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Reducing Operational Cost through Infrastructure Sharing

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Telecommunications service providers in the country have severally be lamenting on high cost of providing service, which they claimed is adversely affecting their ability to deliver quality of service as well as meet up with their social responsibilities.
For instance, compared to other developing economies, operators in the country are faced with multiple taxes by different tiers of government, provision of power as well as transmission infrastructure that are none existence. In most developing countries such as Egypt, South Africa, Ghana among others these challenges are not faced by telecom operators in these countries. But the most common challenge that operators around the world are faced with is duplications of infrastructure, where each operator has to deploy the same infrastructure its older competitor has deployed thereby wasting the resources as against sharing such infrastructure for better performance.
Against this backdrop that the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) published a report detailing a set of regulatory strategies designed to lower the costs of telecoms network rollout. The report notes that 2008 has been marked by unparalleled numbers of voice and Internet consumers in both the developing and developed world, the result of which is network growth and expansion.
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This year the report added, has also witnessed an unparalleled global financial crisis which may make it more difficult for investors to obtain financing for continuing network development. Sharing strategies, examined in the new ITU report, are seen as conducive for infrastructure development in the telecommunications/ICT sector, particularly in light of the deepening global financial crisis.
Sami Al Basheer, director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, said that sharing strategies are increasingly necessary to ensure that operators can deploy their networks at low cost while guaranteeing that consumers have access to affordable services. "Now, more than ever, sharing strategies make sense as operators are forced to reduce the costs of network deployment as they compete for scarce investment funds. This is a forward-looking perspective in light of the current financial and economic uncertainty," he said.
Sharing strategies he said include the sharing of civil engineering costs in deploying networks, promoting open access to network support infrastructure (poles, ducts, conduits), essential facilities (submarine cable landing stations and international gateways) as well as access to radio-frequency spectrum and end-user devices.
The "Six Degrees of Sharing" theme was first discussed in Thailand during ITU’s 2008 Global Symposium for Regulators last March. Few observers could then have anticipated the rough ride that would be in store for financial markets a few months down the road.
Yet, the guidelines announced in March seem almost prophetic in today’s circumstances. Taking a broad and innovative view of sharing, the world’s regulators sought to capture the productivity of global networks and use it to expand the scope of opportunities for service and content providers and, ultimately, consumers.
Developing countries embraced sharing to make more affordable the expansion of ICT networks to rural and under-served areas. Many developed countries are looking at sharing to reduce the cost of rolling out ultra high-speed broadband networks that reach customers’ homes and apartment buildings.
"Sound business and regulatory practices will contribute to extracting the greatest possible value from existing levels of investment in the telecommunication and ICT sectors. ITU is committed to working with member States and to assist regulators in marshalling the regulatory expertise they need to navigate these rough seas," said Al Basheer.
The booming volume of digital bits generated by the move to convergence and packet-switching has produced a need for increased network capacity. Regulators have a responsibility to create and maintain an environment in which operators and service providers can maximize network capacity and efficiency by fostering capital investment and market expansion as the sector continues to evolve.
The report highlighted that mobile penetration showed high growth rates through 2008. It noted that by year end, mobile networks and subscribers will rise to an all time high, reaching an estimated 4 billion mobile subscribers worldwide. The world it said also counts over 1.5 billion Internet users, a growing number of which use fixed and mobile broadband services. Dial-up is being replaced by broadband across developed and developing countries alike. ITU noted that in developing countries such as Chile, Senegal and Turkey, broadband subscribers represent over 90 per cent of all Internet subscribers.
A growing array of broadband wireless systems are now available, opening the way for users in developing countries to access the Internet on mobile phones and other handheld devices. At the same time, more developing countries are deploying national fibre backbones and backhaul networks to transport their growing data-rich traffic. In addition, several new international submarine cable networks are set to connect developing countries to the global network of Internet backbones – just as a group of high-tech entrepreneurs are working to revive plans for a constellation of broadband satellites to connect the developing world. The Trends report catalogues efforts by governments, and in particular ICT regulators, operators and service providers to expand the reach of affordable broadband services and meeting universal access goals.
How to grow the sector
What had been foreseen as ideal strategies to extend broadband network access in developing markets may now be viewed as a prescription for the entire world. If the sources of capital for network investment suffer a temporary drought, policy-makers could take steps to make their markets more amenable to the shrinking pool of investment, such as lower investment barriers that inhibit capital flows from one country to another.
Reduce of regulatory barriers (high licence fees or market-entry bans) that represent hostile environments for capital investment and market growth.
Share essential facilities, such as cable landing stations, local switching centres or fibre backbone networks.
Adopt rules to provide for infrastructure sharing, particularly "passive" sharing of towers, ducts, rights-of-way and other support facilities.
Overhaul and streamline cross-agency processes to create a ‘one-stop shop’ for various network-related authorizations, such as land management, port access, environmental and safety permits.
Add innovative spectrum management mechanisms that promote increased sharing and efficient use of spectrum.
Amend regulatory frameworks to eliminate discriminatory rules that favour one company or industry over another in a converged services market
Ensure that government policies and rules maximize the ability of incumbents and market entrants to choose between different opportunities for business plans and long-term strategies, including resale, wholesale, and niche markets.
Most of these initiatives are beginning to take root in the country’s telecommunications space, before now, idea of co-location of infrastructure was strongly opposed by operators who were fighting over subscribers, but, when the cost of providing service kept rising as well as intervention by Nigerian Communications Commission that began enlightenment of operators on the need to co-locate that they started adopting the option. Today, there are over 1000 co-located sites in the industry.
This also provided opportunity for investment as some investors have begun to build and operate cellular site for operators to co-locate. Notable among them are Infrastructure Hi-Tech Services (IHS), Hilios Towers, among others.
Mr. Gbenga Onakomaiya, chief commercial officer, IHS, said that the idea of building and managing of sites for mobile operators is to take off the problems being faced by operators in managing sites such as youth restiveness, generator theft and taxes.
He explained that an operator in the country spends average of $6,000 per month to maintain a site, but with co-location option such operator spends $2,000 per month. This according to him is cost effective as well as big relief for them. “Initially, everybody wanted to provide services by themselves but now they are seeing the economic sense as sites are growing, and maintenance is becoming big financial burden. They need to focus their attention to their core business of running the network,” he said.
Although NCC has been advocating for sharing of infrastructure as a faster way of expanding network roll out especially in underserved areas, and has expressed it readiness to monitor the implementation of the option by operator by next year. This ITU report is seen as a desired encouragement to some operators whose parent company may not be favourably disposed to it.
Industry watchers who spoke to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek expressed worry over implementation of sharing of infrastructure. They argued that as operators are encourage by every means to share infrastructure, measures should be put in place to address vandalisation which is likely to have adverse effect on service delivery. They explained that if a shared infrastructure is vandalised, it will affect all the networks sharing that infrastructure.

 


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5 Common Backup Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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Are you confident that your valuable data is protected from unexpected disasters or cyber threats? Consider this: 1 in 10 computers fall victim to viruses, and a staggering 113 phones are stolen every minute every day[1].

With data loss being a sudden and potentially irretrievable nightmare, ensuring reliable backups is non-negotiable. March 31st, celebrated as World Backup Day, is a poignant reminder of this essential task. Let’s delve into the common backup mistakes people make and how to steer clear of those.

1. Skipping regular backups:

The most common mistake is forgetting to back up data regularly. Whether personal files or crucial business documents, not establishing a consistent backup routine leaves you vulnerable to data loss.

Unexpected system crashes or malware attacks can happen anytime, making your precious data inaccessible or permanently lost. But you can help avoid such a situation by setting up automatic backups.

SSD Backup Mistakes to avoid
2. Putting all faith in a single backup device:

A device can get damaged or stolen, putting your backups at risk, so depending entirely on one storage medium is playing a dangerous game with your data’s safety.

 Instead, diversify your backup storage solutions with a combination of external HDDs, NAS, and cloud storage.

Portable HDDs like those from WD like Western Digital’s My Passport offer up to 5TB for simple, cost-effective backups. For smartphones, 2-in-1 flash drives such as SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go USB Type-C and SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe are convenient options.

These drives, compatible with USB Type-C devices, automatically back up photos, videos, and more. Just plug and play for seamless data transfer across devices.

If you need a device to store huge amounts of data, then the desktop drive called My Book  from WD is just the product for you, with up to 22TB of storage capacity.

SSD Backup Mistakes to avoid
storage device

3. Forgetting version control:

Overlooking version control during backups is another blunder. Not keeping multiple versions of files increases the chance of saving corrupted or wrong data over previous versions.

Without a proper versioning system, fixing mistakes or retrieving older versions can become a challenge. To prevent forgetting version control, establish a system that tracks changes to your files over time.

This ensures that you can always revert to earlier versions if needed, helping protect against accidental data loss or corruption.

Regularly maintaining this system will help you stay organized and prepared for any unforeseen issues.

Additionally, it’s crucial to verify the version you’re backing up to ensure it’s the correct one.

This simple step can help prevent accidental overwriting of important data with potentially corrupted or incorrect versions.

Double-checking ensures that you’re safeguarding the most up-to-date and accurate information, minimizing the risk of errors during backups.

SSD Backup Mistakes to avoid
4. Ignoring off-site backup solutions:

Many people overlook off-site backup solutions, assuming local backups are foolproof. However, relying solely on local backups makes you vulnerable to site-specific disasters like fires or theft.

Using off-site backups means keeping copies of your data in different places so that if something bad happens in one area, your data stays safe.

As an alternative, you could use cloud storage. Cloud backup devices are popular for remote data storage accessible via the internet. Various online cloud services offer features like file synchronization, sharing, and encryption for secure data storage.

5. Underestimating encryption:

Not prioritizing encryption in backups can be a costly mistake. Storing unencrypted backups makes your sensitive data vulnerable to unauthorized access or breaches.

Implementing strong encryption ensures even if your backups fall into the wrong hands, the data remains protected.

However, it is equally important to remember not to opt for out-of-the-box encryption solutions, as they might make it difficult for you to retrieve the backed-up information later.

My Passport HDD and My Book from WD come equipped with built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection that helps keep content secure.

Additionally, maintaining proper key management practices is essential to ensure smooth decryption and access to your data when needed.

SSD Backup Mistakes to avoid
Monitor and storage device

This World Backup Day, Western Digital urges you to back up your data safely, and at the same time, prepare for the unexpected by having a contingency plan in place for device mishaps like crashes, theft, or damage.

Worrying about losing data isn’t something you have to lose sleep over if you have an active data backup strategy.

A common rule of thumb for keeping important data from disappearing forever is the 3-2-1 Rule. It dictates that you should:

3. Have THREE copies of your data. One is a primary backup and two are copies.

   2. Save copies of your backups on TWO different types of media or devices.

   1. ONE backup copy should be kept offsite in case of disaster.

Determine where and how you’ll store backup files and identify support contacts for swift assistance.

These proactive measures ensure quick data recovery and safeguard your cherished memories for the long haul.


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Treepz Doubles Down on Corporate Mobility in Africa with Launch of a New Website

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Treepz, Africa’s leading corporate mobility startup, has expanded its corporate mobility and employee transportation services across the continent with a fresh new look for its website.

 

The company’s new website boasts a sleek, user-friendly interface with added features to better showcase Treepz’s range of services for companies looking to efficiently and sustainably move employees and clients in major African cities. From on-demand employee shuttles, and school bus solutions to intra-city group trips for events and conferences, Treepz is positioning itself as an all-in-one corporate transportation provider.

Managing transportation logistics across multiple sites has always been an operational nightmare for companies,” said Onyeka Akumah, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Treepz. “Our goal is to streamline that experience through Treepz’s powerful technology platform.”

With nearly 6,000 employees of companies daily relying on Treepz’s innovative tech and reliable fleet for employee transportation or staff bus commutes, we understand the complexities of managing corporate transportation firsthand. “Our revamped website simplifies the process, offering businesses a seamless solution to optimize their transportation needs and empower their workforce in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and Ghana,” Onyeka added

Key Features of the New Treepz Website

  • Trackable Dashboard for a bird’s eye view of all guests’ trips in real-time when using Treepz.
  • 24/7 customer support to assist with all mobility inquiries.
  • Wide selection of vehicle options, each with professional drivers tailored to specific needs.
  • Friendly interface for easy navigation and booking.
  • Client testimonials and case studies showcasing Treepz’s success stories.

Treepz’s mission extends beyond just transportation – they aim to revolutionize how over 1 million daily commuters experience mobility across Africa. Since its launch in 2019, the company has provided employee transit for top firms like Tekexperts, Wakanow, Somasource, and Brighter Monday across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda. This has resulted in the transportation of about 5 million passengers since then.

With this digital reinvention, Treepz doubles down on transforming corporate mobility through tech-driven solutions. The company welcomes businesses seeking smarter ways to move their people to explore the new website www.treepz.com.


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Nigerian Business Leaders Partner Google for Strategic Advantage, Seeks Competitive Edge in Privacy-First Era

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Leading companies from Nigeria joined Google West Africa at a roundtable to discuss the shift towards privacy-first marketing as third-party cookies are phased out. The forum brought together leaders from FairMoney, Konga, Mondelez, Stanbic IBTC, and Zenith Bank, highlighting a collective commitment to redefining consumer engagement in the digital age.

Businesses recognize that building consumer trust is essential in a world that increasingly values privacy. In this new era, adapting marketing strategies to be more privacy-focused is not just a necessity but a strategic move towards building sustainable customer relations. This transition challenges businesses to innovate while maintaining transparency and respect for consumer data privacy, turning potential constraints into avenues for deeper consumer engagement.

“Customer trust is the new currency,” noted Felicia Otolorin, Senior Industry Lead, West Africa, Google. “Consumers are demanding more control over their data, and the savviest businesses are seeing this shift as an opportunity. This is about reimagining how we engage with technology and data, ensuring that innovation and privacy go hand-in-hand.”

The discussions emphasised this point, highlighting the competitive advantage of adopting privacy-first strategies. Google showcased innovative solutions like Google Tag and Enhanced Conversions. These tools demonstrate a commitment to both high performance and privacy standards. Success stories illustrated how other businesses have successfully navigated this shift, offering valuable insights.

“We stand at a crucial juncture,” remarked Oluwadamilare Akinwunmi, Chief Data & AI Officer at Interswitch. “The winners of tomorrow will be those enterprises that strike a balance between innovative, data-driven marketing and a profound commitment to data protection and privacy-first practices. The essential dialogues we engage in, and the subsequent actions we take, set us on the path to achieve precisely this”

The roundtable underscores a pivotal shift towards privacy-first strategies in Nigeria’s digital marketing sphere, emphasising the critical role of collaboration and innovation in this transition. It marks a collective stride towards a future where consumer trust and data privacy form the cornerstone of business growth and competitive advantage.

“We are committed to empowering Nigerian brands in building a privacy-forward future. By harnessing AI and privacy-centric technologies, we aim to empower our partners to thrive amidst these changes,” stated Felicia Otolorin, Senior Industry Lead, West Africa, Google.


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