Connect with us

Telecom

Telcos Threaten to Withdraw USSD Service as Banks’ Debt Hits N200Bn

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the umbrella body of telecommunications companies in Nigeria, has threatened to withdraw unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) service as banks now owe telcos N200 billion for the service,

Telcos Threaten to Withdraw USSD Service as Banks’ Debt Hits N200Bn

Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, ALTON, stated this at industry interactive session with Dr Aminu Maida, new executive vice chairman/chief executive officer, Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), yesterday,

Adebayo, said the banks’ refusal to pay the debt will have negative consequence on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s cashless economy agenda for the country.

“The banks owe us money. The debt is now over N200 billion. It won’t go away, no one will forget the debt if the money is not paid” Adebayo said in his goodwill address to the EVC.

He said;“The debt is rising and has not been paid by the banks. As of November 2022, the accumulated debt rose to over N80 billion. When we started the argument in 2019, it was N32 billion, and they continue to claim that they are not owing, but our investigation shows that they are still using the USSD platform to offer banking services to their customers, yet they are not remitting to telecom operators who own the USSD platform.

“Time will soon come when we will be constrained to withdraw the service and many bank customers that depend on the USSD service will suffer for it and it will affect the economy. It is hounorable to pay their debts and they have to pay.

“We are warning that the banks’ action in refusing to pay their debt, will have negative consequence on the CBN’s cashless economy agenda for the country. It will be a threat to cashless economy. So, CBN should advise money deposit banks to pay up the accumulated debts.”

 

 

 

 


Kindly share this post

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.

Telecom

MTN Nigeria Expands Digital Offerings with Audiomack+ Music Subscription

Published

on

Kindly share this post

MTN Nigeria, a leading ICT company, has partnered with Audiomack, a renowned music streaming platform, to introduce the Audiomack+ subscription program.

This strategic collaboration provides MTN subscribers with seamless access to premium Audiomack content, uninterrupted streaming, offline downloads, and exclusive features through convenient mobile payment options.

Audiomack+ offers three flexible subscription plans, enabling subscribers to discover emerging artists, underground music, and community-driven playlists. Music lovers can enjoy, Month Pass (N900/month): 30-day free trial + uninterrupted streaming, Week Pass (N400/week): Affordable weekly subscription and Day Pass (N100/day): Daily access to premium content.

“This partnership with Audiomack reinforces our commitment to delivering value-added services to our customers,” said A’isha Mumuni, Chief Digital Officer of MTN Nigeria.

“We’re excited to offer our subscribers an easy and affordable way to access premium music content, empowering them to explore new music and support their favorite artists.”

David Ponte, Audiomack Co-Founder and CMO, added, “Our partnership with MTN Nigeria brings us closer to making music accessible to everyone.

“With Audiomack+, we’re proud to offer affordable premium streaming options, providing users in Nigeria with the best music experience possible.”

To subscribe to the Audiomack+ monthly plan, text APM to 3134 or visit Audiomack+ Month Pass. Alternatively, customers can text APW to 3134 or text APD to 3134 for weekly or daily subscriptions.

Through its strategic partnership with music streaming platforms, MTN Nigeria reinforces its commitment to providing enhanced and innovative digital experiences to customers.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Elon Musk’s X Slammed with $418,000 Fine in Australia for Failing to Provide Child Protection Data

Published

on

Kindly share this post

An Australian court has upheld a decision requiring X, formerly known as Twitter, to pay A$610,500 ($418,000) fine after failing to cooperate with a request from the nation’s eSafety Commissioner.

The request was for detailed information about the platform’s efforts to tackle child sexual exploitation material.

X initially contested the fine, arguing that a corporate restructuring in 2022, when Elon Musk took Twitter private and merged it into a new entity, freed the company from having to comply with the request issued in early 2023. However, the Federal Court of Australia disagreed, ruling that the platform was still bound to provide the information.

Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, noted that if accepted, it could have set a dangerous precedent. She stated that such corporate mergers could allow international companies to sidestep regulatory obligations in Australia, undermining internet safety efforts.

The penalty relates to a current inquiry into how tech companies, including X, are managing harmful content, particularly involving child protection. The eSafety Commissioner had requested specific details on the platform’s anti-child abuse strategies, which X failed to provide. In addition to the fine, civil proceedings have also been initiated against the company due to its noncompliance.

Musk’s X has faced previous clashes with the Australian internet safety regulator. Earlier this year, the eSafety office ordered the platform to remove content showing a violent incident involving a bishop being attacked during a sermon.

X challenged that directive, arguing that regulators in one nation should not dictate what content is visible worldwide. The Australian regulator eventually dropped the case, and X kept the posts online. Musk criticised the order, labelling it as an act of censorship and linked it to a larger agenda by international bodies like the World Economic Forum.

This latest legal setback adds to Musk’s growing list of challenges in managing the platform since his takeover, particularly as it continues to face questions from regulators around the world.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

FG Hopeful Thuraya’s Relaunch in Nigeria Will Boost Fight against Insecurity, Others

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Thuraya, a leading provider of satellite communication solutions, has officially relaunched its services in Nigeria, a move the federal government hope will help in the fight against insecurity, illegal mining and oil thefts in the country.

FG Hopeful Thuraya’s Relaunch in Nigeria Will Boost Fight against Insecurity, Others

Tsat Telecommunication, Thuraya’s local service partner, spearheaded the relaunch by implementing comprehensive strategies to enhance service delivery across Nigeria.

As part of this effort, the company partnered with system integrators Cypod Solutions and Niflink, who played critical roles in ensuring the successful integration of Thuraya’s advanced satellite services into the local market.

With this relaunch, Thuraya aims to provide more reliable and accessible communication options for businesses and individuals across Nigeria, addressing the growing demand for robust satellite solutions in remote and underserved areas.

This development is expected to have a significant impact on sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, and disaster management, where seamless communication is vital for operational efficiency.

At the event Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of Communication, Innovations and Digital Economy, expressed hope that the launch of Thuraya communication products and services will help in the fight against insecurity, illegal mining and oil thefts in the country.

The minister who was represented by Engr Farouk Yusuf, permanent secretary of the ministry, said, beyond helping in expanding the country’s broadband penetration to hinterland and hard-to-reach areas, the formal entry of Thuraya satellite communications services will help security forces in combating criminalities bedevilling the country.

“Of course, Thuraya’s solutions will not only enhance broadband access but also provide critical communication tools such as can be used in security, agriculture and disaster management, as we mentioned in previous presentations.

“We expect Thuraya’s satellite products and services to play a critical role in addressing Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges through a deliberate action.

He, however, said that while the country is thrilled with the coming of Thuraya, Nigeria expects the firm to take deliberate actions and efforts in ensuring that the partnership brings value to the country.

Earlier, Alhaji Abba Sani Abdullahi, chairman and chief executive officer of TSAT, expressed delight over the partnership that saw the re-entry of Thuraya onto the Nigerian market.

Also speaking, Faisal Mohammed Ahmed, vice president, Tech and Sale of Thuraya,  said the company has range of telecommunications and satellite assets that will boost the country’s digital landscape and also help in tackling security problems.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending