Telecom
Subsidy Agreement Delays InfraCos’ Service Rollout
The inability of federal government to workout subsidy agreement with licensed infrastructure companies (infraCos) for the deployment infrastructure expected to assist in transmission of bandwidth capacity is delaying their take-off, Nigeria Communicationsweek has learnt.
InfraCos are licensed to provide Layer 1 (dark fibre) services on commercial basis; focus on the deployment of metropolitan fibre and provide transmission services, available at access points (Fibre to the Node or Neighborhood – FTTN) to access seekers.
They can also leverage existing inter-city fibre to deploy their services; purchase/lease transmission or long haul fibre capacity from other providers, where available, for the purpose of interconnection.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), who disclosed this at the side line in Lagos during a media interactive session, said that the InfraCos licensed more than two years ago are yet to rollout services because of the delays in signing subsidy agreement with government which is a motivation for them to rollout service.
He explained that the InfraCos are faced with the challenge of ‘Right of way’ approval in some states. He cited FCT where the administration in the city has set up joint technical committee to work-out a way to address ‘Right of Way’ issues in FCT which has lingered for some years now.
He urged for the review of the present cost of N145 per meter of fibre as prescribe by the federal government to a more realistic cost as well as make any agreed cost national as against a situation where every state charge differently.
“If we can borrow from Kaduna State which has gazetted its cost at N800 per metre of fibre in the state will be good. However, a review panel is ongoing to come up with a new rate that will have a national outlook instead of individual states coming up with high rate,” he noted.
Engr. Olusola Teniola, president, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), said that InFraCo licenses were created to address the neutrality in accessibility, affordability and availability of undersea fiber into the hinterland that was the missing piece to ensure that ubiquitous broadband infrastructure can be made available to the masses.
“What we witnessed and the records are there for all to see, is the numerous delays and slowing down of government to assist in the realization of the implementation – without government’s full buy-in, there were mixed signals sent to the investment community as to exactly how this was going to be realized. So, in 2018 we are still yet to witness any rollout of any fiber by the two InfraCo operators that were licensed in 2015-16,” he said.
In the true spirit of the festive season, Globacom has introduced “Glo Take a Guess,” a new value-added service designed to entertain, engage, and reward subscribers across Nigeria.
The interactive trivia game lets customers test their knowledge of everyday topics and lifestyle trends for a chance to win airtime, data, and exciting cash prizes.
According to Globacom, subscribers can join the fun by dialing 209992# and choosing from daily, weekly, or monthly plans. Once subscribed, they’ll receive an SMS confirmation with a link to play.
“Participants stand a chance to win fantastic rewards, including airtime, data, and cash prizes, when they answer trivia questions correctly,” the company explained. “It’s a fun and rewarding experience for everyone.”
Subscription costs ₦100 per day, ₦300 per week, or ₦500 per month — with corresponding rewards of ₦10,000 daily, ₦100,000 weekly, and up to ₦1 million monthly. The more subscribers play, the greater their chances of winning.
Globacom added that “Glo Take a Guess” is more than just a game — it’s a lighthearted way to stay entertained and earn rewards while easing the pressures of rising living costs.
It was a display of brilliance and composure as young Nigerians, aged 9 to 15, showcased their spelling prowess in the Enugu regional final of the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee on Saturday, November 1, 2025, held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu. After an electrifying one-hour showdown among 20 contestants, seven young spellers earned the right to compete in the grand finale in Lagos.
These excited champions, Nelson Ede Chidubem, Praise Ihionu, Emeka Nwaokocha Samuel, Treasure Oyibosu, Michelle Atanu Ufedo, Munachimso Onyemaechi, and Oyingba Douglas-Naingba, have been presented with their tags for the grand finale and will advance to Lagos, where they will join other regional winners to contend for the national title.
As part of the event, gift vouchers were presented to children and parents through questions and answers, adding a festive touch to the competition.
In his remarks, Honourable Emeka Nelson Nwagbo, Senior Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation, Enugu West, said, “This initiative has not only encouraged academic excellence but also inspired our young leaders to pursue knowledge with confidence and pride. To the organisers, teachers, parents, and participants, thank you for making this event a success. Your dedication and support have truly made today memorable.
Once again, we say a big thank you to MTN Nigeria. We are happy that the brand is working in line with the vision of the Governor concerning smart schools. We look forward to more collaborations that will continue to empower our kids and youths,” he concluded.
Honourable Paul Ogbewe Okechukwu, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation, Enugu East, also commended MTN for fostering literacy and healthy competition among teens, and for hosting the first physical regional finals in Enugu.
Addressing the participants, Temilolu Salako, Senior Manager, Segment Marketing, Youth, Women, & Teen, MTN Nigeria, said, “At MTN, we believe in the power of connectivity and technology to transform lives and build a brighter future for everyone. My team and I are here to inspire, support, and guide you on your journey to success. Together, we can achieve great things and make a lasting impact.”
With the seven winners from the Enugu regional final now advancing to the grand finale in Lagos, attention shifts to the next rounds of the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee regional finals, scheduled to hold in Abuja on November 8 and Ibadan on November 15, 2025.
Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has launched an exciting new lottery service — Glo Play Up — designed to blend fun, anticipation, and the prospect of life-changing rewards for its subscribers.
Glo Play Up offers Nigerians a simple yet thrilling opportunity to turn small predictions into multi-million-naira wins. The game invites subscribers to pick a lucky number between 1 and 9 for a chance to strike gold.
To participate, Glo customers simply dial *400# or send their chosen number via SMS to 400. Each entry costs just ₦100, and players can either subscribe daily or play on demand — whenever inspiration strikes.
In a statement issued in Lagos, Globacom described the initiative as more than just a game of chance, but a celebration of hope and possibility.
“We understand the optimism and adventurous spirit of Nigerians,” the company explained. “People love to dream, play, and believe in the power of that one big win. Glo Play Up makes that dream more attainable — it’s easy to play, affordable, and truly rewarding.”
Every Friday at 4 p.m., a weekly draw will take place at Glo’s Head Office, where ten lucky subscribers will each receive ₦1 million. In addition, a grand prize winner will be announced monthly, walking away with an impressive ₦10 million. Winners will be hosted at their nearest Glo Regional Office, and all cash prizes will be credited directly into their MoneyMaster Wallet accounts.
With Glo Play Up, entertainment meets empowerment — reinforcing Globacom’s commitment to innovation, connection, and customer delight. The service not only promises excitement but also the possibility of transforming lives through rewarding experiences.
For more information, visit https://www.gloworld.com/ng/glo-play-up-lottery
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