Telecom
SIM Boxing, And the Unboxing of Crime Syndicate
By Suleiman Bala Bakori
Boxes have a multitude of uses, and the word “box”, lends itself to diverse contexts.
For “Ajala Travelers,” the box is a necessity for keeping goods for their endless journeys. In literature, idiomatically, it can be said that “one has been boxed into a corner;” another might say to deal with a conundrum: “think outside the box;” then there is the “Pandora’s box” that no one wants opened.
To “box one’s ear’s” refers to a hit on the head, especially around one’s ears. For those who celebrate Christmas, “Boxing Day,” which is the 26th of December, the second day of Christmastide is not to be joked with: A day to unbox gifts. So much for the box.
Another type of boxes exists in the telecommunications world: The SIM Box. Have you ever received an international call but saw a local phone number ring in?
That is SIM Boxing in action. Let me explain.
SIM boxing happens when a person uses a special equipment, what is called a SIM Box containing tens to hundreds of SIM Cards—from 32, to 96, to 512 and more SIMs —to terminate international calls by bringing in the international call into the SIM Box using internet connections and regenerating the calls to the called party from one of the hundred SIMs in the box.
This way, the called party will see the local number of the SIM from the SIM Box, and not the original international number calling.
With SIM Boxes, the syndicate charges international call carriers lower rates than what regular Nigerian telecommunications operators would charge, as they do not have to pay the full cost of maintaining and operating a phone network.
Basically, they are bypassing the normal route for international phone call termination to terminate international calls cheaply and making windfall profits off it.
Take for instance, a telecommunications operator in Nigeria would ordinarily charge international carriers 10cents per minute for terminating an international call in Nigeria. However, by routing the call through a SIM Boxing syndicate, the international telecommunications carrier only pays a fraction of the charge to the syndicate, say 5cents per minute and does not have to pay the full 10cents per minute charge.
The SIM Boxer will terminate this call to the called subscriber at a rate of, say N15 per minute using one of the SIM cards in their SIM Box.
The SIM Boxer thus makes a killing from the differential between the rate charged to the international carrier and the rate paid to telecommunications operators whose SIM they utilise in their SIM Boxes, at the expense of our national security and income of mobile network operators and quality of our service to consumers.
Asides the revenue loss that local mobile network operators suffer courtesy the activities of these syndicates, networks face congestion around areas where the illegal call routings via SIM Boxing occurs.
With the huge traffic from the boxes, callers around the area see more dropped calls, poor call quality, and slower data speeds.
The introduction of the linking of National Identity Numbers (NIN) to SIMs is one way the Federal Government has worked to tackle this criminal enterprise.
With every SIM in the country being linked to an NIN, an identity is tied to the owner of each line, and regulators now have visibility of ownership.
That is not all. There is also the “Max-4 Rule” where a subscriber is not allowed to have more than four lines per network operator linked to his NIN.
With this rule in place, coupled with the NIN-SIM Linkage, every telephone subscriber in Nigeria would not just be accurately identifiable but limited to having only four telephone lines per subscriber.
To enforce this rule, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on the 29th of March 2024 announced the deadline for Mobile Network Operators to bar all subscribers who had five lines and above, and whose NIN failed the verification test of biometrics matching.
Over the last few weeks, sources within the NCC have confirmed cases where a single NIN was linked to over 100,000 lines.
Some NINs had well over 10,000 SIMS linked to them, others over a thousand, others had hundreds.
Many have questioned the reports and asked, what would any single reasonable person be doing with these number of lines? Justifiable questions, because no sane person—who is not running a business—should own more than five SIM cards.
Given the ‘Max 4 Rule’ in place and the NIN-SIM Linkage Policy, SIM Boxers have been boxed into a corner.
The applications they use require tens to thousands of SIM Cards, and the imperative to stay anonymous.
If these policies are well and fully implemented, this is the death knell for SIM Boxing merchants.
But the regulator, NCC needs to be fast and ready for the battle ahead. SIM Boxing is a billion-dollar criminal enterprise.
They are not going to go down without a fight. It is like taking a bone being chewed from the mouth of a bulldog.
Already, the battle seems to have kicked off.
A lawyer, Barrister Olukoya Ogunbeje has recently taken the Federal Government, NCC and Mobile Network Operators to court, claiming that the barring of SIMs not linked to NINs goes against his fundamental human rights, and has cost him the loss of business opportunities.
Anyone who has Nigeria’s interest at heart ordinarily supports this policy. It then does not add up seeing a so-called activist lawyer take up such a matter that is clearly against the public interest—unless this is the Haka cry of SIM Boxers.
A most interesting observation with his case is that it is not even a class action, but individually driven. It begs the question then, who is funding Barr. Olukoya Ogungbeje?
What is his interest in fighting this policy that puts paid to the business of a criminal enterprise? Is he funded by interests in the SIM Boxing world?
Time would tell. But in the meantime, NCC must go head on without fear or intimation and clean the Augean stable of SIM ownership in Nigeria.
Suleiman Bala Bakori is a researcher, and writes from the FCT.
AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, today launches AVEVA World 2024 in Paris’ Palais des Congrès. The annual flagship software conference brings together leading industrial companies from across the globe to explore how to generate impact with cutting-edge technology. Executives from key industrial verticals including Power, Chemicals, Minerals and Food & Beverage, will be present.
All with the shared aim of better utilising advanced software to drive stronger business and sustainability outcomes.
During the AVEVA World 2024 press conference, AVEVA‘s CEO, Caspar Herzberg, announced new strategic partnerships with Vulcan Energy Resources (VER) and Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC).
Vulcan Energy Resources (VER) is committed to become the world’s first lithium company with a carbon neutral footprint through a ground-breaking lithium technology. AVEVA’s new partnership with Vulcan will focus on the Vulcan Energy Resources €1.5billion engineering project in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley – with AVEVA providing the digital backbone for the project.
This collaboration supports both companies’ commitment to driving digital transformation and sustainability throughout the lifecycle of industrial assets.
VER aims at decarbonising lithium production by developing the world’s first dual lithium chemicals and renewable energy business with net zero greenhouse gas emissions. CONNECT, will be used to enhance collaboration and foster digital agility across the different project phases and industrial assets.
VER will gain access to a comprehensive suite of software solutions tailored to Phase One and future phases. Core components, such as AVEVA’s Contract Risk Management (CRM) and AVEVA Asset Information Management (AIM), as well as AVEVA’s cutting-edge digital twin and Assai’s Document Control and Management system, will enable secure data sharing among multiple stakeholders including contractors.
“This collaboration supports our commitment to driving digital transformation and sustainability throughout the lifecycle of industrial assets. By collaborating with AVEVA, Vulcan can harness the full power of CONNECT to ease collaboration and accelerate the software underpinning their ground-breaking lithium technology.” comments Caspar Herzberg, CEO, AVEVA.
Cris Moreno, CEO of Vulcan Energy Resources, said: “This MoU marks the beginning of a promising long-term collaboration between Vulcan and AVEVA.
“We are delighted to have AVEVA as a key partner in delivering world-leading digital solutions for Phase One of our integrated renewable energy and ZERO CARBON LITHIUM™ Project ecosystem and beyond.”
AVEVA’s new partnership with Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) seeks to develop an application of quantum computing in the industrial sector. While still in its infancy, quantum computing is expected to help customers save time and money, as well as reducing power consumption. By partnering with OQC, AVEVA is bringing the power and capability of quantum compute to its customers, enabling them to unlock its potential to solve new and previously thought impossible problems.
Quantum compute is anticipated to deliver an exponential speed-up over classical techniques, as well as generate cost and power consumption reductions: including AI large language models and big data.
When announcing the technology partnership with OQC, a global leader in quantum computing-as-a-service, Caspar Herzberg declared:
“We often hear “Time is Money” but today, there’s a new paradigm: Time is sustainability! The climate crisis is urging industries to accelerate their journey to net-zero. The faster we innovate for a better world, the better.
“Quantum Computing is a game changer in terms of speed, efficiency, and precision. I’m convinced that quantum technology will unlock faster and more sustainable innovation in industries.”
“Quantum computing is set to revolutionise every sector with faster and more nuanced information processing. Through OQC’s capabilities, quantum is now a tangible, accessible asset for businesses like AVEVA to utilise for experimentation. We look forward to unlocking its potential for their customers” added Gerald Mullally, CEO, Oxford Quantum Circuits.
MTN Nigeria, leading telecommunications provider has officially launched the first 5G Experience Centre in Abuja, on Wednesday, 16th October, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s commitment towards advancing connectivity in Nigeria.
L-R: ThankGod Otorkpa, General Manager, Regional Operations (North), MTN Nigeria, Shoyinka Shodunke, Chief Information Officer, MTN Nigeria; Engineer Joseph Emeshili, Head, Spectrum Planning, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations Officer (CCRO), MTN Nigeria; Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer (CCSSO) MTN Nigeria; and Osaze Ebueku, Senior Manager, Sponsorships and Promotions, MTN Nigeria during the launch of MTN 5G Experience Center in Abuja.
The state-of-the-art centre is designed to showcase the capabilities of 5G technology, empowering customers, businesses, and innovators to explore its potential.
The launch event, graced by industry stakeholders including representatives from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and tech enthusiasts such as Fisayo Fosudo and Izzi Boye, highlighted MTN’s commitment to delivering world-class telecommunications services that enhance the lives of its customers.
Offering attendees and visitors the opportunity to interact with cutting-edge technology, the 5G Experience Centre includes virtual reality, augmented reality, and ultra-high-definition streaming applications, as well as a digital customer service point.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Customer Relations Officer, Ugonwa Nwoye, said “Today, we are proud to unveil the MTN 5G Experience Centre, a hub for innovation and a testament to our dedication to bringing the best of technology as close as possible to our customers.”
“At MTN, technology is not just about selling data but empowering our customers with the right technological resources to reach their highest potential.”
Going further, she said, “At MTN, our ability to bring the best to our customers is our pride from being the first to launch 5G in West Africa, to powering faster internet speeds; our connectivity has the potential to revolutionise various sectors, including healthcare, education, and agriculture.
“We believe this centre will inspire creativity and drive the adoption of digital solutions across the country.”
Engineer Joseph Emeshili, Head, Spectrum Planning, Nigerian Communications Commission, speaking on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, commended MTN on the launch.
He said, “The NCC commends MTN Nigeria for its efforts to promote the development of emerging technologies and to enable its customers to tap into this great experience and full potential of 5G.
“This move is encouraging and needs all hands-on deck to ensure the effectiveness of emerging technologies and the Nigerian tech ecosystem.”
Expressing his excitement for the launch, the Chief Information Officer, MTN Nigeria, Shoyinka Shodunke, said, “For us at MTN, the unveiling of the 5G Experience Centre is beyond the launch we have today.
“It is an experience we’re inviting everybody to be a part of to see the possibilities of 5G.
“What you see here today are dreams of our customers we’ve turned into realities and possibilities.
“We take these dreams, co-create and turn them into fantastic experiences for our customers businesses and pleasure.”
“We don’t develop viable products using the old methodology but encourage our target audience to share their ideas, sit together and create their ideas into tangible versions we can touch and feel.
“To this end, I encourage everyone to be a part of this journey and enjoy it to the fullest,” he added.
In addition to the experience centre, MTN is committed to expanding its 5G network across Nigeria, ensuring more communities have access to this game-changing technology.
The company plans to roll out additional centres in key cities, further promoting digital literacy and innovation.
“As we embark on this new era of connectivity, we invite all Nigerians to explore the endless possibilities that 5G offers,” added Ugonwa Nwoye. “Together, we can create a more connected, informed, and prosperous nation.”
The MTN 5G Experience Centre is now open to the public, and visitors are encouraged to book appointments for personalised tours and demonstrations.
Telecom
Breakdown of Telecoms Sector will have a Ripple Effect on Other Industries – MTN Nigeria’s CFO Warns
Modupe Kadri, Chief Financial Officer of MTN Nigeria, has raised alarm over the stifling business environment created by unfavourable regulatory policies in the telecommunications industry, warning that such crippling limitations will ultimately harm other sectors in the Nigerian economy.
Modupe Kadri
Speaking during one of the CEO roundtable discussions at the 30th National Economic Summit in Abuja, Kadri highlighted the urgent need for reform in the regulatory environment to sustain the sector and also encourage growth.
“The telecoms sector is critical for digital transformation in industries like finance, FMCG, logistics and creative sectors. If the government does not create an environment where the industry can grow and thrive, it will have a ripple effect on these sectors,” he said.
Despite contributing 16% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Kadri reiterated that telecommunication operators face rising operational costs and heavy reliance on foreign exchange without permission to adjust service tariffs.
He stressed that urgent regulatory changes are necessary for the sector’s survival.
“For ten years, telecommunication operators have not been permitted by regulators to increase their tariffs, despite the economic downturn.
“This limitation is making operations increasingly difficult and the sector is fighting for survival. If we want to attain sustainability, these regulatory policies must be reviewed and telecom operators need to be allowed to adjust their prices, given present economic conditions,” he said.
Echoing Kadri’s sentiments, Courage Obadagbonyi, CFO of APM Terminals, emphasized the consequences of excessive regulatory burdens. “If you impose excessive regulations and operators cannot reinvest, the industry is bound to revert to the dark ages of dysfunctionality, ” he said.
Obadagbonyi criticized the lack of coordination among various government ministries and agencies that serve as regulatory bodies, noting that overlapping regulations and multiple taxation systems complicate operations and deter potential investors.
“Multinationals make objective decisions about deploying investment capital based on market volatility and their ability to adjust prices.
“Unfortunately, Nigerian projects are already at a disadvantage compared to those in Europe,” he added.
Both executives called for comprehensive policy reforms to create a more favorable business climate that encourages investment and supports economic development.
Other industry leaders, including Oyeyimika Adeboye, Managing Director of Cadbury West Africa, and Nkechi Obi, Group Managing Director of Techno Oil, joined them on the panel.
The discussions at the National Economic Summit underscored a critical moment for Nigeria’s economy.
Stakeholders urged government action to address regulatory challenges and foster an environment conducive to growth and investment.
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