Telecom
Telecom operators Want NCC to Intervene on indebtedness of small companies
Telecommunications operators on Wednesday called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to look into the indebtedness of smaller telecom operators and support them to survive competition.
Mr Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, Association of Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), made this call at a telecom stakeholder’s forum in Lagos.
The forum organized by NCC was to discuss the level of competition in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
Adebayo said that reports and studies had shown that big telecom operators survive more than small ones, urging that NCC should identify small operators in debt and help them.
“We should not only ask for the amount these smaller operators owe, but also know who they owe.
“It might be that these companies are not willing to owe but, because of some circumstances beyond their control, they are owing; we need to address this.
“Focus should be placed on smaller telecom players with the aim of asking questions that will reveal their true status,’’ he said.
Adebayo said that when he assumed office as ALTON Chairman, he was overseeing about 35 strong operating companies.
“Now, we are just 15 or 16 and I kept asking what went wrong.
“Is it a possibility of wrong policies or regulations, or market forces?
“There is need to have some light into all these,” he said.
The ALTON chairman said that there were multiple taxes by some states.
“It is cheaper to do business in some states of the federation than others, while they render the same services,’’ he said.
He said that addressing multiple taxation would help smaller companies to move forward.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Office (EVC/CEO), Nigerian Communications Commission, said that, competitive markets were necessary for a vibrant telecommunications industry as it would encourage innovations and foster efficiency.
Danbatta was represented by Ms Josephine Amuwa, the NCC Director of Policy Competition and Economic Analysis.
According to Danbatta, the commission periodically conducts studies to assess the level of competition in the industry in line with its mandate of creating an enabling environment for competition among telecom operators.
“You will recall that the commission, in the exercise of its regulatory functions as provided for under the Nigerian Communication Act (NCA), 2003, engaged the consulting firm, KPMG Professional Services, to conduct a study on the level of competition in the industry in 2013.
“The outcome of that assessment resulted in the definition of relevant market segments and a determination of dominance in some of those market segments.
“Following the success of the 2013 determination and activities in the telecom industry since then, it became necessary to conduct another assessment of the competition in the market.
“As such, the commission has engaged the services of Messers CT Worx Ltd. to conduct a study on the level of competition in the Nigerian telecommunications industry, using the 2013 as baseline year,” he said.
Danbatta said that the objective of the study was to provide insight into the level of competition in the telecommunications market and articulate strategies to enhance opportunities in the market and ensure the deepening of competition that would result in the provision of innovative services.
He said that the study would enable the commission to evaluate the level of competition within the various market segments of the Nigerian telecommunications industry.
“It will identify the factors determining the degree of competition in telecommunications industry in Nigeria.
“It will evaluate the commission’s interventions toward deepening competition and identify areas that require improvement, and benchmark these practices against international standards and good practices.
Tech giants Google and Meta have called on the Australian government to delay a proposed bill that would ban children under 16 from accessing most social media platforms.
The companies argue that more time is needed to assess the bill’s impact and await results from an age-verification trial.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government aims to pass the legislation—one of the strictest globally on children’s social media use—by Thursday, the final day of the parliamentary year. Introduced last week, the bill was open for public submissions for just one day, drawing criticism for its expedited timeline.
The proposed law would require social media companies, rather than parents or children, to enforce age-verification measures, potentially using biometrics or government-issued identification. Companies found in breach could face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million).
Meta criticised the bill as “inconsistent and ineffective” without clear results from the age-verification trial. Google echoed the sentiment, urging for a measured approach to ensure Australians understand the implications of the legislation.
TikTok raised “significant concerns” over the lack of consultation with experts, social media platforms, mental health organisations, and young people. “Novel policies must be drafted thoroughly to ensure their success,” the company stated.
Elon Musk’s X also opposed the bill, arguing it could infringe on children’s human rights, including their freedom of expression and access to information. Musk, a vocal advocate for free speech, accused the government of using the bill as a backdoor to control internet access.
The opposition Liberal Party has signalled support for the bill, while some independent lawmakers have criticised the government for rushing its passage. A Senate committee report on the bill is expected on Tuesday.
If passed, the bill will place Australia at the forefront of regulating children’s online activity, but its swift progression and potential implications have sparked a heated debate over privacy, freedom, and the role of government in digital spaces.
TECNO SPARK 30 city tour made a memorable stop at Ikeja City Mall on November 15th, bringing with it an infectious energy that electrified the entire city.
As the event unfolded, it was clear that this was more than just a product showcase – it was an immersive experience designed to thrill and delight.
The day’s festivities kicked off with the iconic TECNO SPARK 30 transformer bus, painted in bold red and blue hues, rolling into action.
The bus served as the hub for a games grotto, where fans immersed themselves in thrilling digital games and adventures.
Outside, the excitement spilled over, with attendees engaging in friendly competitions of Jenga, Monopoly, Ludo, and chess.
These games sparked laughter, playful banter, and a sense of camaraderie among strangers.
As the games heated up, so did the rewards. Purchasers of the TECNO SPARK 30 Pro enjoyed a N20,000 discount and a chance to win up to 100% cashback by participating in the games.
The atmosphere was electric, with cheers of victory, enthusiastic applause, and celebratory high-fives.
The excitement reached a fever pitch with the arrival of tech and lifestyle creator Kagan, accompanied by Big Brother Naija Season 9 stars Victoria and Ruthee.
The trio dove into the action, competing in games and claiming victory. They were awarded TECNO-branded gift items, earning cheers and applause from the thrilled crowd.
The event was an unforgettable experience, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
During peak shopping days, this threat intensifies.
Here’s what happens: with the surge in online deals, more employees may be shopping from their work computers, feeling that Cyber Monday is a legitimate time to do so.
This increases the risk of them clicking more freely and potentially exposing the organization to malicious links or phishing attacks.
To keep your organization safe, encourage your team to follow these simple tips:
• Don’t click deals in email that look too good to be true or are from businesses you don’t have accounts from – these could be phishing emails hoping to bait you into clicking links to bogus, malicious web sites.
This season, small steps can make a big difference in protecting against cyber threats.
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