Telecom
NCC to Review Rules for Robust Consumer Quality Experience

Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) said it is currently reviewing the rule base to ensure a robust set of rules for the industry, primarily to achieve fair competition and consumer quality experience.
Mr. Ephraim Nwokonneya, head, Compliance Monitoring at the Commission, speaking at a capacity building workshop for ICT journalists in Lagos said that, ‘Nigerian telecommunication revolution’ in the last 12 years has brought with it, increase in investments in the industry especially Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), significant growth in the number of operating companies, massive growth in subscriber population, intense competition resulting in innovative tariff plans and promotions.
He added that the revolution also has attached challenges like quality of service which has tested the regulatory competence of the Commission amongst others.
Hence, the Commission is currently reviewing its rule base to ensure a robust set of rules for the industry.
“Consistent with the above and the powers conferred on NCC by Section 70 of the NCA 2003, the Commission developed the Nigerian Communications (Enforcement Processes, Etc) Regulations 2005; Commence enforcement actions/investigation following results of prior compliance monitoring exercise or verified consumer complaints; Provide evidence of alleged violations to the responsible service provider; Provide opportunity for the service provider to respond; Propose relevant sanctions to be enforced on erring service provider in accordance with NCC Enforcement Processes Regulations; Obtain management’s approval and communicate sanctions to the service provider and Provide opportunity for appeal”.
Nwokonneya, reiterated that NCC has followed international best practices in enforcement procedures.
Comparing countries like Brazil, Singapore, United Kingdom and Nigeria revealed the similarities on enforcement procedures and timelines involved. For instance, timeline for offender’s defence/response shows Nigeria is ahead of Brazil and Singapore that give 15 days’ respectively, while Nigeria and UK give 14 days and 10 days respectively.
Also, final decision is reached on such cases after 30 day from conclusion of investigation in Brazil, 60 days in the UK and Singapore and 30 days in Nigeria. All the countries involved usually publish their final decisions.
Aside that, Nwokonneya said, “Every regulator has a variety of sanctioning tools to enforce compliance to its rules and regulations. However such sanctioning rules must ensure that the severity of sanctions matches the severity of the offence/violation. Some regulators have a specific schedule of fines e.g Nigeria. Some regulators levy fines based on a percentage of the offending licencee’s revenue e.g Peru, Poland, Turkey”.
He listed typical enforcement sanctions applied within the industry to include, “Administrative fines; The specific administrative fines are contained in the Second Schedule of the NCC Enforcement Processes Regulations. Schedule 3 of the NCC Qos Regulations 2012 also contain fines for contravention of each KPI.
“Cases of the N1.17B and N.647B fines against operators in 2012 and 2014 respectively for poor quality of service come to mind here. Confiscation of equipments; Denial of regulatory services; Revocation of licence”.
Although, some schools of thought have argued whether monetary sanctions by way of fines is the most effective way of enforcing compliance with rules and regulations in the industry, adding that the fines may not be severe enough to deter wrong doing and monetary sanctions deny operators the needed funds for network expansions, the Head of Compliance Monitoring at the Commission, said that Monitoring and Compliance can only be effective within the orbits of the available rules and regulations.
He maintained that the Commission would always draw strength from the provisions of Section 70 of the NCA, 2003 to develop a robust set of rules and regulations to guide operations of every facet of the market necessary to ensure ethical practices and to achieve consumer protection.
Presently, NCC boasts of over 20 Regulations, Guidelines and Directions.
These include, Numbering, Type approval of telecoms equipments, Interconnection, Competition practices, Consumer Code of Practices, Universal Service, Quality of Service and Enforcement Processes.
Others are Registration of Telephone Subscribers, Frequency Pricing, Number Portability, Annual Operating Levy, Lawful Interception of Communications and Technical Specification for the Installation of Masts and Towers etc.
Telecom
Airtel, SpaceX Partner to Bring Starlink’s Connectivity Solutions to its Customers in Africa

Airtel Africa has announced an agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in Africa. Currently, SpaceX has acquired requisite licenses in 9 out of 14 countries within Airtel Africa’s footprint. Operating licenses for the other 5 countries are under process.
With this collaboration, Airtel Africa will further enhance its next-generation satellite connectivity offerings and augment connectivity for enterprises, businesses, and socio-economic communities like schools, health centres in even the most rural parts of Africa. Airtel Africa will also explore rural coverage expansion through cellular backhauling.
Airtel Africa and SpaceX will continue to explore other areas to promote digital inclusion in the continent as well as SpaceX’s ability to utilize and benefit from Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities in Africa.
Airtel Africa MD and Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said: “We remain deeply committed to our vision to enrich the lives of people of Africa. This partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships.
Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community have reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity even in the most remote and currently under-served parts of Africa.”
SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Business Operations Chad Gibbs said: “We are very excited to work with Airtel to bring the transformative benefits of Starlink to the African people in new and innovative ways.
“Starlink is available in more than 20 African markets and this agreement with Airtel highlights how, once licensed, Starlink welcomes the opportunity to join forces with important industry leaders to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from Starlink’s presence. The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in Africa’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering across Africa makes great sense for our business.”
Telecom
How MTN Employees Are Driving Social Change Through the Power of Corporate Volunteerism

In a world often dominated by corporate profit margins and bottom-line thinking, it’s easy to overlook the quieter revolutions happening behind the scenes.
In Nigeria, one such movement is being quietly driven not by executives in boardrooms, but by employees armed with a powerful sense of purpose to go make a difference.
Each year, MTN Nigeria’s staff volunteers set aside their day jobs to participate in Y’ello Care, the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative. But in 2024, they did more than volunteer — they raised over NGN20 million from their own pockets to renovate a crumbling school block at Iwerekun Community High School, Lakowe.
Iwerekun Community High School, before the intervention, was a picture of broken promise: dilapidated classrooms, leaking roofs, and a lack of basic facilities. Students struggled to learn in an environment that failed to inspire hope. Today, thanks to the hands-on efforts of MTN employees, the school boasts refurbished classrooms, a steady water supply, and even an inverter system to ensure stable electricity. More importantly, it offers a renewed sense of possibility.
Speaking about the 2024 edition, Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, said, “Y’ello Care is the MTN Nigeria ecosystem giving back and contributing time, money, and resources to make a positive impact. Last year, we focused on education in remote areas, supporting three projects that will provide access to quality education for young Nigerians. And we are eager for the 2025 edition.”
Beyond renovations, previous editions of Y’ello Care have touched lives across Nigeria. Employees have organised vocational skill workshops, distributed learning materials through the KNOSK Charity Education Initiative, and mentored students to equip them for the future. From building digital libraries to delivering healthcare services through mobile clinics, MTN’s staff-led projects focus on long-term empowerment rather than short-term charity.
For many MTN volunteers, Y’ello Care is personal. Christiana Agyei, a participant in one of MTN’s earlier vocational training programmes, went from an unemployed single mother to a thriving entrepreneur. Today, she employs others in her soap-making business, a ripple effect that began with one employee-led workshop.
Over the past 18 years, Y’ello Care has grown into more than a CSR programme; it has become a culture within MTN, a living, breathing part of the company’s identity. Each initiative is not just a project, but a commitment to building the kind of Nigeria where opportunity isn’t determined by postcode or privilege.
At the commissioning of the Lakowe project, Honourable Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Commissioner of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, summed it up simply: “The education sector worldwide thrives on collaboration and commitment between public and private partners.
“MTN’s generous contribution is truly recognised, and I express my deepest gratitude for its unwavering commitment to supporting education in Lagos State.
“This new facility will provide a conducive environment for teaching and learning, enabling our students to reach their full potential.”
As Nigeria faces ever-evolving economic and social challenges, initiatives like Y’ello Care offer a template for how corporations can genuinely transform the communities they serve, not with slogans, but with sleeves rolled up and boots on the ground.
In the end, it’s not about NGN20 million or refurbished buildings. It’s about faith restored, dreams reignited, and the simple, radical idea that change begins with care.
Beyond Education: MTN Y’ello Care’s Broader Impact
While education is a major focus, Y’ello Care has also transformed healthcare and economic opportunities across Nigeria through critical initiatives such as:
Healthcare Interventions: Through the Y’ello Doctor Mobile Medical Intervention Scheme, MTN provided free primary healthcare services to individuals across communities. Since its inception, the initiative has impacted thousands of Nigerians.
Vocational Training & Entrepreneurship Support: In collaboration with partners, MTN facilitated skill acquisition workshops that enabled over 500 Nigerians—including women and persons with disabilities—to launch small businesses. Over 65% of participants actively applied their new skills, and 50% successfully started businesses.
Scholarships & Digital Libraries: MTN Y’ello Care has established digital libraries and awarded scholarships to students, ensuring that quality education is accessible to as many young Nigerians as possible.
As Y’ello Care continues to grow, MTN remains dedicated to expanding its impact, especially in underserved areas. By investing in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, the initiative is building a brighter future for Nigeria, one project at a time.
Telecom
Zoho Unveils AI-Powered Features in Zoho Creator for Faster App Development

Zoho Corporation, a global technology company, today announces the launch of new services and features within Zoho Creator, the company’s low-code application development platform.
This milestone reflects Zoho’s commitment to investing in AI capabilities that offer real-time, practical, and secure advantages to business users.
Zoho Creator’s new AI assistant, CoCreator, facilitates faster, simpler, and more intelligent app building by using voice and written prompts, process flows and business specification documents. Powered by Zia, Zoho’s AI assistant, CoCreator drives shorter go-to-market timeframes and democratises app creation for users of varying skill levels—all without requiring add-ons to a customer’s existing subscription.
Zia has served as a bridge across Zoho’s entire product suite, including Creator, since its launch in 2015. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly central to business operations, Zoho’s complete ownership of its tech stack and deep AI integration provides customers with a higher level of contextual AI across all company workflows compared to competitors.
This empowers users with a system that truly understands their data and anticipates its usage.
“Since we introduced Creator in 2006, our mission has been to make app development simpler and faster, without compromising on functionality,” said Kehinde Ogundare, Country Head, Zoho Nigeria. “AI now takes us to the next level, shortening the time from an idea to an app. Today’s announcement significantly raises the baseline on speed of quality app creation with deep capabilities, without adding costs.”
Among the newly-launched capabilities is the Idea-to-App Generation feature, allowing businesses to utilise ZohoAI or OpenAI to develop full-fledged applications including contextual integrations, automations, permission sets and insightful dashboards.
By using text or voice prompts, process flow diagrams, or systems documentations like software requirement specifications (SRS), Creator will provide domain-specific suggestions, ideas for relevant fields, and modules tailored to a customer’s business
Contextual component generation AI enhances existing applications by offering prompt-based form generation.
Zia also proactively suggests contextual fields within forms, a functionality missing from many low-code development platforms.
Developers of all skill levels can generate and optimise code blocks contextually within apps using Zia’s prompter and also annotate existing code blocks for future maintenance.
Further advancing business capabilities, users can rapidly transform unstructured data from various file types and databases into custom applications and remove inconsistencies using the AI-driven data cleansing and modelling feature.
Additionally, the newly-introduced AI Skills enables businesses to build apps with specialised skills that interpret natural language instructions in the business context and automate complex chains of actions intelligently. This feature is currently available in early access and will be widely available from June 2025.
Additional enhancements now available include document uploads that allow extraction of relevant information into an application that can then be queried easily; voice-based app generation from mobile devices; and deploying custom AI models for deploying capabilities like OCR, prediction, and object detection.
Zoho Artificial Intelligence Differentiation
Zoho remains steadfast in its commitment to AI innovation guided by principles of customer privacy and delivering true customer value.
Its generic AI models across contextual, assistive, and agentic categories are not trained on consumer data, nor do they retain customer information, ensuring responsible AI use.
Zoho focuses on practical AI tools that assist workers by right-sizing models and without inflating customer costs unnecessarily.
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