Telecom
NCC Canvasses for Protection of Telecoms Infrastructure
The Nigerian Communications Commission has sensitized stakeholders on the need for the protection of telecoms infrastructure in the country.
Helen Obi, Head Zonal Operations, NCC, stated this at the Nigerian Communications Commission’ Stakeholders sensitization programme on protection of telecoms infrastructure held at NUJ press Centre, Lokoja, Kogi State on September 25, 2018.
Obi while delivering the opening remarks stated that “the Commission aim is to sensitize stakeholders as well as create awareness about the importance of Telecommunications Infrastructure in our domain”
She further noted that “Telecoms facilities have been targets of vandalism, theft and hostility from some hosting communities and, it has become imperative for the public to regard telecom facilities as ‘ Collectively owned Infrastructure that are crucial and essential for the provision of efficient and standard Quality of Service (QoS),and must be protected.”
Lawal Bello of the department of Technical Standards and Network Integrity delivered a paper entitled “Protection of Telecoms Infrastructure” where he observed That “ The Federal Government recently sponsored a bill before the National Assembly which when passed into law would ensure that telecoms infrastructure all around the country are protected and identified as an important CRITICAL NATIONAL ASSET”
He further identified some challenges facing telecom infrastructure in the country which include:
. People engaging in willful damage of telecom infrastructure in order to extort money from service providers.
. Local communities or individuals barring technical staff of the service providers from installing equipment or carrying out maintenance/repairs at sites.
. Criminal vandalism of infrastructure, Diesel Theft & digging up of cables for sale in the black market and other purposes.
. Destruction of telecom infrastructure due to road construction, community interference and oversight functions from other governmental agencies.
. Multiple regulations by states, LGAs and Communities which has adverse effects and delays deployment of infrastructure.
. Multiple taxes through levies imposed by states, LGAs and Communities which eats up capital for re- investment.
. Right of way (RoW) issues.
It is important to note that the spate of vandalism of telecom infrastructure across the country has resulted in slowing the pace of growth of services.
His conclusion attracts “a clarion call for stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders to cooperate and collaborate with the government to enforce the protection of telecoms infrastructure across the country.”
An interactive Q&A session was allowed in which the public asked relevant questions as a feedback mechanism.
MTN Group has committed $2 billion to the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) Partner2Connect initiative, bringing the total funds pledged to $73 billion.
The announcement was made during the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC 2025) in Barcelona, Spain.
Partner2Connect, spearheaded by the ITU, is a global initiative aimed at enhancing universal digital access, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering meaningful connectivity.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, secretary-general, ITU, highlighted the significance of these commitments, stating, “Expansive digital infrastructure highlights how much humanity values and depends on meaningful connectivity. These new pledges bring us closer to delivering sustainable digital transformation to everyone, everywhere.”
According to the ITU, MTN Group has shown a strong commitment to investing in Africa’s digital future, spending approximately $2 billion annually on capital expenditures across its markets over the past five years.
Similar investments are planned over the next five years, focusing on expanding and improving voice and data networks to bolster connectivity and drive digital inclusion.
The ITU also announced a $2 billion pledge from Globalstar to expand its low-Earth orbit satellite network, providing seamless, energy-efficient connectivity solutions for remote regions and underserved areas.
These efforts will include direct-to-device (D2D) and IoT connectivity solutions.
As ITU celebrates its 160th anniversary, the UN agency has emphasised its dedication to bridging the global digital divide.
An estimated 2.6 billion people worldwide remain offline, according to ITU data.
The agency has called for $100 billion in commitments by 2026 to fund projects supporting global digital transformation, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
With over 1,000 pledges spanning 147 countries, Partner2Connect is working toward ITU’s vision of a digitally connected and inclusive future.
Current estimates suggest $1.6 trillion is required for global connectivity hardware alone, with the majority of resources needed in developing nations.
The funds pledged by MTN Group and other partners are set to strengthen digital infrastructure, enhance connectivity in underserved areas, and accelerate digital innovations to support economic and social growth worldwide.
Telegram has rolled out a new feature aimed at enhancing user safety by flagging messages from unknown contacts.
When users receive messages from individuals outside their contact list for the first time, a detailed information page now appears.
This page includes details such as the sender’s country (determined by their phone number), their joining date on Telegram, any shared groups, and whether their account is verified.
The goal is to help users identify potential scams and impersonators more effectively.
In addition, Telegram now provides insight into when the sender last updated their username or profile picture, offering another way to detect compromised or hacked accounts.
The company has emphasised its commitment to transparency, promising “clear indicators” to distinguish official accounts, third-party verified profiles, and regular users.
Telegram Premium subscribers can now charge fees for messages received from users outside their contact list, a feature designed to reduce spam while allowing group administrators to monetise their communities.
Dubbed “Star Messages,” this new option enables users to set customisable fees for unsolicited messages.
The feature also provides flexibility, allowing certain users or members of specific groups to send messages for free.
Telegram’s Star Messages come with convenient options, such as single-tap refunds for payments, ensuring a seamless user experience.
By offering advanced controls and monetisation opportunities, the platform continues to prioritise user safety and satisfaction.
With these updates, Telegram strengthens its position as a platform focused on both user protection and innovative monetisation tools.
MTN Nigeria has strengthened its commitment to grassroots sports development following a visit to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, at the Government House in Benin City on March 5.
The visit coincided with the upcoming launch of Season 3 of MTN Champs, an athletics competition that will commence in Edo State from March 13 to 15.
The initiative highlights MTN’s dedication to nurturing young athletic talent and aligns seamlessly with Edo State’s focus on sports development.
Idowu Adesokan, General Manager of Consumer Marketing at MTN Nigeria, expressed appreciation for Edo State’s contributions to previous editions of MTN Champs and emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure this season’s success.
Governor Okpebholo reciprocated by pledging full logistical and administrative support to make the event impactful.
Season 3 of MTN Champs is set to engage thousands of secondary school students across Nigeria, kicking off in Edo State before moving to Lagos and Uyo in subsequent weeks.
This initiative reflects MTN Nigeria’s broader vision of fostering youth empowerment and revitalizing athletics at the grassroots level.
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