Telecom
CloudFlex Boss Harps on Importance of Data Localization as Cloud Services Gain Traction
Aderemi Adejumo, managing director of Cloudflex Computing Services Limited, formerly, Comercio Cloud Computing Company, has called for the localisation of data in the country and for more companies to latch on the provisions of Cloud Computing to reposition for the future, as technology is evolving and requiring more secured and easily accessible data storage solutions.
Speaking at an event organised recently in Lagos by the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), an umbrella body for ICT Journalists in Nigeria, Adejumo noted that Cloud Computing had become a dire need for companies due to the amount of data being generated and the need to access these data on the go.
In his presentation, Adejumo explained the term: “The ‘Cloud’ represents the internet where resources are measured and provisioned which are also scalable.
“In reality ‘the cloud’ is just a shorthand term for ‘cloud computing’, which itself refers to the idea of using someone else’s computers on the Internet for processes we previously used our own for such as storing data and running programs.”
Adejumo noted that the move to the cloud represents one of the largest paradigm shifts to ever affect IT.
“More than just a simple technology evolution, the cloud fundamentally changes many of the cornerstones on which IT evolved and is a move of great benefit to your business.”
He explained that the great thing about using Cloud services is that the solutions require little or no capital outlay by the customer, Opex rather than Capex. Also, Cloud solutions cost less in terms of the TCO as Savings are up to 70%, and while offering more flexibility, risks are also decreased.
Furthermore Cloud hosting guarantees cost saving, no data loss, no server maintenance, employees can work from anywhere, easily accessible, and Increased work efficiency.
He further spoke about the need for Nigerian companies, both in the private and public sectors, to ensure they have their data in a localised Cloud.
According to him, this will enable them latch onto the advantages of localised hosting which include low latency, measured duration, adherence to local laws and proximity.
He however disclosed that the challenges facing Cloud adoption in Nigeria include the high cost of doing business in the country which sees firms spending up to 25% of their cost on power. Others are lack of collaboration in the sector, lack of government and financial supports, poor knowledge of the gains of Cloud hosting and perception issues.
Cloudflex Computing Services Limited is Nigeria’s Premier Indigenous Cloud Company, that provides infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and has invested in having its infrastructure on ground hence we are local.
The company’s ‘Cloud’ is an Enterprise Public Cloud Platform that relies on shared computing resources rather than having hardware and devices to manage applications.
The subscribers of MTN Nigeria enjoyed the best mobile Internet performances in 2024, according to nPerf’s 2024 report, which analysed mobile internet performance across Nigeria.
nPerf, a French company has been a trusted partner for both fixed and mobile operators, providing comprehensive network testing solutions and analysis.
According to nPerf, in 2024, the mobile market in Nigeria saw significant developments and the leader for this period is MTN, maintaining its position as the global winner.
From January 1 to December 31, 2024, MTN led mobile internet in Nigeria across every measurable category, with great performance. Its subscribers enjoyed an average download speed of 17.82 Mbps, leaving Airtel at 9.98 Mbps and Glo at a distant 5.66 Mbps.
“This period highlights MTN’s continued dominance as the market leader, with no new entrants taking the lead in 2024. MTN emerged as the sole leader, showing impressive advancements across various KPIs and focus areas. The analysis showcases MTN’s superiority in Download speed, Upload speed, and Latency.
Upload speeds were similar, with MTN averaging 8.05 Mbps, Airtel 4.35 Mbps, and Glo 3.43 Mbps, even as reliance on solid internet connectivity never stopped increasing.
Latency, an important metric for real-time applications such as video calls and gaming, further enhanced MTN’s place in the market. The network achieved an average latency of 79.44 ms, comfortably outperforming Glo’s 89.44 ms and Airtel’s 119.85 ms.
These figures are particularly important during peak periods (6 PM to 11 PM) when the network issues are at the highest. MTN’s ability to maintain consistent latency levels during these busy hours speaks to its superior infrastructure.
Beyond raw speeds, the quality of experience (QoE) was also analysed. In browsing performance, MTN scored an average success rate of 36.08%, surpassing Airtel at 28.86%, while Glo lagged at 29.42%.
This difference was also seen in video streaming, where MTN recorded an average streaming success rate of 72.35%, overshadowing Airtel’s 67.04% and Glo’s 53.81%.
Airtel, despite being a distant second in most metrics, delivered a commendable performance in specific areas, particularly video streaming.
Its streaming rate, at 67.04%, shows a strong emphasis on delivering quality experiences in this domain.
However, Airtel’s inability to match MTN’s speeds, browsing performance and latency asserted the gap between the two providers.
Glo, on the other hand, had steady progress throughout 2024. Although it lagged in download (5.66 Mbps) and upload speeds (3.43 Mbps), its performance in latency (89.44 ms) revealed some improvement in network responsiveness.
Glo’s focus on enhancing connectivity is obvious, but it remains apparent that the provider has some ground to cover before it can challenge the likes of MTN or even Airtel.
The data disclosed that whether downloading, browsing, or streaming, MTN subscribers always enjoyed the best experiences.
In the 4G focus area, MTN also stands out as the leader. These achievements underline the positive trends and strong market dynamics” according to nPerf.
The report also said that not only does MTN excel in download speed, upload speed, and latency, but it also leads in Video streaming.
nPerf’s report added that MTN dominates the 4G focus area, reinforcing its pioneering position in the mobile technology sector.
“Significant improvements include a remarkable enhancement in Upload speed. MTN’s consistent contributions have greatly strengthened the overall market landscape” it said
On Airtel, nPerf reported excellence in browsing and streaming, adding that Airtel, while not the market leader, demonstrates excellence in specific categories.
“With a strong performance in browsing and video streaming, Airtel secures its place as a key player. The operator’s contributions are vital to the market’s competitiveness, and its focus on enhancing user experience is evident” nPerf reported.
nPerf further reported that Glo showed steady progress with a commendable improvement in its overall score.
Although not a market leader, Glo has shown improvements in various areas, contributing positively to the market’s dynamics. The operator’s focus on enhancing connectivity and customer satisfaction is noteworthy, according to nPerf.
Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd, in conjunction with Eutelsat, global leader in satellite communications , are proud to announce a groundbreaking multi-year, multi-million-dollar partnership to deliver low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services in Nigeria.
This strategic agreement positions NIGCOMSAT as Nigeria’s leading satellite service provider by leveraging the OneWeb LEO network to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity.
The services will cater to a wide range of sectors, including government, enterprises, and underserved rural areas, supporting essential applications like remote communications, mobile connectivity, and offshore operations.
Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, managing director/chief executive officer, NIGCOMSAT, stated that, “We are delighted to deepen our collaboration with Eutelsat, a globally renowned satellite technology leader. This partnership is a milestone for NIGCOMSAT, enabling us to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide through the cutting-edge capabilities of OneWeb LEO satellites. Together, we will deliver scalable, reliable connectivity solutions to foster growth across government services, businesses and communities nationwide.”
She added, ‘this partnership attests to the strong ties between Nigeria and France in advancing satellite and space technology. By joining forces, Eutelsat and NIGCOMSAT are poised to drive innovation, accelerate digital transformation, and open new opportunities for connectivity across Nigeria and beyond.
Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited is Nigeria’s premier satellite communications provider, committed to delivering world-class satellite services to empower communities and industries.
With its flagship NigComSat-1R satellite, NIGCOMSAT supports critical sectors such as communication, education, health and security.
Eutelsat Group is a global leader in satellite communications, delivering connectivity and broadcast services worldwide.
The Group was formed through the combination of the Company and OneWeb in 2023, becoming the first fully integrated GEO-LEO satellite operator with a fleet of 35 Geostationary satellites and a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation of more than 600 satellites.
The Group addresses the needs of customers in four key verticals of Video, where it distributes more than 6,500 television channels, and the high-growth connectivity markets of Mobile Connectivity, Fixed Connectivity, and Government Services. Eutelsat Group’s unique suite of in-orbit assets enables it to deliver integrated solutions to meet the needs of global customers.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has stated that, following recent agitations for an increase in telecommunications service tariffs by operators, any increase will not exceed 60 percent.
He disclosed this during an appearance on a Channels Television programme on Thursday, Tijani, who had earlier rejected the telecom companies’ request for a 100 percent hike, stated that the anticipated increase would fall between 30 percent and 60 percent.
According to him, agreeing to a 100 percent increase would negatively impact Nigerians and stifle economic growth.
He also mentioned that his team’s recommendations, based on KPMG reports, will soon be finalized and shared.
He said: “I think they should only increase by not more than anywhere between 30 to 60 percent. We are asking difficult questions, like can we possibly increase the local content in that sector, meaning can we reduce the amount of imports that are coming into that sector, which means they have to look for foreign exchange, which is more expensive.
“We have declared all their infrastructure as critical national infrastructure, that’s something they’ve been looking for for years. President Tinubu did that last year.
“The reason is that when people go and vandalise telecommunications equipment, it drops the quality of service that people get, but it also costs these companies a lot to repair. We’re taking that away.
“If you look at the tax reform, for instance, there are a number of things there to harmonize taxes that they pay, to reduce it in a way that is good for the country, but also allows these companies to thrive.
“We are, as a country, investing in that 90,000 kilometres that I mentioned. When we do the investment, it will allow these companies to be able to reach more people.
“If we are investing in towers in difficult-to-reach locations, in rural areas, it will give them the opportunity to increase the pool of customers that they have without making heavy investments.”
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