Telecom
Future of Telecom is 3G – Qualcomm
Nigeria’s four major mobile operators have been advised to invest more in the 3G technology space to drive further growth, seeing that voice is gradually getting saturated.
Alex Dadson, senior director, Business Development (West Africa), of Qualcomm noted that deploying more 2G networks at this stage of telecom development in the country does not make economic sense.
“The future of telecom is in data and in this sphere; we have seen the gradual migration and adoption of 3G technology by all the operators, which is a good development. But there is also a trend of first implementing 2G network infrastructure before migrating to 3G by some operators. I think that doesn’t really make economic sense,” said Dadson.
He noted that although Nigeria still lags behind South Africa, Egypt and Morocco in terms of data traffic in the continent, migration to the 3G infrastructure will greatly enhance data intake in the country and facilitate business-to-business transactions.
On the continued failing quality of service (QoS) by operators in the Nigerian market space, Dadson noted that Qualcomm has the technology to help operators implement seamless services.
“We do have the technology to drive high quality of service in the country. Qualcomm is a solution provision company, but you have sought our services,” he stated.
Dadson also noted that the continued failure of code division multiple access (CDMA), operators in the country is not a failure of technology, but rather a failure of ‘failed business module application.’
He stated further that they would only do well if they invest in the right technology. “If you don’t spend money, you don’t make money.”
Citing American operator Verizon Wireless, as a standard example of a successful CDMA operator that rules the North American market,
Dadson stated that Nigerian CDMA operators need to invest more in infrastructure and remodel their businesses not be in competition with GSM networks.
“First, they would need to redefine what business model they (CDMA operators) want to adopt. It could be as simple as what services do people and businesses in Lagos prefer and you go ahead to meet the needs of the people and businesses in Lagos. If your services are not meeting needs of the people, there is no way you would stay afloat in business,” he stated.
Looking ahead five years into the Nigerian mobile market, Dadson said: “Smartphones and other devices like tablets will drive 3G penetration and adoption. There is already a convergence of the PC and smartphones/mobile devices, so more people prefer their tablets or smartphones since they could still meet their office demands on the go. The future is in smartphones.”
Qualcomm is also implementing what it calls the Qualcomm Reference Design (QRD), a corporate social investment drive aimed at increasing youth app innovation in the region.
“What we do with the QRD is to fund projects that enable ICT education, innovation and research. This way, we try to encourage innovation among young graduates and budding entrepreneurs to increase their intellectual capabilities. We want to encourage these young persons and promote adoption of smartphones in designs. It is also a vehicle to encourage local app development,” he stated.
Meta may shut down its Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria in protest against the substantial fines imposed by multiple government agencies.
The tech giant has been ordered to pay nearly $300 million in fines in Africa’s most populous nation, following regulatory demands which Meta described as “unrealistic.”
In July 2024, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), imposed a $220 million fine on Meta for allegedly discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian consumers.
The commission stated that Meta had failed to engage a Data Protection Compliance Organisation and had not submitted a Nigeria Data Protection Regulation audit report for two consecutive years.
Similarly, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), demanded $37.5 million over unapproved advertising, while the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), announced a $32.8 million fine for an alleged data privacy breach.
Meta challenged the decisions at the Federal High Court in Abuja but was unsuccessful, as the court upheld the fines in a ruling delivered last week.
The court directed the company to comply with payment by the end of June, but Meta has indicated it may not do so, according to the BBC.
“The applicant may be forced to effectively shut down the Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria in order to mitigate the risk of enforcement measures,” the company stated in court documents.
Responding to the NDPC’s assertion that Meta’s data processing could expose Nigerian users to health and financial risks, the company said the agency had failed to “properly interpret the laws guiding data privacy.”
As the Premier League season enters its final stretch, MTN Nigeria is set to stage simultaneous watch parties in Abuja and Uyo on Sunday, May 4, giving football fans a shared space to experience the highs and lows of matchday.
The events, scheduled for Farm City in Wuse and Pyramid Lounge & Grill in Uyo, are expected to attract large turnouts as MTN continues to deepen its connection with football audiences nationwide.
The line-up for the day includes four Premier League fixtures, culminating in a marquee showdown between Chelsea and Liverpool. Earlier games such as Brentford vs Manchester United, Brighton vs Newcastle, and West Ham vs Tottenham will round out a packed viewing schedule. With top four ambitions, title races, and European dreams on the line, the fixtures promise high-stakes drama and entertainment.
MTN’s EPL watch parties have grown into a recurring highlight for fans who want more than just a screen, they want atmosphere. This weekend’s events will feature expansive screen setups, branded fan zones, and side attractions including live trivia and merchandise giveaways.
For MTN, the activations represent an opportunity to tap into the communal spirit of football, a sport that unites Nigerians across regions and loyalties. The brand’s involvement in football has steadily evolved from sponsorship to full-scale experiences, allowing it to build affinity with youth audiences and sports lovers alike.
In recent years, MTN has emerged as a key driver of fan engagement through its partnership with SuperSport and broader investment in Nigeria’s football ecosystem. These dual-city events reflect that strategy in motion, bringing the Premier League closer to the streets and ensuring fans are not just spectators, but participants in the global game.
With anticipation running high and bragging rights on the line, Sunday’s watch parties are shaping up to be a celebration of sport, identity, and the power of community on and off the pitch.
Telecommunications services disrupted in Kogi State have resumed following a resolution of the dispute between MTN Nigeria and the state government, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has said.
Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON, told TVC News that the issues that led to the shutdown of telecom masts in the state, primarily affecting MTN, had been addressed, paving the way for service restoration.
TVC News earlier reported that businessmen and women were counting their losses as they suffered the impact of a shut down of telecommunication service in Kogi State
Over the past two weeks, telecoms connectivity had been erratic, with competing brands experiencing glitches, particularly in the Lokoja metropolis.
The State government suspended the operations of some telecom services citing unpaid taxes and fibre-related dues.
The shutdown stemmed from a compliance dispute between MTN and the Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency, which accused the telecom giant of violating operational rules and under-declaring the extent of its optic fibre network coverage in the state.
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