Telecom
FG Has Final Say on 5G Deployment – NCC
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) at the weekend said that only the federal government has the final say on the date for the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) technology in the country.
The Commission also explained that currently, there is an industry-wide consultation on the 5G technology, especially regarding the various myths and controversies surrounding it.
Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, director of Public Affairs, NCC, disclosed this when he led the Commission’s media team to Rutam House, headquarters of The Guardian Newspapers on a familiarisation visit.
Adinde said the Commission has not concluded plans for the deployment of the 5G network, adding that the Draft Consultation Document for the 5G of deployment in Nigeria has been produced and uploaded on the NCC’s official website.
He explained that this document defines the implementation plan for the deployment of 5G in Nigeria, adding: “it provides a background into the benefits of 5G technology and outlines the Commission’s plans and strategies for a successful implementation of 5G in Nigeria.
It presents guidelines for the relevant areas of the technology and the expectations of the Commission from the operators. This Plan takes into account the expectations of all the stakeholders in the communications industry in Nigeria.”
According to him, 5G trials were held in selected locations within the country in collaboration with an operator in 2019, too, among others, study and observe any health or security challenges the 5G network might present.
Adinde said the Commission also has an ongoing engagement with the academia, while also funding 5G-related researches, to ensure the nation is provided with the best in terms of findings and policy input, to drive the implementation and deployment of the 5G technology.
“These engagements are targeted at enabling the development of robust policies, which will put Nigeria in the best place to contribute maximally to the digital economy drive. The specific targets of these engagements include the development of policies with the potential of accelerating the deployment of 5G networks in Nigeria; maximizing the productivity and efficiency benefits of 5G, creating new opportunities for Nigerian businesses at home and abroad, and encouraging in-country investment, and ensuring the operations of 5G networks are in conformity with international standards,” he stated.
On broadband, Adinde revealed that the efforts of Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of NCC, have deepened penetration, as, within a space of five years, penetration rose from six to 43 per cent as of September.
He said efforts including the introduction of Infrastructure Companies (InfraCo); spectrum trading, spectrum re-farming, among others have been introduced by the Commission to ensure broadband is escalated even to the remotest part of the country.
Also, he noted that NCC’s efforts on Right of Way (RoW) are fast yielding fruits, as some state governors have complied with the N145/linear meter charges, while some have even made it free, to ensure that their states attract investments.
While calling for constructive criticism of the Commission’s activities, Adinde assured that the regulator is working to ensure that consumers get the benefits of telephony service, including impacting their experiences.
To enhance security, he said SIM registration is on-going and is being done in collaboration with the telecoms operators and the Nigeria Identity Management Commission (NIMC), which is expected to issue the National Identity Number (NIN) to subscribers to ensure that it is properly documented.
Telecom
Google, Meta Criticize Australia’s Rush to Pass Social Media Ban for Under-16s
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.
Telecom
Unforgettable Moments and Big Wins at the TECNO SPARK 30 City Tour
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.
Telecom
Sophos Report Highlights Cyber Risks During Holiday Shopping Season
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:
• 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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