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ATCON Seeks NCC’s collaboration on BTIF

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The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, has proposed collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to organize Broadband and Technology Investment Forum, BTIF, in all State of the federation.

 

The primary and strategic objective of the proposed forum would complement the Commission’s concerted efforts in respect of making broadband pervasive and ubiquitous as well as it would further encourage State Governments and private sector to aid the growth and development through deliberate and strategic investment in technology and broadband in their respective states.

 

ATCON President, Mr. Olusola Teniola, made the statements while leading a delegation of the National Executive Council, NEC, on a scheduled visit to the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta.

 

According to Teniola, the new NEC is poised to working with Prof. Danbatta and the Commissioners in order to make their tenure in the commission the one that would never be forgotten in the history of the Nigerian telecom sector.

 

“This strategic courtesy visit is put together to demonstrate the respect that we have for you and your office as records are there to show that the development of the sector is highly paramount in your strategic plan for 2018”.

 

Teniola said that by ATCON’s findings, the few years Prof. Danbatta has spent as the EVC of NCC has shown that his performance is highly rated and the new NEC is prepared to contribute towards sustaining the high performance in the office of the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC.

 

“The new NEC based on the general perspectives in the industry we are confident that you are going to leave an indelible mark of greater achievements and the entire Nigerian telecom industry would be a better one for the decisions you have made on their behalf”, he said.

 

Revamping Broadband penetration initiative in Nigeria
The team also tabled ATCON’s concerns, especially in ensuring broadband penetration in Nigeria is high.
“The strategy that ATCON has earmarked to leapfrog our current broadband rating globally is what we call ATCON Broadband and Technology Investment Forum in all states of the federation.

 

“The plan is to work majorly with the Nigerian Communications Commission and all State Governors and Commissioners for ICT in Nigeria to organise this forum in all our states. In 2018, we plan to stage this forum in three states: Kano, Akwa-Ibom and Osun.

 

“The strategic objective of this initiative is to promote greater awareness about the state’s technology and broadband investments potentials; identify viable technology investment projects for both the private and public sectors; increase government and private investments and spending in Broadband Infrastructure.

 

“It has been established that for any state in Nigeria to seriously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its economic activities and the general welfare of its population, such states must invest more meaningfully in broadband infrastructure.

 

“As we all know that 10% broadband penetration can translate to 1.38% in our nation’s GDP, this forum will make concrete attempts to measure the state of broadband infrastructure in the state and what could be done to encourage as well as increase its capacity utilization”.

 

Welcoming the visitors Prof. Danbatta, first, congratulated both Mr. Olusola Teniola, President, ATCON and other newly elected NEC members and said it was a well-deserved mandate given to him and the new exco by the entire members of Association.

 

He urged Teniola to use this particular tenure to further strengthen the Association which has existence for 25 years.

 

Getting down to the issues: Right of Way, the EVC said it appears there is a solution in sight as Professor, Yemi Osinbajo , Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria had a meeting with Nigeria Governors Forum where he pitched to them in respect of Right of Way.

 

According to him, the Governors appeared to buy into the initiative of laying fibre which would cover upto 18000 km in Nigeria.

 

He added that the initiative would be solely driven by the Vice President and with this initiative, solutions shall be proffered to the challenges caused by right of ways and the 30% broadband penetration target set would be met and surpassed.

 

He also spoke on some benefits that come with high broadband penetration and emphasized the need for quality critical infrastructure.

 

“The Digital Transformation would change our country socially, economically and it would further lead to youth empowerment, foster e-learning, and open our society more”, he said.
Still on broadband:

 

Prof. Umar Danbatta commended ATCON for its advocacy in respect of Cybercrime levy of 0.005 and said the sector has contributed N1.43trillion to the country’s GDP and we need to talk more about the performance of our industry.

 

He said the contribution of N1.43 trillion was achieved because of the progressive regulatory put in place by the Nigerian Communication Commission which has also attracted further investment into the sector.
Prof. Umar Danbatta said ATCON‘s proposal on Broadband and Technology Investment Forum is apt and it aligns with the initiative being pursued by the presidency.

 

“This Presidency initiative is put in place to accelerate investment in the industry and ATCON would be carried along to realize the goals and objectives of the presidency initiative.

 

“It has been found that broadband is nonexistence in many states in Nigeria because of commercial reasons. The initiative being pursued by the presidency would ensure that some form of telecommunications services would be provided for the rural dwellers as well as ensure critical mass of ICT adoption among the underserved and unserved”.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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Tarana, Microsoft Enhance Africa’s Broadband Connectivity

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Tarana, provider of next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) broadband technology, is collaborating with Microsoft to expand internet access in rural and underserved communities across Africa.

Together, the companies will help service providers in rural and underserved Africa deploy government-approved telecom equipment, along with training and technical support.

This comes as access to secure; affordable telecom equipment remains a major barrier to internet connectivity in Africa. Despite progress, high infrastructure costs and limited rural coverage have allowed the digital divide to persist.

Tarana stated that in some areas, fewer than 30% of people have dependable internet connectivity.

To that end, it said its collaboration with Microsoft will help reduce the cost of ngFWA equipment for African internet service providers while also assisting with deployment logistics, enabling them to give internet access more faster and more cost-effectively.

The company went on to say overcoming two primary limitations of traditional fixed wireless access) technology, ngFWA delivers high-speed broadband service in both non-line-of-sight conditions and heavy radio interference, making it an ideal solution for hard-to-reach and underserved markets.

More than 250 operators worldwide are deploying ngFWA to deliver better broadband more efficiently, said the company.

Basil Alwan, CEO of Tarana, added: “We look forward to making significant progress on the digital divide together.”

“Access to affordable, secure broadband infrastructure is essential for unlocking economic opportunity through digital access across Africa,” said Vickie Robinson, general manager, energy, connectivity, and sustainability at Microsoft. “By working with Tarana, we’re helping local operators overcome cost and deployment barriers so they can bring high-speed connectivity to the communities that need it most.”


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Mobile Industry Emissions Down 8%, But Pace Must Double to Hit Net Zero

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The mobile industry’s operational emissions fell by 8% between 2019 and 2023, even as mobile connections grew by 9% and data traffic quadrupled, according to the GSMA’s fifth annual Mobile Net Zero report released this week.

The findings show the mobile industry has successfully started to decouple emissions from data and connectivity growth – a stark contrast to global emissions, which have increased 4% since 2019. However, to continue progress and reach net zero by 2050, emissions must fall by 7.5% annually until 2030 – more than twice the average annual rate achieved to date.

Key findings from the report include:

  • Preliminary 2024 data suggests a further 4.5% drop in emissions – an acceleration on previous years, but still short of the 7.5% annual reduction needed to 2030.
  • 37% of electricity used by operators disclosing to CDP came from renewables in 2023, up from 13% in 2019 – avoiding 16 million tonnes of emissions.
  • 81 mobile operators (covering nearly half of global connections) have set or committed to science-based targets.
  • The GSMA Climate Action Taskforce now includes 77 operators, covering 80% of mobile connections worldwide.
  • Europe (-56%), North America (-44%), and Latin America (-36%) lead the way in operational emissions reductions between 2019 and 2023.
  • New analysis of China shows operational emissions likely fell by 4% in 2024 – the first decline after a 7% rise between 2019–2023 – alongside a more than quadrupling of renewable energy use.

Global, collaborative climate action gathers pace

The acceleration in decarbonisation is driven by operator actions to improve network energy efficiency and transition to clean energy, including solar and battery storage. Many operators are phasing out less efficient legacy networks and reducing their reliance on diesel generators.

Some markets are seeing better renewable electricity access through policy support and market reform, but the GSMA warns that the accelerated reductions needed by 2030 will require greater access across more markets.

Regional momentum is building globally, with Europe and the Americas leading emissions reductions, while Asia and Africa show increasing engagement. China, representing the world’s largest mobile market with more than one billion 5G connections, shows promising progress in 2024.

New analysis published today to frame discussions at MWC25 Shanghai indicates China’s operational emissions declined for the first time in 2024, with preliminary data showing a 4% reduction year-on-year driven by a more than quadrupling in renewable energy use by operators. As the industry’s largest single market, China’s progress is instrumental in achieving global net zero targets.

Steven Moore, Head of Climate Action at the GSMA comments: “Our findings show the mobile industry isn’t greenwashing or greenwishing – it’s green acting. Emissions are trending in the right direction, but the pace of progress must now double.

“This is a global effort, and it’s encouraging to see momentum building across every region – from Latin America to Europe and especially to China.

“But to sustain this progress, we need broader support: better access to renewables, more policy certainty, and stronger collaboration across the ecosystem. Supply chain emissions, which make up most of our industry’s footprint, must also be addressed – and climate transition plans will play an increasingly important role in navigating what comes next.”

Focus on Scope 3 and circularity sharpens

The report emphasises that Scope 3 emissions – mostly from supply chains and manufacturing – account for more than two-thirds of the industry’s total carbon footprint and require attention. While transparency is improving, Scope 3 emissions remain a blind spot compared with operational emissions (Scopes 1 and 2), making them a critical challenge for operators with science-based targets, which require reductions across full value chain emissions.

Additionally, the report points to growing momentum around circular economy initiatives. Consumer appetite for sustainable devices is rising, with around 90% of users surveyed by GSMA saying they value longevity and repairability, and nearly half considering refurbished for their next phone purchase.

Buying refurbished instead of new can save consumers money and reduce environmental impacts from manufacturing, with refurbished phones generating 80-90% fewer emissions than new ones. While new device sales have slowed in recent years, the second-hand device market is growing rapidly, and projected to be worth $150 billion by 2027.

Many leading operators are now developing climate transition plans to assess climate risks and map out credible, long-term strategies toward net zero. These plans are expected to become a key focus of the GSMA’s Climate Action Programme over the coming year.


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MTN’s Ikenna Ikeme Urges Responsible AI Use @Pan African Data Policy Conference

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The use of local content in Artificial Intelligence systems is essential for delivering accurate, region-specific results, according to MTN Nigeria’s General Manager for Regulatory Affairs, Ikenna Ikeme.

He shared this perspective at the recently held Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) Conference, held in Abuja recently.

The conference convened industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the role of data and AI in shaping Africa’s future. Key discussions focused on balancing innovation with risk, safeguarding data in AI systems, promoting responsible data use, and enabling cross-border data flows.

During a panel on “Data Governance for Responsible and Beneficial Use of AI,” Ikeme highlighted data’s dual nature. “Data can be transformational by bringing efficiency to businesses, but it also presents risks, ranging from privacy to investment,” he stated. He warned against relying too much on external data.

Adewale Adene, Google’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager, also spoke at the session. Adene projected AI and data governance could add $30 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030. “All relevant authorities and stakeholders must ensure Africa is positioned to capitalise on this new economy,” he urged.

Other panelists included Nonye Ujam, Government Affairs Lead at Microsoft; Ololade Shyllon, Director of Privacy Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey at Meta; Oliver Patel, Head of Enterprise AI Governance at AstraZeneca (who joined remotely); Femi Daniel, Senior Counsel, Privacy and Data Protection at Mastercard; and Adewolu Adene, Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager at Google.

The conference stressed the urgent need for African stakeholders to create strategic policies. These policies should support both growth and safety.

Participants called for collaboration, investment in local data infrastructure, and strong legal frameworks. This is to ensure AI technologies are developed and used responsibly.

The NADPA Conference served as a timely call to action. It urged governments, companies, and regulators to prioritise trust and transparency. Homegrown solutions are key in shaping Africa’s digital destiny, the conference concluded.


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