E-Business
Connectivity Headaches in Lockdown
With millions of people around the world impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, national lockdowns have affected how businesses operate, with major disruptions in productivity and supply chains.
The impact of COVID-19 has resulted in the growing need for remote interactions, as more companies and educational institutions move to virtual workspaces, which have seen workplace software providers such as Microsoft, Google and Zoom witness increased demand for their work-from-home services.
According to Microsoft’sWork Trend Index, Microsoft Teams reached a new daily record of 2.7 billion minutes of use in one day, representing a 200% increase from 900 million minutes on March 16.
The tech giant’s Office 365-based collaboration platform combines workplace chat, video meetings, file storage and application integration service for business employees, students and teachers.
However, one needs a good network connectivity to effectively harness the value of these unified workspace platforms.
It is a common saying in the country that ‘Network is bad or down’ which raise the question of what constitutes bad network connectivity.
Describing network connectivity issue, Aliu Sulieman, a Network Connectivity expert, said: ‘Day after day, many Nigerians stand in line for hours at banks, airline ticketing offices, government service providers like Customs, Driver’s license authority, among others waiting for network downtime. The usual culprit is that “the network is slow” or “the server is not going”. As a Network Engineer, I cringe each time I hear “the network” being blamed for portal design or capacity planning failure.
“Contrary to what the person behind the service counter would have you believe, there are a couple of reasons for these service failures and if we do not start addressing them, people will keep wasting indefinite man-hours in queues while trying to use technology that was supposed to make our lives easier. Too many of our software developers have no idea how to optimize or even evaluate the network bandwidth utilization of their applications.”
He however urged the relevant regulatory institutions in the information and communications technology to intervene with guidelines to address this anomaly.
“It is long overdue for NITDA and NCC to issue guidelines especially where public services are involved, to observe before networked software or portal is deployed for public use, the application developers should be required to demonstrate how many kilobits/second (kbps) of bandwidth is required per concurrent user.
This will help the organization budget appropriately for network connectivity to give end users a hitch-free experience. Network operators supporting such portals must also be mandated to provide network and server utilization statistics on a weekly/monthly basis to help with assessment of resource utilization,” he stated.
Sulieman noted that, because the cost of internet work connectivity can be high, organizations with largely centralized operations should be encouraged to have in-house servers with offsite connectivity as backup to reduce the amount of traffic going out over slow and expensive internet links.
Anurag Garg, former managing director, Direct on PC,(now Direct On Data) attributed part of the challenge to access.
He argued that a typical 3G base station can only deliver 7.2 Mbps and that telcos congest the few available 3G base stations with lots of subscribers which reduces the speed of the internet delivered to them.
He hoped that the situation will change as telcos upgrade to 4G which delivers up to 25Mbps per base station which give more access to data subscribers.
E-Business
inq. Nigeria Celebrates Double Win at Tech Innovation Awards (TIA) 2024
inq. Nigeria, the leading provider of Edge technology solutions in Nigeria, has achieved a remarkable double win at the 8th annual Technology Innovation Awards (TIA).
Known for delivering innovative, business-relevant solutions in Edge AI and IoT, SDN/NFV for Edge Cloud, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and Elastic Edge, inq. Nigeria was honoured as the “MVNO Provider of the Year” and received the “Cloud Product of the Year” award for its groundbreaking product, inq.Fabric.
The TIA Awards, one of the most prestigious accolades in the tech industry, celebrates exceptional individuals and organisations at the forefront of digital transformation. This year, inq. Nigeria was acknowledged for its comprehensive impact on the Nigerian tech landscape and its commitment to innovation.
The MVNO Provider of the Year award highlights inq. Nigeria’s leadership in delivering flexible, high-performance MVNO services in an emerging market.
Through its adaptable network platform, inq. empowers licensed MVNO providers with seamless, scalable connectivity solutions for data-driven applications and IoT, bypassing traditional infrastructure needs. This enables them to meet critical network demands and integrate efficiently across diverse environments in Nigeria’s evolving market.
The Cloud Product of the Year award celebrates inq. Nigeria’s inq.Fabric, a pioneering cloud connectivity solution that automates provisioning and routing for cloud access. This software-defined networking solution provides secure, agile, and reliable connectivity, supporting rapid deployment and scalability, which is critical for multinationals, government bodies, and SMEs in Nigeria.
Reflecting on this achievement, Ifeanyi Akosionu, Managing Director of Anglophone West Africa, inq. Nigeria, expressed his gratitude, stating, “These awards reflect our commitment to excellence and innovation. At inq., we are dedicated to continuously advancing our solutions, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth by empowering businesses to thrive.”
He highlighted inq.’s leadership in supporting Nigeria’s emerging MVNO industry, noting, “Our MVNO solutions equip licensed providers with the agility, tools, and support needed to enter the market confidently and succeed in a dynamic landscape.” Akosionu also acknowledged Fabric by inq., which offers a flexible, cloud-based environment designed to boost productivity and streamline decision-making for clients.
Akosionu attributed inq.’s success to its close partnerships with a diverse clientele, whose collaboration inspired the development of forward-thinking solutions that address critical needs in connectivity and digital transformation across Nigeria.
Akosionu also extended appreciation to inq.’s dedicated team, saying, “Our thanks go to our valued customers for their trust and to our team at inq. Nigeria, whose dedication ensures that we consistently deliver world-class solutions.”
Previously, at the 7th edition of the TIA Awards, inq. Nigeria also received recognition as “IoT Solutions Provider of the Year” and “Digital Services Provider of the Year”, further solidifying its leadership in digital and IoT solutions.
E-Business
NDPC Partners Adeoluwa, Digital Influencer on Protection Awareness
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has taken a significant step forward in its mission to promote data protection and privacy awareness in Nigeria by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Enioluwa Adeoluwa, renowned social media influencer.
This partnership aims to harness the power of social media to educate Nigerians on the importance of data protection and privacy.
The MoU, which will last for six months and is subject to renewal, is also aimed at creating a safer digital landscape for all Nigerians.
Speaking in Abuja, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, NDPC, stressed that with over 40 million Nigerians using social media daily, data protection and privacy have become crucial concerns.
He noted that this number highlights the immense importance of safeguarding personal information in Nigeria’s digital landscape.
“The Nigerian government is really taking this up to ensure that Nigerians are protected. More importantly, we know that about 40 million Nigerians go online every day, which is significant considering there are about 120 million people in total. That is huge. For this reason, we have to ensure adequate measures for safety to safeguard the data within our country.
“And Nigerians know their rights under the Nigeria Data Protection Laws and understand the kind of measures they need to implement to protect their data,” he stated.
Dr. Olatunji explained that the MoU was signed to increase awareness about data protection and privacy in Nigeria, helping individuals understand their privacy rights and ensuring that data controllers and processors are aware of their obligations.
The National Commissioner emphasised that, with Enioluwa’s social media following, this partnership will aid in educating the public about the Commission’s mandate and in advancing its roadmap for awareness creation.
“This partnership with Enioluwa Adeoluwa marks a significant milestone in our efforts to promote data protection and privacy awareness in Nigeria. We believe that social media has the power to shape public discourse and influence behaviour, and we’re excited to leverage this platform to drive positive change,” Olatunji said.
On his part, Adeoluwa emphasised that his motivation for collaborating with the Commission is not driven by financial gain, but rather by a desire to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development. He encouraged more young people to participate in nation-building to ensure that Nigeria can become great again.
The Nigeria Data Protection Act, which established the Commission, was signed into law on June 12, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu.
Since then, the Commission, led by Dr. Olatunji, has been working actively to ensure that every Nigerian understands his or her privacy rights.
The Commission’s mandate includes protecting the rights of data subjects, promoting data protection best practices, and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
E-Business
How to Choose the Best Site to Convert BTC to Naira: The Key Features to Consider
Converting Bitcoin (BTC) to Naira has become increasingly popular in Nigeria, and choosing the right platform for this task can make a big difference in maximising your returns while keeping your funds secure.
With numerous options available, it’s essential to know which features set a great BTC-to-Naira conversion site apart from the rest. This guide breaks down the key features you should look for and includes a trusted recommendation: Breet.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Site to Convert BTC to Naira
1. Security and Trustworthiness
Security should be the top priority when choosing a BTC-to-Naira conversion platform. A reputable site should have strict security measures, such as SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and continuous monitoring for suspicious activity. To ensure the platform’s legitimacy, verify that it’s licensed or regulated.
2. Conversion Rates
Getting the best possible conversion rate means more Naira in your pocket. Rates can vary across platforms, so it’s worth comparing them to get the most value for your BTC. However, be mindful of platforms that advertise unusually high rates, as they may come with hidden fees or tricky terms.
Quick Tip: Pay attention to the platform’s fee structure. Some may charge a flat fee, while others take a percentage, which can significantly impact your earnings.
3. Transaction Speed
In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, timing is crucial. A platform that offers quick processing times can help you secure the rate you want and avoid delays due to market fluctuations. Some platforms offer instant transactions, which is ideal if you need immediate access to your funds.
Pro Tip: If speed is a priority, look for platforms with a reputation for quick confirmation times and real-time processing.
4. Ease of Use
Not everyone using a BTC-to-Naira service is a crypto expert, so an intuitive interface can make the process stress-free. A clean, user-friendly layout ensures you can navigate the site or app with ease, regardless of your crypto experience.
Bonus Tip: A mobile app can be a game-changer, allowing you to convert BTC to Naira from anywhere, anytime. Don’t forget to check for accessible and responsive customer support, as they’ll be crucial if you have questions or run into issues.
5. Payment Methods Available
The best BTC-to-Naira platforms offer direct Naira bank transfers, which allow you to receive your funds without hassle. Verify if the platform has daily or weekly withdrawal limits that fit your intended transaction size. This ensures you won’t run into unwanted restrictions when it’s time to withdraw your funds.
6. Transaction Fees and Limits
Be sure to check each platform’s transaction fees. A flat fee might be more beneficial for smaller transactions, while a percentage-based fee might be better for larger transfers. Additionally, make sure the withdrawal and daily limits meet your needs.
7. Reputation and Community Trust
Word of mouth and community endorsement go a long way in the crypto world. Platforms with high ratings from seasoned users in forums or social media groups are often reliable. Look for transparency in their terms and policies, and be cautious of any red flags, such as rates that seem too good to be true or a lack of user reviews.
Recommended Site to Convert BTC to Naira: The Breet App
After reviewing several options, Breet stands out as a highly recommended site to convert 1btc to naira today. Here’s why:
- Competitive Rates: Breet offers competitive conversion rates with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
- Zero Trading Fees: Breet doesn’t charge a transaction fee, so you can perform as many transactions as you want, all at no cost to you.
- Instant Naira Payouts: The platform ensures fast, direct payouts to your Nigerian bank account, making it ideal for those who need immediate access to their funds.
- User-Friendly Experience: Breet’s interface is intuitive and designed with all users in mind. It’s simple enough for beginners and robust enough for advanced users.
- Community Trust: Known for transparency and reliability, Breet is well-regarded in the Nigerian crypto community and is backed by excellent customer support.
How to Convert BTC to Naira on the Breet App
Ready to convert your BTC to Naira on Breet? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Register & Verify: Download the Breet app, sign up, and complete verification for secure access.
- Check Rate & Confirm: View the btc to naira rate. If satisfied, proceed with your sale.
- Deposit Bitcoin: Transfer your Bitcoin to your unique Breet wallet address by copying it or scanning the QR code.
- Transaction Processing: Breet will detect and automatically process your transaction once it’s confirmed on the blockchain.
- Receive Naira: Your Naira balance updates instantly, ready for quick withdrawal—no delays or extra steps.
Conclusion
Selecting the best platform for converting BTC to Naira requires careful consideration of essential features, such as security, conversion rates, transaction speed, ease of use, and payment options. Breet is a trusted option for those who value simplicity, speed, and competitive rates.
For those new to converting BTC or seasoned traders looking for reliability, Breet offers a comprehensive solution that’s secure, convenient, and transparent. Try Breet today, or use our checklist above to find the platform that best suits your needs.
- Telecom2 days ago
AfriTECH 4.0 Holds in Lagos Today
- E-Financial2 days ago
Kekere-Ekun, CJN Blames Reliance on Telecom Services for Online Banking Glitches
- E-Business2 days ago
inq. Nigeria Celebrates Double Win at Tech Innovation Awards (TIA) 2024
- Telecom2 days ago
Telcos Scale Down on Network Investments to Reduce Forex Losses
- E-Financial1 day ago
9PSB Promotes Financial Literacy @ World’s Savings Day 2024
- E-Financial2 days ago
US Elections: Trump Wins! What Does this Mean for Nigeria?
- E-Financial2 days ago
Ecobank Serves Customers Notice of Planned Service Disruption
- E-Financial2 days ago
Zenith Bank Commends Customers After Successfully Unveiling Upgraded Enhanced Tech infrastructure