Telecom
NCC, eStream, Medallion, ALTON Receive Awards For ICT Development Role
The laudable results witnessed over the years in the development of broadband and digital connectivity in the country would not have been possible without the various roles played by eight companies and associations.
To further stimulate them for more work in helping Nigeria get everyone connected to digital platforms, services and ensure affordability, the six private companies and two government agencies received various awards at the 10th Edition of eWorld Forum, held modnay at Oriental Hotel, Lagos.
Two government agencies, which have stood out in the management of Nigerian public entities, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) and the Galaxy Backbone were among the select few that received the eWorld plaudit.
The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) stood out from among the pack in the area of providing the needed advocacy in the digital development ecosystem, and in their work in catalyzing development of the sector.
The sterling, remarkable and focused work of Rack Centre, Medallion, IXPN and eStreams in ensuring that local companies take the driver seat in ensuring digital, internet connectivity and hosting of Nigerian data locally received accolades at the event.
NCC received the award of the Nigeria’s Best Corporate Governance and Regulatory Agency carrying out its tasks and targets with focus and dedication, achieving several milestones, among them enablement of the fastest growing mobile phone network in Africa and carrying out one of the best and transparent licensing regime. Its work in achieving the five year target of 30 per cent broadband penetration set for it in 2013 and licensing seven infrastructure companies, providing them the necessary enablement to take access to underserved and unserved parts of Nigeria also got attention.
Another government agency Galaxy Backbone received Nigeria’s Best eGovernance Champion award for its work in building a sustainable economy using technology, uplifting the image of .ng locally and internationally and stimulating the development of local content on the Internet space.
The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), got Nigeria’s Best ICT Development Advocate award for its dogged fight in ensuring that telecom operators operate in the best of environment to drive the needed development of the sector, and ultimately for the good of the Nigerian economy and its people.
For providing an umbrella for ICT players, especially the not-so-big ones, to nest and find a voice and belonging and giving birth to so many other industry exhibition platforms where industry players come together to showcase their services and technologies and also discuss topical industry issues, ATCON got Nigeria’s Best ICT Industry Development Catalyst.
eStreams received the award of Nigeria’s Best Digital Connectivity Company for providing suitable connectivity solutions to Corporate Nigeria, while Medallion received Nigeria’s Best Data Connectivity Company award for being in the forefront of localizing and advocating for pushing the nationwide spread of data centres to cover all the geopolitical zones of the country.
eWorld’s award of West Africa’s Best Digital Infrastructure Provider went to Rack Centre for its many exploits in providing data and digital connectivity and infrastructure across West Africa. IXPN received Nigeria’s Best Champion of Internet Connectivity award for its sterling work in internet exchange and connectivity in Nigeria.
Telecom
AMN Activates Starlink Cellular Backhaul Connectivity in Nigeria
Africa Mobile Networks Group (AMN) has said that its first of its base stations in Nigeria to connect to SpaceX’s Starlink constellation is now live and using the LEO satellite network for backhaul connectivity.
It’s the first AMN base station to connect to Starlink since AMN and SpaceX signed a commercial deal in July 2023 to use Starlink for remote base station backhaul connectivity across Africa.
AMN said in a statement that Starlink’s low-latency connectivity enables its multi-carrier RANs to sustainably provide 2G, 3G and 4G services in remote, rural areas of Nigeria. AMN also said it also paves the way for the launch of 5G services, which AMN plans to do before the end of this year.
AMN, which builds, owns, operates and maintains mobile network infrastructure for African mobile network operators, currently operates 1,600 base stations across Nigeria.
The company said it will continue to install new sites throughout 2024 in Nigeria, as well as Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Madagascar, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin and Rwanda. AMN also has operations in Bissau, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Sudan, and Zambia.
Starlink has been commercially available to consumers and enterprise customers since January 2023. Last week, according to a report from Nairametrics, Starlink slashed the price of its internet router by 45%, although its monthly subscription rate remains unchanged. No reason was given, but the report suggests the move may be related to the naira’s recent appreciation against the US dollar and other foreign currencies.
According to figures from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Starlink had over 11,200 subscribers in the country as of the third quarter of 2023 – which also makes it one of the top ISPs in Nigeria, the report said.
Telecom
6 Ways Gemini can support your job Search in the Nigerian job Market
The Nigerian job market is a competitive jungle, rich with potential and brimming with energy. From bustling tech hubs to burgeoning green energy sectors, there’s an incredible opportunity out there waiting for you. But navigating this dynamic landscape can feel overwhelming. How do you cut through the noise, showcase your unique strengths, and land your dream job?
That’s where Gemini, Google’s collaborative AI-powered tool, comes in as your ultimate career companion, guiding you every step of the way. Imagine having a seasoned career coach, research assistant, and skills advisor right at your fingertips!
Here are 5 ways Gemini can be your ultimate career ally:
Crafting a Standout Resume
Your resume is your first impression, and Gemini ensures it’s a dazzling one. Need help translating your customer service experience into impressive problem-solving skills? Gemini can rephrase it for you! Wondering how to highlight your leadership experience powerfully? Ask Gemini to suggest strong action verbs that showcase your skills. Before submitting your resume, ensure it’s error-free by asking, “Can you review my resume for grammatical errors and suggest ways to improve clarity?”. You can even ask Gemini to help draft a compelling cover letter based on a job description!
Interview Confidence Boost
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but Gemini helps you walk in feeling prepared and confident. Get a quick rundown of a company’s latest projects and overall mission by asking, “Summarise [Company Name]’s latest developments and approach to employee well-being.” Not sure how to answer those tricky behavioural interview questions? Gemini can guide you with practice questions like, “Give examples of common behavioural interview questions for a marketing position in South Africa.” To impress your interviewers, have insightful questions ready: “Help me formulate questions to ask about the company’s future direction.”
Keeping Skills Sharp
In today’s fast-evolving job market, continuous learning is key! Let Gemini help you stay ahead of the curve. Identify those in-demand skills that employers are looking for by asking, “What are the top 3 tech skills companies in Kenya are seeking in software developers?” If you’re looking to switch fields, Gemini can help you find accessible learning resources: “Find free online courses in data analysis for beginners interested in a career transition into finance.” Even if you’re a visual learner, Gemini’s got you covered. Simply ask, “Recommend YouTube channels that teach the fundamentals of graphic design software.”
Networking Made Effortless
Building a strong professional network unlocks incredible opportunities. Gemini simplifies the process by helping you optimise your online presence and target relevant events. Craft an impactful LinkedIn bio that attracts the right recruiters with a request like, “Help me write a compelling LinkedIn bio that showcases my skills and experience in project management.” Seeking out opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals? Ask Gemini, “What tips will you give for connecting with the vibrant Artificial Intelligence community at tech conferences?”. Even if you’re unsure how to approach networking, Gemini offers support with queries like, “How can I make a good first impression when reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn?”
Remote Work Made Simple
Remote work is revolutionising the African job market, offering incredible flexibility and the potential to work with global companies. If you’re eager to explore remote roles that match your skills and aspirations, Gemini can help streamline your search. Start by asking, “Show me reputable websites specialising in remote job listings for African candidates.” Want to know more about a company’s remote culture before applying? Ask Gemini, “How can I get a feel for a company’s remote culture?” To ace those remote interviews, get tips with a query like, “Help me prepare for a remote interview – what are some essential points to remember?”
Embrace the Journey with Gemini by Your Side
Let Gemini be your secret weapon – equipping you with the insights, skills, and confidence to stand out from the crowd and achieve your career aspirations. So, fire up gemini.google.com and discover the power of Gemini!
Telecom
FG Plans EO to Criminalise Fiber Cable Damage Costing Telcos Billions
Nigeria will criminalize the destruction of broadband fiber cables following repeated complaints by MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and other telecommunications companies that they are losing billions of naira, according to people familiar with the matter.
Federal ministry of works, which supervises federal road constructors, is finalizing the regulation that will be signed as an executive order by President Bola Tinubu, said the people, asking not to be identified as they weren’t authorized to comment.
While there are presently laws against vandalism, the authorities are aiming to regulate construction firms more closely.
The order will enforce stiff penalties on offenders, said the people, declining to provide more details or say when it will be signed.
“Telecom assets are critical backbone that supports the economy across sectors,” said Temitope Ajayi, a senior presidential aide, who noted that the Association of Telecommunications Companies (ATCON) has been demanding the classification for years.
New rules will provide “further assurance that the Nigerian government will protect their investments against vandals and criminal elements.”
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) estimates that the sector will make up more than a fifth of the country’s gross domestic product by the end of 2027, up from 13.5% in the third quarter of last year.
The move will help alleviate pressure on the telecoms sector, which is facing increased operating costs and sales pressures from a sharp depreciation in the currency and a threefold increase in energy prices.
Repairs and revenue losses from damaged cables is estimated to have cost the sector almost 27 billion naira ($23 million) last year alone, documents seen by Bloomberg show.
MTN Nigeria, the biggest wireless operator in Africa’s most-populous nation, and Airtel Africa Plc bore the brunt of the costs, the documents show.
MTN suffered more than 6,000 cuts on its fiber cable last year, the documents show. On Feb. 28, a cut on its network in three different locations by a road construction firm, an oil serving company and someone burning rubbish in a manhole meant customers faced more than five hours of data and voice outages.
The operator relocated 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) of vulnerable fiber cables between 2022 and 2023, at a cost of more than 11 billion naira – enough to build 870 kilometers of new fiber lines to areas without coverage.
A presidential order on the matter would be welcomed, said Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, president, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria.
“When it comes to communication infrastructure, they are destroyed at will, so we are eagerly awaiting the president’s order,” he said. “It would be a great boost to the industry, and it will also encourage investment.”
- Telecom2 days ago
Imperative of Upholding Nigeria’s Telecoms Lifeline
- News2 days ago
Kaspersky Warns of Data Stealers Hunting for User Credentials
- E-Financial2 days ago
Hydrogen, CCHub Partner to Encourage Fintech Startup Success
- Telecom2 days ago
What You Need to Know About Multifactor Authentication Fatigue Attacks and How they can be Prevented
- Telecom2 days ago
Samsung Returns to Top of The Smartphone Market – Industry tracker
- E-Financial2 days ago
CBN Cuts Banks’ Loan-to-Deposit Ratio to 50 Percent
- E-Financial2 days ago
Access Bank Unveils DiamondXtra Season 16, Dangles N200m, 3 SUVs
- Telecom2 days ago
SHELT System Integration Launches “SHELT SI” in Nigeria