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Telecom

Quanta Monitor Can Now Tell Level of Radiation from Your Cellphone

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Cellphone Radiation (CR) in a very hot topic multi-billion-dollar smartphone industry do not like to talk about, however, the issue is existing and now telecom regulators, operators and big public can start to use an innovation, and be aware about the level the radiation, and take some actions accordingly.

Obviously, there are growing concerns that electromagnetic radiation from one’s cellphone is absorbed by the head and body.

Exposure to such radio frequency energy has the potential to cause cancer, as indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2011.

Young, growing children, many of which are becoming addicted to social media and games have been identified as most vulnerable to the potentially damaging effects of cellphone radiation.

Thus, a Finnish startup- Cellraid, has taken up the challenge by developing unique applications to measure, monitor and also reduce exposure to cellphone radiation.

According to health experts, cell phones emit radiofrequency energy (radio waves), a form of non-ionizing radiation, from their antennas, but now, Cellraid is saying it is only small part of the radiation you should actively worry about.

Pasi Ala-Mieto, CEO Cellraid in a chat with Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, said they are quite concerned about the high level of exposure to radiation coming from cellphones hence they developed the world’s first apps for measuring mobile phone radiation.

Quanta Monitor is a free Android app that measures the SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) output, power density, and cumulative exposure to radiofrequency emissions from your phone.

Quanta Guard takes things a step further by automatically cutting off your data connection if safe SAR limits are exceeded. “We tried both apps out to see how they work and learn just how much radiation we’re exposed to on a daily basis,” he said.

Pasi Ala-Mieto states further, “Our development is good news for, not only the 5 billion cellphone users, but also telecom operators, phone manufacturers and telecom authorities, all of which have the potential to benefit from our ability to make cellphone use less risky, especially the increasing number of very young users of smartphones.”

Researches
Recently, scientists engaged in the study of biological and health effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) raised fresh alarm based on their peer-reviewed, published research.

The scientists said they have serious concerns regarding the ubiquitous and increasing exposure to EMF generated by electric and wireless devices.

According to a report by guardian.ng, these include–but are not limited to–radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitting devices, such as cellular and cordless phones and their base stations, Wi-Fi, broadcast antennas, smart meters, and baby monitors as well as electric devices and infra-structures used in the delivery of electricity that generate extremely-low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF).

The scientists were joined by Professor of Radiation & Health Physics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State; and Dr.Idowu Ayisat Obe, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek found that the concerns over cell phones and other wireless devices prompted Toronto’s Department of Public Health to warn teenagers and young children to limit their use of cell phones.

The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) established in 1998 the “Guidelines For Limiting Exposure To Time-Varying Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields (up to 300 GHz)”. The WHO and numerous countries around the world accept these guidelines.

The WHO has also called for all nations to adopt the ICNIRP guidelines to encourage international harmonization of standards.

Nigerian Government’s Position
But, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has consistently refuted claims about telecoms equipment posing health hazards to the public. Though, the industry regulator has limited the discussions to telecom masts and towers, efforts to get the views of other industry player proved abortive as they were sceptical about commenting on the subject.

The Commission has severally relaxed the tension over the speculated health hazards that may arise as a result of erecting telecommunication masts near residential areas.

According to NCC, no research whatever had proved that Radio Frequency Exposure could enhance the possibility of contracting any disease.

They maintained that masts were not hazardous, saying that such fear was no scientific backup and urged participants at the event to pay less attention to such speculation and think more on how to move the industry forward.

How Cellphone Radiation Occurs
The CEO of Cellraid explains further “There are 5B phones causing non-necessary ‘extra radiation’ which means very fast battery consumption, which again means needs to burn coil, to charge these phones again. So far there is no institution which is really monitoring the RF exposure levels.

“Now when little kids are using their smartphones 24/7, phones in their pockets, data always on, and phone 0-10mm distance from their body hours, every day..and night…the 20 years old regulations to control SAR & power density (radiation levels) are not updated to face the real use of smartphones. Old regulation still suppose that the phone is at 15mm distance from the skull and only for voice talks, even the phone is on hand, pocket or close to body, rather than on the ear.

“We have developed Quanta Pro, that is for telecom operators and regulators to make RF Exposure measurements from the user perspective, to ensure that their operations are respecting the set limits. We are monitoring both uplink (phone), downlink (base station antennas) and additionally also wifi – just like the user is experiencing the ‘radiation’.

“In addition, we have developed solution for the consumers too; As, our technology is noting when the phone is close to body, head or hand, it can monitor the SAR level on real-time, and also limit the exposure levels, when certain thresholds are exceeded”.

How Quanta Operates
The solution, Quanta Pro, measures RF exposure level of the user in the field, streets, buildings, homes and places of work. The software runs on any Android device. It provides a low cost measurement solution for Telecom Authorities and Operators to identify high RF Exposure locations.

Quanta Pro is able to measure the combined level of radiation from the cellphone, network antennas and even Wi-Fi. At present network operators only measure radiation from network antennas (downlink). However, the main source of RF is the phone itself, which represents 99,9989% of all exposure.

“The strange thing is that telecom authorities and operators are focusing today on antennas that represent only 0,001% of the exposure”, CEO Ala-Mieto said. “I believe that soon every operator will measure the total level of RF exposure.  And a real opportunity arises, when they compete to be “the healthiest choice” for their customers.

In addition, the company has developed Quanta Monitor, which is a free app for consumers, to monitor personal RF exposure levels, in real-time.“At last the user is able to know more about their own level of exposure to radio frequencies, at home and work, Quanta Monitor gives them the ability to compare networks, and keep a history of their accumulated exposure.”

Quanta Monitor and Quanta Guard are available in the Google Play Store for Android phones.

“We look forward co-operating with cellphone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, as well as telecom operators and authorities”, said CEO Ala-Mieto respectfully and with the goal of “making all our communication life better”.


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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NCC Issues 90 Days Deadline to Telcos to Resolve Subscribers’ Unclaimed Airtime

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a 90-day compliance window to telecommunications operators to resolve the long-standing issue of unutilised and unclaimed subscribers’ recharges.

NCC Issues 90 Days Deadline to Telcos to Resolve Subscribers’ Unclaimed Airtime

This announcement was made at a high-level virtual stakeholders’ engagement forum held on Tuesday, targeted at refining and enforcing new guidelines that protect consumer rights in Nigeria’s evolving telecom landscape.

Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC, whose speech was delivered at the forum by Rimini Makama, executive commissioner, Stakeholder Management, emphasised that the Commission was taking proactive steps to address unused prepaid credit on inactive lines, an issue that impacts millions of subscribers nationwide.

“With the rapid growth of mobile subscriptions and the dominance of prepaid plans, it has become critical to ensure that consumer interests are not eroded through forfeiture of unused credit,” the NCC Boss said.

He stressed the commitment of the Commission to creating a regulatory framework that is fair, enforceable, and aligned with international best practices.

The current Quality of Service Business Rules provide that prepaid lines with no revenue-generating activity for six months be deactivated, and may be recycled after another six months.

The proposed guidance reaffirms the right of subscribers to reclaim their unused credit within 12 months, provided they can verify ownership.

In her remarks, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, head of Legal and Regulatory Services, NCC, presented the Draft Guidance on Unutilised and Unclaimed Recharges, which outlines clear procedures for managing inactive subscriber accounts.

She stated that operators will be required to carry out comprehensive audits of all churned numbers, ensure unused airtime is offered back to subscribers through service alternatives, and strictly avoid monetising forfeited recharges.

Whyte explained that these guidelines are not only aimed at protecting consumers, but also offering regulatory clarity to operators.

She added that the Commission is mandating full compliance within 90 days of the issuance of the final guidance, with non-compliance attracting penalties, including regulatory audits.

The forum attracted wide participation from across the industry, with discussions centred on striking a balance between protecting consumer rights and maintaining operational feasibility.

Participants agreed on the need for greater transparency, stronger consumer education, and consistent notification practices.

The NCC reiterated its commitment to fostering a fair, transparent, and consumer-first regulatory environment.

The 90-day deadline signals a new era of accountability in how telecom operators manage subscriber credits and reinforces the Commission’s role as a guardian of consumer trust in the digital age.

 


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MTN Foundation Opens Portal for 2025 Scholarships

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MTN Foundation has opened applications for its 2025 scholarship programme, reaffirming its dedication to strengthening the development of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), encouraging excellence in academic pursuit, deepening diversity and inclusion by empowering blind students in Nigeria.

The programme provides three categories of scholarships annually: the Science and Technology Scholarship (MTN STS), the MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (MTN SBS), and the Top 10 UTME Scholarship.

The STS is open to all 300-level Science and Technology students with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 (Second Class Upper or its equivalent); SBS caters to the educational needs of blind students in 200-level with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 or its equivalent.

The top 10 scoring candidates of the UTME, as announced by JAMB, automatically qualify for the MTN Foundation Top 10 UTME scholarship.

As part of its ongoing investment in education, the MTN Foundation has awarded 14,728 scholarships in the past 15 years, worth over NGN3 billion.

The scholars are provided platforms to acquire relevant skills and practical knowledge to thrive in today’s evolving job market.

Speaking on the impact of the scholarship program, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, said: “Education is the backbone of national development, and at MTN Foundation, we are committed to ensuring that no bright mind is left behind due to financial constraints.

“This scholarship is not just about funding education; it is about investing in Nigeria’s future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers.”

Since 2024, the MTN Foundation has increased the scholarship award amount from NGN200,000 to NGN300,000 annually for three years until graduation, provided the scholars maintain the minimum grade point requirement.

The scholarship program is richly embedded with Mentorship, Internship and digital certification opportunities.

The application process is straightforward and conducted online, making it accessible for students nationwide.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to visit mtn.ng/scholarships/ and apply before the application deadline on April 25, 2025.

For more information, visit mtn.ng/foundation.


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Momoh, Uzoebo, Nwosu, Ibirogba, others for PAFON 2.0

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The second edition of Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 2.0) is gathering momentum as organisers have unveiled a strong line of speakers.

Featuring keynote presentation, fireside chat, panel discussion, networking opportunities, PAFON 2.0 is scheduled to hold this week – Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the Function Room 1, Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Lagos from 9am-12(noon).

The event themed: “Bridging the Customer Experience Gap for Financial Inclusion Using AI”, aims at enabling knowledge sharing on key industry insights, issues, amongst key stakeholders, with the objective of ensuring a collaborative and proactive approach to push for policies that enable growth, tackling/mitigating fraud and limiting occurrences and losses in the payment industry.

Keynote:

Ebehijie Momoh (Mrs), managing director and chief executive officer, AfriGoPay Financial Services Ltd, will deliver the keynote address.

Special Guests:

Uche Uzoebo (Mrs), managing director and chief executive officer, Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Limited and Mrs. Chika Nwosu, managing director and chief executive officer of PalmPay (Nigeria), are the special guest of honour.

PAFON 2.0 Special Appearances: Olusoji Solomon Adeyemo, Azure Application and AI Specialist, Microsoft UK., Ibirogba Oluwagunwa, chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN), and Olusegun Gabriel Afolabi, co-founder & chief innovations architect, Face Technologies UK Ltd., will make special appearances at the event.

There will be a fireside chat featuring, Chukwuemeka Enoch Mbaebie, the convener, Lagos Blockchain Week, amongst other speakers, with Chidera Amuta, Marketing Manager, Vendocredit, as the host.

According to Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener of Payments Forum Nigeria, “this year’s theme, ‘Bridging the Customer Experience Gap for Financial Inclusion Using AI’, underscores the urgent need to safeguard digital transactions against emerging threats while ensuring seamless financial inclusion and innovation”.

Industry players such as Bankers, Fintech startups, mobile money operators, blockchain experts, Cybersecurity, etc., are among the expected attendees.

PAFON 2.0 participation is free, but pre-registration can be done here or use this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dE3ZHpSZcaZOL14oiI7s6OYbIeRTqNET7oH-NOm83Bc/edit


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