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Telecom

Smile Telecom Supports 50 Schools with Internet Bundles

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(L-r): Kenneth Esenwah, general manager, Sales and Distribution, Alero Ladipo, new chief marketing officer and Gbolahan Thomas, senior manager, legal and regulatory, all from Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, during a press parley in Lagos…On Wednesday.
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Barely seven months it launched in Lagos, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited has taken bold step towards enhancing education in Nigeria through information communication technology (ICT) by connecting 50 public schools, 25 each in Lagos State and Ibadan (Oyo State) to the internet.

With 4G LTE, Smile said that it delivers affordable, high-quality and easy-to-use broadband internet access and communications services to its customers.

While presenting to the media Mrs. Alero Ladipo as the new chief marketing officer, the Company also said that it gives free 30gigbyte of internet bundles to each of the public schools; will replicate same gesture in Port Harcourt and increase the subscription as the needs arise.

According to Mr. Kenneth Esenwah, general manager, Sales and Distribution at Smile, the corporate social responsibility was driven by Irene Charnley, Smile group CEO urge to give back to the society in a measure that will address challenges associated with e-learning.

He hinted that the process reflects the key agenda of Dr. (Mrs) Omobola Johnson’s led Ministry of Communication to connect schools, government institutions, businesses, homes and individuals tagged, “connected Nigeria”.

“We are out to pursue the course for e-learning in Nigeria and internet penetration. We have other plans in the offing which we will inform the public at the due date. For now, we shall continue to partner with the States to ensure the schools already connected are not starved of internet subscription. Our CEO has demonstrated her passion for this project too,” he said.

The Company has already launched services in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja and Port Harcourt and hopes to establish its presence in 13 cities before the end of 2014, while targeting 60 cities in 2015.

On the processes of selecting the benefiting schools, Mr. Gbolahan Thomas, senior manager, legal and regulatory at the Company, said they approached the State Governments for schools already equipped with basic infrastructure like laboratories.

Similarly, Mrs. Alero Ladipo, new chief marketing officer at Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, expressed delight for being part of the teams that possesses enough spectrums to turn around customer experience as regards internet usage in the country.

According to her, she was attracted to the sourced for the best technology available in order to create the innovative solutions required to provide world-class, yet cost-effective, communications services across Africa, after it was found in 2007.

She said, “I am delighted that Smile’s vision is encapsulated by its value statement: ‘Everything is possible when done with Humanity, Humility, Integrity and Inspiration’”.

Ladipo added that the statement puts in a nutshell the Company’s approach to every aspect of the services, “every service and product we offer and how we deal with our customers, partners and our staff”.

The new CMO also hinted that “Smile On” conversation continues, although the Company will review the process to accommodate more SMEs.

Ladipo promises to bring her experiences to bear in driving Smile’s marketing and communication strategies and ensure that customer experience rates high.

She pleaded with Smile’s customers not to hastate in contacting customer care officer via 08004444444 for prompt response to their complaints.

Before her appointment, Ladipo had worked as head, marketing and communications strategy at Union Bank of Nigeria Plc; Marketing & Communications Manager at Stanbic IBTC Bank; Group Communications Manager at The Standard Bank; Marketing Associate at Vic Lawrence & Associates; Research Asst at Nigerian Institute on International Affairs and Research Asst at WIPO.

She holds Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Law, University of Northumbira, Newcastle; Master of Laws (LLM) International Trade; University of Essex, Colchester and Bachelor of Law from the Nigerian Law School.

As technology improved, Smile evolved to focus on mobile broadband internet using 4G LTE technology, and it was with great pride that we launched Africa’s first 4G LTE broadband internet service in Tanzania, in March 2012.

Smile’s Tanzanian customers experience 4G LTE broadband internet service in Dar es Salaam and Arusha, with Dodoma and Mwanza receiving coverage in early 2014.

Nigerians living in Ibadan and Lagos already enjoy the country’s fastest and most reliable 4G LTE broadband internet service, brought to them by Smile.

Abuja and Port Harcourt followed in early 2014.

 
 


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

Telecom

Airtel Launches AI Spam Alert in Nigeria

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Airtel, one of Africa’s leading telecommunications providers, has launched a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven Spam Alert Service in Nigeria, aimed at tackling the growing issues of spam messages and fraud.

Airtel Launches AI Spam Alert in Nigeria

Speaking at the launch event held in Lagos, Dinesh Balsingh, Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, revealed that the innovative service will be rolled out across Airtel’s 14-country footprint.

Notably, Airtel subscribers in Nigeria can access the service at no additional cost.

The AI-powered solution detects and alerts users in real-time about suspected spam SMS, safeguarding them from potential fraud and cyber threats.

Highlighting the company’s commitment to technology-driven customer solutions, Balsingh said, “this is a game changer for the telecoms industry in Africa and as we move forward, we will continue to address customer challenges through proactive tech-driven solutions.”

The service is built on a proprietary dual-layer protection system that analyses over 250 parameters, including sender behavior, SMS frequency, and target location patterns.

Capable of filtering over 1.5 billion messages within two milliseconds, it also features a centralised database of blacklisted URLs to warn users about suspicious links.

“With the launch of this AI-powered Spam Alert Service, Airtel Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enhance customer experience, safety, and digital inclusion across the continent.

“As Airtel continues to expand its footprint, it is expected that this pioneering solution will set a new standard for the telecoms industry in Africa.

“Also, as the digital landscape continues to evolve, Airtel Africa remains at the forefront, pushing boundaries and shaping the future of telecommunications in Africa,” said Balsingh.

He emphasised that as Airtel continues to expand, the pioneering solution will set new benchmarks for Africa’s telecom industry.

The initiative has received commendation from key stakeholders, including Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

Dr. Tijani lauded Airtel’s efforts in boosting Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, particularly through solutions that enhance online security and foster digital inclusion.

Similarly, Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, hailed the service as a major step in addressing the security challenges faced by telecom subscribers.

As the digital landscape evolves, Airtel Africa continues to push the boundaries of innovation, shaping the future of telecommunications across the continent.


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Telecom

NCC, ALTON, LASIMRA Engage to Strengthen Telecom Infrastructure in Lagos

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The Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance & Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA) recently embarked on a historic working visit to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Headquarters in Abuja.

The LASIMRA delegation was led by its Chief Executive Officer, Prince Oyekanmi Elegushi, alongside members of the senior management team.

The delegation was warmly received by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, and the Commission’s management team. The visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration between LASIMRA and NCC towards improving the telecommunications sector in Lagos State.

The meeting was further enriched by the presence of representatives from the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), including the Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, and the Publicity Secretary, Mr. Damian Udeh.

Discussions focused on addressing critical issues affecting the industry, with particular emphasis on the security and protection of telecom infrastructure.

LASIMRA reiterated the need for effective oversight and safeguarding of these essential assets under the jurisdiction of the Lagos State Government.

A key highlight of the meeting was the Tower Enumeration Project—a comprehensive audit initiative aimed at identifying all distressing communication infrastructure across Lagos.

LASIMRA also raised concerns about damages to public infrastructure caused by some operators during fibre deployment and reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing appropriate penalties to preserve public assets.

The parties agreed on the importance of a unified strategy involving NCC, LASIMRA and other stakeholders to bring order to the sector, improve connectivity, and ensure widespread access to high-quality telecommunications services across Lagos.

LASIMRA expresses its sincere appreciation to the NCC for its support and collaboration. Together, we remain committed to building a more connected, secure, and digitally inclusive Lagos.

 


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NANS Issues Fresh Protest Notice over Telecom Tariff Hike

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National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the recent increase in tariffs by telecommunications companies in Nigeria, threatening to embark on a nationwide protest to compel a reversal.

NANS Issues Fresh Protest Notice over Telecom Tariff Hike

In a statement jointly signed on Thursday in Abuja by Comrade Anzaku Shedrack Ovye, national secretary-general, NANS and Comrade Samson Ajasa Adeyemi, the student body gave the Federal Government and telecommunications companies a 72-hour ultimatum to reverse the tariff increase.

The students warned that upon the expiration of the ultimatum, students across the country would be mobilized for a series of street protests nationwide to ensure a reversal.

They argued that the arbitrary action of telecommunications companies has further exacerbated the financial burden on millions of Nigerians, particularly students and youths, who are among the dominant end-users of their services.

The statement read in part:

“This decision, which has led to a significant rise in the cost of calls, data, and other communication services, is both unjustifiable and insensitive, given the prevailing economic challenges faced by the populace.

“NANS views this development as a blatant disregard for the welfare of Nigerian citizens and an affront to the principles of affordability and accessibility that should govern the telecommunications sector.

“This administration is committed to promoting the welfare of Nigerian students; hence, it will vehemently oppose any tendency that does not align with this vision.

“NANS is deeply concerned about the adverse impact this tariff hike will have on students, many of whom rely heavily on affordable telecommunications services for academic research, virtual learning, and staying connected with their families.

“Therefore, it is worrisome to comprehend the justifications for these increments, as NANS considers this action a direct threat to the security of Nigerian students and an attempt to further impede their ability to navigate their academic endeavors, maintain familial connections, and secure legitimate personal incomes, particularly for independent students responsible for their upkeep.

“We hereby issue a 72-hour ultimatum to telecommunications companies, the Honourable Minister for Innovation, Digital and Blue Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission to reverse this tariff increase and provide a clear roadmap for ensuring affordable telecommunications services for all Nigerians.

“Failure to comply with this ultimatum will leave NANS with no choice but to mobilize students across the nation for a series of peaceful protests to demand justice, accountability, and a comprehensive audit of activities in the telecommunications sector,” NANS stated.

The leadership of NANS maintained that as student representatives, they would not stand idly by while the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, which they have vowed to protect, are trampled upon by greed, “corporate capitalism,” and regulatory complicity.

NANS also called on the Federal Government to intervene promptly and decisively to address this issue.

Additionally, they urged telecommunications companies to prioritize the interests of their customers over profit margins and to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to find sustainable solutions rather than inflict further hardship on Nigerians who are already struggling economically.

“As the voice of Nigerian students, NANS remains committed to advocating for policies and actions that promote equity, fairness, and the overall well-being of all Nigerians.

“We will continue to hold all parties and duty-bearers accountable to ensure that the rights of students and citizens are protected,” the statement added.


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