ndukwe was addressing audience at a one-day seminar with the theme ‘Telecommunications; Challenges of Corporate Governance’ held in Lagos Thursday.
The seminar was organized by a non-governmental organization made up of ICT stakeholders, known as the Joint Action Committee on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Awareness and Development (JACITAD).
He said that in order to sustain the current gains of the telecommunications industry in the last four years, and even propel more benefits for all stakeholders.
“Operating companies in the communications industry should have good corporate governance and approach to business must be the goal,” he said.
This, he noted has become imperative so as to engender trust among and between companies operating in the market.
“It also makes the job of the regulatory agencies easier and enhances the confidence of the consumer,” the NCC boss said.
According to him, half measure delivers half returns and half trust delivers half prospects, therefore, he charging industry operatives, saying, “Only full dedication to international best practices in corporate governance will guarantee sustainable development of the telecommunications industry”.
The EVC who presided over the occasion attended by the likes of the President of the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) and EVC, Teledom Group, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, chieftain of the African Internet Service Providers Association (AfriSPA) and Managing Director, PiNet Nigeria, Mr. Lanre Ajayi, as well as the immediate past president of the Information Technology Industry Association of Nigeria (ITAN), Mr. Titi Omo-Ettu of The Executive Cyberschuul, among others, noted that the nation, has attracted global attention because of the tremendous growth that has occurred within the ICT industry in the last few years.
These, he said, include fully liberalized sector, an annual growth of over 100 per cent in subscriber base, innovative approach to regulation and policy as well as using global rather than Africa for benchmarking.
“This has resulted in the generation of close to 16 million lines, stable competition due multiple operators and choice of network.
Earlier in his welcome address, President of JACITAD, Mr. Biyi Fashoyin, has noted that in spite of the monumental gains of the sector, which is all-pervasive, poor corporate governance has caused most operators to become distressed and operationally comatose.
“Various issues like boardroom squabbles, unfavourable government policies, interconnect debts, bad power infrastructures and a lot of problems have been adduced as reasons for poor corporate governance in the polity,” he said.
Dr. Ndukwe was addressing audience at a one-day seminar with the theme ‘Telecommunications; Challenges of Corporate Governance’ held in Lagos Thursday.
The seminar was organized by a non-governmental organization made up of ICT stakeholders, known as the Joint Action Committee on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Awareness and Development (JACITAD).
He said that in order to sustain the current gains of the telecommunications industry in the last four years, and even propel more benefits for all stakeholders.
“Operating companies in the communications industry should have good corporate governance and approach to business must be the goal,” he said.
This, he noted has become imperative so as to engender trust among and between companies operating in the market.
“It also makes the job of the regulatory agencies easier and enhances the confidence of the consumer,” the NCC boss said.
According to him, half measure delivers half returns and half trust delivers half prospects, therefore, he charging industry operatives, saying, “Only full dedication to international best practices in corporate governance will guarantee sustainable development of the telecommunications industry”.
The EVC who presided over the occasion attended by the likes of the President of the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) and EVC, Teledom Group, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, chieftain of the African Internet Service Providers Association (AfriSPA) and Managing Director, PiNet Nigeria, Mr. Lanre Ajayi, as well as the immediate past president of the Information Technology Industry Association of Nigeria (ITAN), Mr. Titi Omo-Ettu of The Executive Cyberschuul, among others, noted that the nation, has attracted global attention because of the tremendous growth that has occurred within the ICT industry in the last few years.
These, he said, include fully liberalized sector, an annual growth of over 100 per cent in subscriber base, innovative approach to regulation and policy as well as using global rather than Africa for benchmarking.
“This has resulted in the generation of close to 16 million lines, stable competition due multiple operators and choice of network.
Earlier in his welcome address, President of JACITAD, Mr. Biyi Fashoyin, has noted that in spite of the monumental gains of the sector, which is all-pervasive, poor corporate governance has caused most operators to become distressed and operationally comatose.
“Various issues like boardroom squabbles, unfavourable government policies, interconnect debts, bad power infrastructures and a lot of problems have been adduced as reasons for poor corporate governance in the polity,” he said.
Debt relief: Stakeholders demand 50% for ICT
Features:
The recent debt relief granted the nation is a welcome development, but experts are advocating for a certain percentage saved to be set aside for backbone development of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), reports REMMY NWEKE.
UNITIL Thursday, June 30, this year, Nigeria was still owing the Paris Club of creditors about $30 billion despite the servicing of the debt over the years stretching in excess of a decade.
It came as good news to every Nigerian that the Paris Club has shifted its stand after persistent pressure from the current government and precisely the Finance Minister, Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, among other stakeholders.
Announcing the development in Abuja, the finance minister noted that after its recent meeting on Wednesday, June 29, 2005, the creditors agreed to give Nigeria debt relief, and this action is appreciated.
According to the official website of the Presidential Research and Communications Unit (PRCU) ‘www.nigeriafirst.org’, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala, was quoted as saying the gesture was wonderful.
“It gives us a chance to start on a clean slate without the heavy baggage of debt undermining our development” she acknowledged, noting however that it was an outcome of a long, hard battle Mr. President initiated in April 1999 after his election. This, she said, was intensified with the President’s appointment of an economic team led by the Minister of Finance to oversee the economic reform process. The implementation of the economic reform programme provided the strong anchor for the renewed efforts of the government to persuade the creditors to listen to the nation’s case for debt relief, hence representing a historic achievement.
However, the terms of agreement with the Paris Club, the minister disclosed include that the nation would clear arrears of about $6 billion on its $30 billion Paris Club debt, following which there would be a stock reduction on Naples terms and a buy-back of the remainder in order to provide an exit from the Paris Club.
Nigeria is reportedly owing the rest of the world estimated total of $35bn, out of which $30 is owed the 19-nation member Paris Club, despite not receiving any loan since 1992.
She explained that the entire new package is such that the nation expects debt relief of about 60 per cent on the current Paris Club debt, and is expected to pay off the balance of about 40 per cent through a buy-back operation.
In addition, this attempt represents a write-off of close to $18 billion for Nigeria, which compares favourably with the $40 billion write-off for 18 low-income heavily indebted countries out of which 14 are Africans.
“We appreciate the efforts of all internal and external actors who joined hands with us to make this a reality. We particularly want to appreciate the efforts of the National Assembly and various national and international NGOs, student groups, multilateral institutions and of course the media,” she asserted.
The highlights of the agreement, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said, comprises that Paris Club recognizes Nigeria’s implementation of its home-grown reform programme under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) intensified surveillance as a legitimate instrument that fulfills the requirements for debt relief.
She said the achievement would now be summarized in a new instrument modeled on Nigeria, known as Policy Support Instrument (PSI) and based on the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), which is a home grown programme, even as they have been invited to conduct detailed negotiations and finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Paris Club next month, September.
Throwing more light on the relief, the minister said the reclassification of the nation into an International Development Association (IDA) only status; which allowed Nigeria to be eligible for consideration for Naples terms, that is, the more generous debt relief package reserved only for lower income countries that show good performance on reforms.
Also, the eligibility was based on the need to invest in education, health, agriculture, water and power, of which all are related to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and working in alliance with the likes of the World Bank and IMF, Nigeria reportedly argued its case successfully for the use of debt service funds to enable it invest in these important areas, which are critical to the well being of the nation.
The minister further said that as a result, beginning from next year’s budget, an additional $1 billion will be invested in aforementioned areas, revealing that a system to track MDG-related expenditure and link it to results on the ground has been developed and the President has inaugurated a commission chaired by him to monitor it quarterly.
On the other hand, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) experts reacted to this development, canvassing for reinvesting of about 50 per cent of the total $18 billion, about N2,446,289,978,027.33, to be saved thereof, should be strictly devoted to the infrastructural development of the nation in power and information technology.
Leading the campaign, the immediate past president of the Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria (ITAN) and chairman, Connect Technologies Limited, Mr. Chris Uwaje, advised President Olusegun Obasanjo to reinvest 50 per cent of the secured debt relief gains into power/energy infrastructure and Information Technology (IT).
He described these sectors as core engines that would drive and sustain the economic development and wealth creation agenda. Stressing this has become imperative given the new vision of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) led by its newly appointed Director-General, Prof. Cleopas Officer Angaye.
Mr. Uwaje who also is the chairman, events and trade services committee at the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), said, the new vision tends toward establishing formidable Information Technology foundation in the polity.
“This also presupposes that NITDA needs a robust operational structure for the attainment of the estimated net-in target,” he asserted. Noting that the vision needed resources to fortify and sustain the implementation processes, just as he observed IT represents and remained the last hope of the continent to regain her lost glory in the evolution of human civilization.
Therefore, Nigeria being central to this solution, must embrace IT holistically via implementations. Warning, though, that missions and visions of the African Union (AU), New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), NEEDS and its state’s counterparts, SEEDS may not succeed without IT knowledge base empowered by political will and legislative mechanism.
Chief executive of Kontemporary Komputers Ltd, Abuja, and current National Vice President ITAN, Mr. Jimson Olufuye, while acknowledging the relief as a good thing for the nation’s socio-economic development, said that definitely a good percentage of about 50 per cent of the savings should be devoted in IT infrastructure and the computerisation of Nigerian primary and secondary schools.
United Kingdom based consultant in telecommunications technologies, Prof. Augustine Odinma, affirmed that the debt relief, was a good achievement by the government, but is worried on how this savings would be spent beyond allocation.
“My concern is how the savings are spent. Yes, ICT is one area that would be very essential not only in bridging the digital divide, but that of bridging the poverty line, which the NEPAD initiative is supposed to eradicate.
The visiting professor of several universities both in the UK and United States as well as Nigeria, said “IT is closer to the people, irrespective of where the people are, it would lead to effective access into the information superhighway, which is inevitable for effective research for our university lecturers and students.”
He also benchmarked research as the mother of all developments and Nigerian students are the future of the nation, therefore, “the only thing that could enhance the empowerment of our young people in an unprecedented way is ICT and so a major chunk of the savings should go into ICT infrastructural development”.
He maintained that in order to achieve any meaningful ICT initiative that will touch many, backbone problem must be addressed, even as he enjoined the government to make backbone its priority on how to spend the gains of the relief.
According to him, since IT would transform the lives of many in an unprecedented way, it would be money well spent if about half the amount goes into ICT, which he concurred with Mr. Uwaje would then be money indirectly used to support the government NEEDS and NEPAD initiatives as well as the MDGs.
For the President, Nigerian IT Professionals in the Americas (NITPA) and Vice President, AfriHub Inc of United States, Prof. Manny Aniebonam, the relief is a welcome development for all Nigerians for the fact that it should not have been accumulated in the first place and blamed it on excessive spending and abuse in the past, as well as on draconian policies and dependency on foreign human resources.
He lauded government for achieving this far and realizing that capacity building is the key to future development, he also warned that spending millions of dollars a month on sourcing foreign specialized skills will lead to more debt in the future.
“The nation would gain more if such investment is made, with such percentage and annual savings directed at mandatory IT training for all university and polytechnic students in the nation’s tertiary institutions,” he declared, pointing out that without fundamental education in IT, the nation may continue in a spiral of debt and seeking of more forgiveness in the future.
Prof. Aniebonam also said that when this vote is eventually approved, “it should be utilised in building the national telecommunications backbone, training of both students, teachers, rural women and development of the power supply system.
Although ICT was not specifically listed in the core sectors to benefit from the relief largesse, it is important that as we develop the power sector, ICT backbone as suggested by experts should be made the basis for the utilization of the fund, so as to be able to empower rural dwellers especially women and children.
This is because any mistake in leaving out this area would further take the nation backward rather than forward, whereas all the enlisted sectors are quite relevant too.
Analysts are keenly watching to see how the government would take this option in spite of its vowed commitment to the ICT industry, even though there are fears that the political class would still mismanage the fund if care is not taken.
The recent debt relief granted the nation is a welcome development, but experts are advocating for a certain percentage saved to be set aside for backbone development of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), reports REMMY NWEKE.
UNITIL Thursday, June 30, this year, Nigeria was still owing the Paris Club of creditors about $30 billion despite the servicing of the debt over the years stretching in excess of a decade.
It came as good news to every Nigerian that the Paris Club has shifted its stand after persistent pressure from the current government and precisely the Finance Minister, Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, among other stakeholders.
Announcing the development in Abuja, the finance minister noted that after its recent meeting on Wednesday, June 29, 2005, the creditors agreed to give Nigeria debt relief, and this action is appreciated.
According to the official website of the Presidential Research and Communications Unit (PRCU) ‘www.nigeriafirst.org’, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala, was quoted as saying the gesture was wonderful.
“It gives us a chance to start on a clean slate without the heavy baggage of debt undermining our development” she acknowledged, noting however that it was an outcome of a long, hard battle Mr. President initiated in April 1999 after his election. This, she said, was intensified with the President’s appointment of an economic team led by the Minister of Finance to oversee the economic reform process. The implementation of the economic reform programme provided the strong anchor for the renewed efforts of the government to persuade the creditors to listen to the nation’s case for debt relief, hence representing a historic achievement.
However, the terms of agreement with the Paris Club, the minister disclosed include that the nation would clear arrears of about $6 billion on its $30 billion Paris Club debt, following which there would be a stock reduction on Naples terms and a buy-back of the remainder in order to provide an exit from the Paris Club.
Nigeria is reportedly owing the rest of the world estimated total of $35bn, out of which $30 is owed the 19-nation member Paris Club, despite not receiving any loan since 1992.
She explained that the entire new package is such that the nation expects debt relief of about 60 per cent on the current Paris Club debt, and is expected to pay off the balance of about 40 per cent through a buy-back operation.
In addition, this attempt represents a write-off of close to $18 billion for Nigeria, which compares favourably with the $40 billion write-off for 18 low-income heavily indebted countries out of which 14 are Africans.
“We appreciate the efforts of all internal and external actors who joined hands with us to make this a reality. We particularly want to appreciate the efforts of the National Assembly and various national and international NGOs, student groups, multilateral institutions and of course the media,” she asserted.
The highlights of the agreement, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said, comprises that Paris Club recognizes Nigeria’s implementation of its home-grown reform programme under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) intensified surveillance as a legitimate instrument that fulfills the requirements for debt relief.
She said the achievement would now be summarized in a new instrument modeled on Nigeria, known as Policy Support Instrument (PSI) and based on the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), which is a home grown programme, even as they have been invited to conduct detailed negotiations and finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Paris Club next month, September.
Throwing more light on the relief, the minister said the reclassification of the nation into an International Development Association (IDA) only status; which allowed Nigeria to be eligible for consideration for Naples terms, that is, the more generous debt relief package reserved only for lower income countries that show good performance on reforms.
Also, the eligibility was based on the need to invest in education, health, agriculture, water and power, of which all are related to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and working in alliance with the likes of the World Bank and IMF, Nigeria reportedly argued its case successfully for the use of debt service funds to enable it invest in these important areas, which are critical to the well being of the nation.
The minister further said that as a result, beginning from next year’s budget, an additional $1 billion will be invested in aforementioned areas, revealing that a system to track MDG-related expenditure and link it to results on the ground has been developed and the President has inaugurated a commission chaired by him to monitor it quarterly.
On the other hand, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) experts reacted to this development, canvassing for reinvesting of about 50 per cent of the total $18 billion, about N2,446,289,978,027.33, to be saved thereof, should be strictly devoted to the infrastructural development of the nation in power and information technology.
Leading the campaign, the immediate past president of the Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria (ITAN) and chairman, Connect Technologies Limited, Mr. Chris Uwaje, advised President Olusegun Obasanjo to reinvest 50 per cent of the secured debt relief gains into power/energy infrastructure and Information Technology (IT).
He described these sectors as core engines that would drive and sustain the economic development and wealth creation agenda. Stressing this has become imperative given the new vision of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) led by its newly appointed Director-General, Prof. Cleopas Officer Angaye.
Mr. Uwaje who also is the chairman, events and trade services committee at the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), said, the new vision tends toward establishing formidable Information Technology foundation in the polity.
“This also presupposes that NITDA needs a robust operational structure for the attainment of the estimated net-in target,” he asserted. Noting that the vision needed resources to fortify and sustain the implementation processes, just as he observed IT represents and remained the last hope of the continent to regain her lost glory in the evolution of human civilization.
Therefore, Nigeria being central to this solution, must embrace IT holistically via implementations. Warning, though, that missions and visions of the African Union (AU), New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), NEEDS and its state’s counterparts, SEEDS may not succeed without IT knowledge base empowered by political will and legislative mechanism.
Chief executive of Kontemporary Komputers Ltd, Abuja, and current National Vice President ITAN, Mr. Jimson Olufuye, while acknowledging the relief as a good thing for the nation’s socio-economic development, said that definitely a good percentage of about 50 per cent of the savings should be devoted in IT infrastructure and the computerisation of Nigerian primary and secondary schools.
United Kingdom based consultant in telecommunications technologies, Prof. Augustine Odinma, affirmed that the debt relief, was a good achievement by the government, but is worried on how this savings would be spent beyond allocation.
“My concern is how the savings are spent. Yes, ICT is one area that would be very essential not only in bridging the digital divide, but that of bridging the poverty line, which the NEPAD initiative is supposed to eradicate.
The visiting professor of several universities both in the UK and United States as well as Nigeria, said “IT is closer to the people, irrespective of where the people are, it would lead to effective access into the information superhighway, which is inevitable for effective research for our university lecturers and students.”
He also benchmarked research as the mother of all developments and Nigerian students are the future of the nation, therefore, “the only thing that could enhance the empowerment of our young people in an unprecedented way is ICT and so a major chunk of the savings should go into ICT infrastructural development”.
He maintained that in order to achieve any meaningful ICT initiative that will touch many, backbone problem must be addressed, even as he enjoined the government to make backbone its priority on how to spend the gains of the relief.
According to him, since IT would transform the lives of many in an unprecedented way, it would be money well spent if about half the amount goes into ICT, which he concurred with Mr. Uwaje would then be money indirectly used to support the government NEEDS and NEPAD initiatives as well as the MDGs.
For the President, Nigerian IT Professionals in the Americas (NITPA) and Vice President, AfriHub Inc of United States, Prof. Manny Aniebonam, the relief is a welcome development for all Nigerians for the fact that it should not have been accumulated in the first place and blamed it on excessive spending and abuse in the past, as well as on draconian policies and dependency on foreign human resources.
He lauded government for achieving this far and realizing that capacity building is the key to future development, he also warned that spending millions of dollars a month on sourcing foreign specialized skills will lead to more debt in the future.
“The nation would gain more if such investment is made, with such percentage and annual savings directed at mandatory IT training for all university and polytechnic students in the nation’s tertiary institutions,” he declared, pointing out that without fundamental education in IT, the nation may continue in a spiral of debt and seeking of more forgiveness in the future.
Prof. Aniebonam also said that when this vote is eventually approved, “it should be utilised in building the national telecommunications backbone, training of both students, teachers, rural women and development of the power supply system.
Although ICT was not specifically listed in the core sectors to benefit from the relief largesse, it is important that as we develop the power sector, ICT backbone as suggested by experts should be made the basis for the utilization of the fund, so as to be able to empower rural dwellers especially women and children.
This is because any mistake in leaving out this area would further take the nation backward rather than forward, whereas all the enlisted sectors are quite relevant too.
Analysts are keenly watching to see how the government would take this option in spite of its vowed commitment to the ICT industry, even though there are fears that the political class would still mismanage the fund if care is not taken.
Our QoS is of global standard – VGC
MANAGEMENT of VGC, leading wire line telecommunications operator in the country has declared that its quality of service (QoS) is of global standard.
Speaking through its General Manager, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, Champion Infotel was told that the telco offering is comparable any where in the world.
“I am proud to say that our quality of service is comparable to the best in the world,” he declared.
This, he said, was based on VGC’s deployment of a Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) in all the places the company has its operations nationwide, while supporting this with laying of relevant fibre optic cables.
On VGC plans for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, the general manager said, the network is growing in FCT with over 2,000 subscribers currently.
He disclosed that VGC plans to extend to the satellite towns around the FCT.
“We’re talking with relevant authorities,” Mr. Adebayo assured.
He also said that as of today, VGC is operating at Apapa, a Lagos suburb known for its import/export activities.
Noting that VGC is investing in infrastructure and youth development, because the telco believes that by engaging the youth means building on the future of the company and industry at large.
In addition, he said this, would pay-off during the time for maintenance of the infrastructure on ground today.
His firm, Mr. Adebayo said has over 18 youth graduates engaged in the company at various levels, from data, internet to other department.
Champion Infotel recalls VGC has advanced plans to extend its services to Bayelsa and Calabar in the South-South region of the country.
Speaking through its General Manager, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, Champion Infotel was told that the telco offering is comparable any where in the world.
“I am proud to say that our quality of service is comparable to the best in the world,” he declared.
This, he said, was based on VGC’s deployment of a Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) in all the places the company has its operations nationwide, while supporting this with laying of relevant fibre optic cables.
On VGC plans for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, the general manager said, the network is growing in FCT with over 2,000 subscribers currently.
He disclosed that VGC plans to extend to the satellite towns around the FCT.
“We’re talking with relevant authorities,” Mr. Adebayo assured.
He also said that as of today, VGC is operating at Apapa, a Lagos suburb known for its import/export activities.
Noting that VGC is investing in infrastructure and youth development, because the telco believes that by engaging the youth means building on the future of the company and industry at large.
In addition, he said this, would pay-off during the time for maintenance of the infrastructure on ground today.
His firm, Mr. Adebayo said has over 18 youth graduates engaged in the company at various levels, from data, internet to other department.
Champion Infotel recalls VGC has advanced plans to extend its services to Bayelsa and Calabar in the South-South region of the country.
Uwaje predicts $10b growth in IT industry
IMMEDIATE past president of the Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria (ITAN), Mr. Chris Uwaje, has predicted that the new vision of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), under Prof. Cleopas Angaye, is capable of growing the IT industry into a $10 billion global enterprise in the next eight years.
Mr. Uwaje, who also is the chairman, Connect Technologies Limited, made this prediction while reacting to the recent pronouncement of the newly appointed Director General (DG) of NITDA, Prof. Angaye, entitled “My Vision of NITDA” in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
He projected that for this vision to be achieved, NITDA needs about $6 billion over the next eight years “to grow the IT industry into a $10 billion global enterprise”.
Mr. Uwaje explained that in order to actualize the new NITDA’s IT vision, anticipated to rake in about $4 billion annually, the agency needs estimated $6b over a period of eight years to lay the appropriate “formidable IT foundation”.
He described Prof. Angaye’s presentation as a summary on how IT could be conceptualized, designed, deployed and applied as a fundamental, innovative and creative instrument in all aspects of human endeavour.
Lauding the presentation, he noted that this was the first time a public officer has defined his vision on assumption of office, which he said, was professionally presented.
This, he said, is an indication of personal vision and professional understanding of the national IT policy for development.
He defined Prof. Angaye’s vision as knowledge (software) development centric, based on his believe to hinge it on an interdependent tripod of “Inter-Corporate capacity building, catalyst for national development and a continental, international and global IT player”.
Nigeria today, Mr. Uwaje said represents a huge, rich and enviable but pathetically unorganized system, which currently suffers from imperfect information system.
Lamenting that in Nigeria, each cluster of information operate almost independently without recourse to any interfacing electronic standards, linkages and feedback system.
Pointing out that this negates the fundamental principle of informatics, which is based on structured and interactive dependency of data and information.
He maintained that the aforementioned must co-exist, networked, integrated and seamlessly interact at various micro levels.
“As an inevitable data-transformation process, for generating meaningful knowledge, governed by carefully defined and organized national database standard”, he said.
According to him, this is the first time “a visible, quantifiable, transparent and multi-dimensional NITDA operational structure is packaged through strategic inclusive consultation with major stakeholders.
“Indeed, this is the first time NITDA is presenting a well-articulated and time-propelled executable programme, driven by international best practice standards,” he declared.
He, therefore, expressed optimism, that if the vision, is supported by all relevant stakeholders, the nation would be better for it.
Mr. Uwaje, who also is the chairman, Connect Technologies Limited, made this prediction while reacting to the recent pronouncement of the newly appointed Director General (DG) of NITDA, Prof. Angaye, entitled “My Vision of NITDA” in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
He projected that for this vision to be achieved, NITDA needs about $6 billion over the next eight years “to grow the IT industry into a $10 billion global enterprise”.
Mr. Uwaje explained that in order to actualize the new NITDA’s IT vision, anticipated to rake in about $4 billion annually, the agency needs estimated $6b over a period of eight years to lay the appropriate “formidable IT foundation”.
He described Prof. Angaye’s presentation as a summary on how IT could be conceptualized, designed, deployed and applied as a fundamental, innovative and creative instrument in all aspects of human endeavour.
Lauding the presentation, he noted that this was the first time a public officer has defined his vision on assumption of office, which he said, was professionally presented.
This, he said, is an indication of personal vision and professional understanding of the national IT policy for development.
He defined Prof. Angaye’s vision as knowledge (software) development centric, based on his believe to hinge it on an interdependent tripod of “Inter-Corporate capacity building, catalyst for national development and a continental, international and global IT player”.
Nigeria today, Mr. Uwaje said represents a huge, rich and enviable but pathetically unorganized system, which currently suffers from imperfect information system.
Lamenting that in Nigeria, each cluster of information operate almost independently without recourse to any interfacing electronic standards, linkages and feedback system.
Pointing out that this negates the fundamental principle of informatics, which is based on structured and interactive dependency of data and information.
He maintained that the aforementioned must co-exist, networked, integrated and seamlessly interact at various micro levels.
“As an inevitable data-transformation process, for generating meaningful knowledge, governed by carefully defined and organized national database standard”, he said.
According to him, this is the first time “a visible, quantifiable, transparent and multi-dimensional NITDA operational structure is packaged through strategic inclusive consultation with major stakeholders.
“Indeed, this is the first time NITDA is presenting a well-articulated and time-propelled executable programme, driven by international best practice standards,” he declared.
He, therefore, expressed optimism, that if the vision, is supported by all relevant stakeholders, the nation would be better for it.
Glo connects more communities in Niger Delta
GLOBAL System for Mobile communications (GSM) arm of the Second National Operator (SNO), Glo Mobile, has extended its offering to the people of Niger Delta, connecting several communities.
This the company said is one of its means of bringing telephony to more Nigerians.
Glo Mobile also said that residents of Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, could now communicate with themselves and with the outside world on the network, even as it has connected Ahoda and Omoku in the same state.
Ikot Ibeno in Akwa Ibom State is also now on the Glo Mobile network while travellers on the Aba-Port Harcourt road which links Aba, in Abia State, in the South East and Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State in the South-South geo-political region can also communicate on the Glo network on the highway.
The SNO further said, it is now live in over 10,000 communities and in over 375 towns and cities across the nation.
With this coverage attained under two years of roll out, Glo Mobile has achieved the fastest GSM spread on the continent.
Director of Marketing and Strategy at Globacom, Mr. Subhra Das, said the company is building an unmatched network capacity of 10 million lines by the end of 2005, even as currently, the network has a six million lines capacity.
The extension of coverage to more and more of the Niger Delta and Southern cities and the forceful spread in the North, he said, attested to the commitment of Globacom to offer affordable, efficient and advanced telecommunication to the people nationwide.
Champion Infotel, recalls that recently Ado Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti , Iworoko and Afao, were accommodated on the Glo network. Whereas, Ore-Ondo road had since joined the network along with the adjoining communities of Igunshin, Oka, Odo, Jonu and Awoyaya. So also Abeokuta-Offa road, which crosses three states of Ogun and Oyo in the South West and Kwara State, in the North Central had earlier joined the network.
Also in recent times, additional communities in Imo and Abia state have joined the Glo family including Naze, Ulakwo, Ngor Okpala, Uvuru-Mbaise, Obioma-Ngwa, Ugba junction, Owerri-nta and Ekeakpara.
This the company said is one of its means of bringing telephony to more Nigerians.
Glo Mobile also said that residents of Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, could now communicate with themselves and with the outside world on the network, even as it has connected Ahoda and Omoku in the same state.
Ikot Ibeno in Akwa Ibom State is also now on the Glo Mobile network while travellers on the Aba-Port Harcourt road which links Aba, in Abia State, in the South East and Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State in the South-South geo-political region can also communicate on the Glo network on the highway.
The SNO further said, it is now live in over 10,000 communities and in over 375 towns and cities across the nation.
With this coverage attained under two years of roll out, Glo Mobile has achieved the fastest GSM spread on the continent.
Director of Marketing and Strategy at Globacom, Mr. Subhra Das, said the company is building an unmatched network capacity of 10 million lines by the end of 2005, even as currently, the network has a six million lines capacity.
The extension of coverage to more and more of the Niger Delta and Southern cities and the forceful spread in the North, he said, attested to the commitment of Globacom to offer affordable, efficient and advanced telecommunication to the people nationwide.
Champion Infotel, recalls that recently Ado Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti , Iworoko and Afao, were accommodated on the Glo network. Whereas, Ore-Ondo road had since joined the network along with the adjoining communities of Igunshin, Oka, Odo, Jonu and Awoyaya. So also Abeokuta-Offa road, which crosses three states of Ogun and Oyo in the South West and Kwara State, in the North Central had earlier joined the network.
Also in recent times, additional communities in Imo and Abia state have joined the Glo family including Naze, Ulakwo, Ngor Okpala, Uvuru-Mbaise, Obioma-Ngwa, Ugba junction, Owerri-nta and Ekeakpara.
Belgacom begins interactive TV
AFTER several months of successful testing in 1,000 Belgian households, Belgium network operator, Belgacom, has commenced offering interactive, digital TV via Internet Protocol (IP).
To receive this, viewers need only a DSL connection and a conventional television, which are linked by means of a set-top box that converts digital data into flawless TV signals.
Siemens is offering a complete solution for Internet television by providing the network operator with everything from the server technology and user software to data encryption, devices for the reception of satellite data and the set-top box for the consumer — all from a single source.
For viewers, Siemens said, operating the menu and using the set-top boxes is very simple and user-friendly.
And Belgacom is offering an exciting and exclusive attraction, which could digitally store transmission of any missed TV show.
Belgacom customers could now enjoy video telephone calls via their television, download their favorite films from the Internet, surf the web, e-mail and chat.
A Dutch provider, KPN, has also selected Siemens Communications to be its partner. The contract will take effect in October this year, precisely for the first 500,000 participants.
Siemens said it plans to further minimize the bandwidths needed for transmission by the end of 2005.
This will ensure reception of live TV broadcasts at 1.8 megabits per second, which is about the same as the average rate of today’s DSL standard.
The factors that will make this possible include the new MPEG-4 video data compression. This will dramatically reduce the technical requirements for the consumer while making digital television almost universally available.
To receive this, viewers need only a DSL connection and a conventional television, which are linked by means of a set-top box that converts digital data into flawless TV signals.
Siemens is offering a complete solution for Internet television by providing the network operator with everything from the server technology and user software to data encryption, devices for the reception of satellite data and the set-top box for the consumer — all from a single source.
For viewers, Siemens said, operating the menu and using the set-top boxes is very simple and user-friendly.
And Belgacom is offering an exciting and exclusive attraction, which could digitally store transmission of any missed TV show.
Belgacom customers could now enjoy video telephone calls via their television, download their favorite films from the Internet, surf the web, e-mail and chat.
A Dutch provider, KPN, has also selected Siemens Communications to be its partner. The contract will take effect in October this year, precisely for the first 500,000 participants.
Siemens said it plans to further minimize the bandwidths needed for transmission by the end of 2005.
This will ensure reception of live TV broadcasts at 1.8 megabits per second, which is about the same as the average rate of today’s DSL standard.
The factors that will make this possible include the new MPEG-4 video data compression. This will dramatically reduce the technical requirements for the consumer while making digital television almost universally available.
Adebayo, Ndukwe, others for JACITAD seminar
COMMUNICATIONS Minister, Chief Cornelius Adebayo and Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe as well as erudite telecommunications lawyer, Mr. Paul Usoro, would today, Thursday, lead guests to a one-day seminar on corporate governance in the telecommunications sector.
Put together by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Joint Action Committee on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Awareness and Development (JACITAD), the seminar has been scheduled to hold at the Lagos Sheraton and Towers, Ikeja.
President of the organisation, Mr. Biyi Fashoyin, said in a press statement made available to Champion Infotel that the minister as the special guest, would declare open the event, whereas Dr. Ndukwe would be the chief host, Mr. Usoro has been slated to deliver a paper on the theme: ‘Corporate Governance in the Telecommunications Sector”.
He explained that Mr. Usoro’s paper would examine how the issue at stake could be used to tackle the challenges before industry players today in the country.
He said that the seminar is expected to attract participation of all stakeholders in the industry, even as the Federal Ministry of Communication would have a high powered delegation to be led by the Minister himself.
Mr. Fashoyin, said “Considering the importance of the issues to be discussed at the seminar in the sector, the NCC has been supportive of its organization, taking up a lead role as a principal sponsor.”
Assuring that operators of the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) in the country, the prime movers of the sector, have also put their full weight behind the seminar as sponsors.
According to him, Fixed Wireless Operators otherwise known as PTOs were not left out either in supporting the event.
Emphasizing that the theme was carefully selected to coincide with the four-year anniversary of GSM operations in Nigeria; GSM being the arrowhead of the telecom revolution which the country has witnessed in recent times.
Pointing out that impact of poor corporate governance has become monumental and is capable of setting back development in the industry.
Put together by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Joint Action Committee on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Awareness and Development (JACITAD), the seminar has been scheduled to hold at the Lagos Sheraton and Towers, Ikeja.
President of the organisation, Mr. Biyi Fashoyin, said in a press statement made available to Champion Infotel that the minister as the special guest, would declare open the event, whereas Dr. Ndukwe would be the chief host, Mr. Usoro has been slated to deliver a paper on the theme: ‘Corporate Governance in the Telecommunications Sector”.
He explained that Mr. Usoro’s paper would examine how the issue at stake could be used to tackle the challenges before industry players today in the country.
He said that the seminar is expected to attract participation of all stakeholders in the industry, even as the Federal Ministry of Communication would have a high powered delegation to be led by the Minister himself.
Mr. Fashoyin, said “Considering the importance of the issues to be discussed at the seminar in the sector, the NCC has been supportive of its organization, taking up a lead role as a principal sponsor.”
Assuring that operators of the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) in the country, the prime movers of the sector, have also put their full weight behind the seminar as sponsors.
According to him, Fixed Wireless Operators otherwise known as PTOs were not left out either in supporting the event.
Emphasizing that the theme was carefully selected to coincide with the four-year anniversary of GSM operations in Nigeria; GSM being the arrowhead of the telecom revolution which the country has witnessed in recent times.
Pointing out that impact of poor corporate governance has become monumental and is capable of setting back development in the industry.
IBM West Africa to open shop in Liberia
PLANS have been advanced for the International Business Machines (IBM) to open its office in the revitalizing country of Liberia in the West African coast before the end of this year.
Territory Partner Manager for the West Africa office, Mrs. Uzo Nwani, made this disclosure at the first session of the IBM Knowledge for Empowerment Project for newsmen in Lagos.
She said, “IBM would go to Liberia before the end of the year”.
IBM, the acclaimed largest Information Technology (IT) company, she said, has a revenue above $90 billion and currently invests about $5 billion in research and development annually.
Mrs. Nwani, who dwelt on Small and Medium Business and On-Demand at the session, also said that IBM has registered patent to the tune of 3,964, which she noted, is the highest number any IT firm has registered so far.
On the Intellectual Property (IP), the Territory Partner Manager also disclosed that the firm has generated over $1 billion every year from its IP engagements.
She pointed out that IBM has diversed a means of dealing directly with the end-users, which is business on demand.
This, she stressed makes it possible for the customers to understand IBM’s business role and code of conduct.
“Information here and now is what on-demand is all about,” she declared, even as it means being available 24 hours a day, seven days per week and 365 days in a year.
“And it saves time and business-on-demand is the only way to go now,” she asserted.
Territory Partner Manager for the West Africa office, Mrs. Uzo Nwani, made this disclosure at the first session of the IBM Knowledge for Empowerment Project for newsmen in Lagos.
She said, “IBM would go to Liberia before the end of the year”.
IBM, the acclaimed largest Information Technology (IT) company, she said, has a revenue above $90 billion and currently invests about $5 billion in research and development annually.
Mrs. Nwani, who dwelt on Small and Medium Business and On-Demand at the session, also said that IBM has registered patent to the tune of 3,964, which she noted, is the highest number any IT firm has registered so far.
On the Intellectual Property (IP), the Territory Partner Manager also disclosed that the firm has generated over $1 billion every year from its IP engagements.
She pointed out that IBM has diversed a means of dealing directly with the end-users, which is business on demand.
This, she stressed makes it possible for the customers to understand IBM’s business role and code of conduct.
“Information here and now is what on-demand is all about,” she declared, even as it means being available 24 hours a day, seven days per week and 365 days in a year.
“And it saves time and business-on-demand is the only way to go now,” she asserted.
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