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Broadbased Delighted By NCC Open Access Infrastructure Strategy

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Broadbased Communications, a Lagos based metropolitan fiber optic network Operator, has applauded the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC’s) strategy on Open Access Fiber Optic infrastructure, tipping it as the way to go.

The Telecommunications industry in Nigeria is a very big business, with the big five Mobile Telecom Operators invested over $3 billion in the industry last year and provide services to over 130 million Nigerians.

In spite of the tremendous scale and size of this industry, there is still room for well-conceived startups, hence the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) believes that the biggest risk in this industry is the need for an Open Access shared Fiber Optic Network infrastructure.

According to Dr Eugene Juwah, executive vice chairman of the NCC, had told newsmen that two licenses for Open Access Fiber Optic Network Infrastructure (InfraCos) will cover Lagos State and the North Central Zone, allowing for the deployment of metropolitan fibre-optic infrastructure and associated transmission equipment on an open access, non-discriminatory and price-regulated basis.

As outlined by the regulator’s ‘Open Access Next Generation Fibre Optics Broadband Network’ paper, which was published late last year, the InfraCos will be responsible for providing a national broadband network to service providers.

NCC added that the Open Access Model for fibre-optic network deployment is best suited to bridge the digital divide, facilitate the development of local content, and deliver fast and reliable broadband services to households and businesses.

It is expected to help address the challenges of fibre deployment in towns and cities, promote infrastructure sharing and reduce right of way issues.

Broadbased Communications Limited at a luncheon over the weekend, hosting top executives of the NCC, representatives of the major Telecom Operators, Major banks and industry players, commended NCC’s efforts to address the infrastructure deficits in the nation’s telecom industry through the InfraCo model.

Speaking at the luncheon, Prince Henry Ise-Okojie, managing director and chief executive officer, Broadbased Communications, outlined, the history, strategy and growth of the company.

It was obvious in his presentation that the company’s strategy is completely aligned with the NCC strategy to take fiber optics infrastructure to the last mile.

Ise-Okojie noted that all 20 banks in Nigeria presently are either directly or indirectly utilizing the company’s infrastructure.

He said that the company has been utilizing a fiber optics open access non-compete strategy since its formation 5 years ago.

The MD/CEO said that the company will clearly play a key role in the initial rollout of the Infraco strategy.

In the NCC’s Infraco strategy, Broadbased already anticipated having companies like Broadbased Communications Ltd who have existing Fiber Optic Network infrastructure that can be leveraged by the Infraco to carry traffic to the last mile.

Also speaking, Mr. Chidi Ibisi, chief marketing officer (CMO) of the Company noted that the company is a pure play Open Access Fiber Optic Network infrastructure company and does not compete against its clients by aspiring to provide last mile services to consumers of services, rather, Broadbased Communications provides the infrastructure that makes it possible to reach the last mile.

“As the need for broadband connectivity expands, Broadbased Communications will be a major enabler to Telecom Operators and other industry players that are interested in providing services to the last mile.

“During the informal interactive session, the NCC Representatives communicated their excitement about the progress made thus far by Broadbased Communications, the speed with which we have deployed over 500 kM of fiber in Lagos and the methodology utilized which uses the horizontal directional drilling technology to prevent damage and disruption to city infrastructure.  They expressed a strong desire to stimulate the industry to support other companies like Broadbased Communications Ltd who are interested in providing shared infrastructural services to the telecommunications industry,” the CMO said.

According to the MD/CEO of Broadbased Communications Limited, “In the next twelve to eighteen months we will continue to expand our reach and hopefully add 1500 to 2000 kilometers to our existing infrastructure. Again this is to make our platform available to all existing Telecom Operators and new players including InfraCos seeking to lease Fiber Optic links from an Open Access, Non Compete Metropolitan Fiber Optic Network Operator”.


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Google, Meta Criticize Australia’s Rush to Pass Social Media Ban for Under-16s

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Tech giants Google and Meta have called on the Australian government to delay a proposed bill that would ban children under 16 from accessing most social media platforms.

The companies argue that more time is needed to assess the bill’s impact and await results from an age-verification trial.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government aims to pass the legislation—one of the strictest globally on children’s social media use—by Thursday, the final day of the parliamentary year. Introduced last week, the bill was open for public submissions for just one day, drawing criticism for its expedited timeline.

The proposed law would require social media companies, rather than parents or children, to enforce age-verification measures, potentially using biometrics or government-issued identification. Companies found in breach could face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million).

Meta criticised the bill as “inconsistent and ineffective” without clear results from the age-verification trial. Google echoed the sentiment, urging for a measured approach to ensure Australians understand the implications of the legislation.

TikTok raised “significant concerns” over the lack of consultation with experts, social media platforms, mental health organisations, and young people. “Novel policies must be drafted thoroughly to ensure their success,” the company stated.

Elon Musk’s X also opposed the bill, arguing it could infringe on children’s human rights, including their freedom of expression and access to information. Musk, a vocal advocate for free speech, accused the government of using the bill as a backdoor to control internet access.

The opposition Liberal Party has signalled support for the bill, while some independent lawmakers have criticised the government for rushing its passage. A Senate committee report on the bill is expected on Tuesday.

If passed, the bill will place Australia at the forefront of regulating children’s online activity, but its swift progression and potential implications have sparked a heated debate over privacy, freedom, and the role of government in digital spaces.


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Unforgettable Moments and Big Wins at the TECNO SPARK 30 City Tour

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TECNO SPARK 30 city tour made a memorable stop at Ikeja City Mall on November 15th, bringing with it an infectious energy that electrified the entire city.

As the event unfolded, it was clear that this was more than just a product showcase – it was an immersive experience designed to thrill and delight.

The day’s festivities kicked off with the iconic TECNO SPARK 30 transformer bus, painted in bold red and blue hues, rolling into action.

The bus served as the hub for a games grotto, where fans immersed themselves in thrilling digital games and adventures.

Outside, the excitement spilled over, with attendees engaging in friendly competitions of Jenga, Monopoly, Ludo, and chess.

These games sparked laughter, playful banter, and a sense of camaraderie among strangers.

As the games heated up, so did the rewards. Purchasers of the TECNO SPARK 30 Pro enjoyed a N20,000 discount and a chance to win up to 100% cashback by participating in the games.

The atmosphere was electric, with cheers of victory, enthusiastic applause, and celebratory high-fives.

The excitement reached a fever pitch with the arrival of tech and lifestyle creator Kagan, accompanied by Big Brother Naija Season 9 stars Victoria and Ruthee.

The trio dove into the action, competing in games and claiming victory. They were awarded TECNO-branded gift items, earning cheers and applause from the thrilled crowd.

The event was an unforgettable experience, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.


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Sophos Report Highlights Cyber Risks During Holiday Shopping Season

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With Black Friday and Cyber Monday around the corner, we’re entering a high-risk period for cybersecurity.
A recent Sophos report highlights that malicious emails were the second most common root cause of ransomware attacks in critical sectors, responsible for 25% of cases.

During peak shopping days, this threat intensifies.

Here’s what happens: with the surge in online deals, more employees may be shopping from their work computers, feeling that Cyber Monday is a legitimate time to do so.

This increases the risk of them clicking more freely and potentially exposing the organization to malicious links or phishing attacks.

To keep your organization safe, encourage your team to follow these simple tips:

• Use an ad blocker – Advertisements are not only tracking your every movement and collecting enough information on your habits to make the FBI blush, but they are also a major source of malicious links and deceptive content on the internet. Not only is your browsing safer, but also faster and uses less bandwidth. Two of our favorites are uBlock Origin and Ghostery.
• Use private browsing or incognito mode – To prevent your shopping habits and interests from following you around from site to site (and potentially revealing what gifts you might be purchasing to others using your device, bonus!), you should enable private browsing (Firefox) or incognito mode (Chrome). This will block tracking cookies and help the internet forget your travels as the waves wash away your footprints in the sand.
• Make your browser “privacy smart” – The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) provides a browser extension called Privacy Badger designed to automatically make all the right choices around browsing whilst maintaining our privacy and blocking invisible trackers.
• Avoid using one account on multiple services – When logging into an e-commerce site it is often tempting to use the “Sign in with Facebook” or “Sign in with Google” button. While it takes a few more minutes to create a new login, it will provide more privacy as you are not sharing all of the sites you shop at with these tech giants.
• Use guest login when available – In addition to letting you use an account from other websites, many have an option to use a guest login rather than creating a new account. This is a great option if you don’t expect to need technical support or to do business on a recurring basis. Fewer passwords, fewer personal details, fewer problems if they get hacked.
• Don’t save card details – Many e-commerce sites will default to storing your credit card information in your profile for your “convenience” (or their hope you’ll shop there again). They can’t lose what they don’t have, so tell them not to store your credit card unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Use temporary card numbers – Many financial institutions now offer temporary or one-time use credit card numbers. You can open the app on your phone or in your browser and get a single-use disposable credit card number preventing card fraud and tracking when merchants share card processors. Sometimes you’re even able to specify a card limit per temporary number to further protect your account.
• Use credit, not debit – All of us need to be wary of overspending during the holidays, but it is best to leave the debit card at home. Credit cards offer significantly more protection against online fraud, and you are in the power position in a dispute. You can simply not pay your bill while disputing the charge, rather than having criminals directly drain your bank account of your hard-earned cash.
• Beware of direct messages via social media/chat apps – With modern generative AI technology it is almost trivial to create an entire fake online store and lure people to share their personal information and payment data with you. It’s safest to shop at established sites or those personally recommended to you by friends and family. Many unsolicited messages lead to data collection or theft.

• Don’t click deals in email that look too good to be true or are from businesses you don’t have accounts from – these could be phishing emails hoping to bait you into clicking links to bogus, malicious web sites.

This season, small steps can make a big difference in protecting against cyber threats.


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