Telecom
“Be Ready To Leverage The Power Of 5G To Support Next-Generation Technologies That Enhance Socio-Economic Development”, Says Danbatta
…Danbatta Urges Stakeholders To Exploit Opportunities Offered At 90th TCP To Contribute To Deployment Of 5G Network In Nigeria
…To roll out 5G Technology in August 2022
…5G is 10 times faster
Olushola Okunlade Writes
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) held the 90th edition of the Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) with the theme: “5G Technology; Opportunity and Challenges”.
The event was held at Providence Hotel by Mantis, Ikeja Lagos hosted stakeholders in the telecom industry today Thursday, June 23rd, 2022.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, in his address affirmed that the roll-out of 5G technology services in Nigeria is on course and the Commission is confident that the 2022 timeline will be met, he gave this assertion during the 90th edition of Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) in Lagos on Thursday, June 23, 2022.
The EVC reiterated the need for a SWOT analysis through the TCP forum, he noted that in line with the Information Memorandum, licensees are expected to commence roll out of 5G services effective from August 24, 2022.
The TCP is a high-level engagement and interactive program annually organized by the Commission for the consumers and other stakeholders in the telecommunications industry. The event-themed “5G Technology: Opportunities and Challenges” was an opportunity for discussants to interactively explore the 5G technology before the actual rollout later in the year. The event is set to place all stakeholders in a proactive mode.
During his opening remark, Danbatta stated Nigeria has an estimated population of 214 million with an average growth rate of 2.6% annually, approximately 76.46 per cent and in line with these demographic changes, internet penetration grew from 3 per cent in 2004 to 73.82 per cent as of September 2021 and broadband penetration is at 43.69% as of May 2022. The potential for expansion is a great opportunity for 5G deployment and for operators to recoup their investments.
The NCC CEO highlighted several potentials use cases for 5G networks as broadly categorized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) being Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB); Massive machine-type communications (mMTC); and Ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC).
“The goal of the Commission is that Nigeria becomes one of the leading nations with 5G technology deployed in a manner that is beneficial to all stakeholders and contributes maximally to the Digital Economy Policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria”.
To achieve this, Nigeria actively participated in the ITU-R study cycle under Task Group 5/1 which deliberated on the identification of the 5G spectrum in the Millimeter wave (mmWave) band” said Danbatta.
Speaking on the challenges characterizing the 5G networks according to the ITU, the EVC said the requirements for more spectrum and vastly more spectrally efficient technologies, are more than what the current 3G and 4G systems require.
“Considerable work is required for implementing fiber services and ensuring availability of wireless backhaul solutions with sufficient capacities, such as microwave and satellite links, and potentially with high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) systems where they are deployed,” he added.
The EVC also mentioned the need for skilled professionals with requisite knowledge of technology, the fewer number of 5G-enabled devices, managing expenses involved in 5G network deployment as well as challenges with security and privacy concerns
Our presence here today attests to the importance of TCP as a high-level engagement and interaction with consumers and other stakeholders in the telecommunications industry 45 per cent already and growing to surpass the target.
The Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, Barr. Adeleke Adewolu who coordinated the panel session urged all participants to exploit the opportunities offered by the 90th Telecom Consumer Parliament to contribute to the deployment of the 5G Network in Nigeria.
“We should conclude this event with solutions to challenges that are associated with 5G deployment in countries that had taken the step before Nigeria. We must also have a clear roadmap on how the opportunities offered by the technology can be maximized for the benefit of Nigerians” said Adewolu
In his earlier remark the Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Efosa Idehen, recalled the Federal Government on September 8, 2021 approval of the deployment of the Fifth Generation Network Policy. He noted that, following the approval, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami directed the Commission to implement the 5G policy for the country.
The Commission’s response to the directive swung into action and brought all stakeholders on board. There have been interactions in this regard at different fora which include today’s 90th Edition of the Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP), which is the Commission’s flagship stakeholder engagement forum” said Idehen.
The event was attended by representatives from Mobile Networks Operators (MNOs), Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director at Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF), Prince Sina Bilesanmi, President of Association of Telephone, Cable TV & Internet Subscribers (ATCIS) amongst others attended the event.
Telecom
Airtel Africa Appoints Carl Cruz As Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer Of Airtel Nigeria
Rahidat Okunlade Writes
Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with a presence in 14 countries across Africa, has announced the appointment of Carl Cruz as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Networks Limited (Nigeria).
The appointment which takes effect from 5th May 2023, will also see Mr. Cruz join the Executive Committee as the Regional Operating Director reporting to the Airtel Africa Group CEO, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya as well as the Board of Airtel Networks Limited (Nigeria).
Mr. Cruz has over 31 years of business and corporate experience from multiple geographies across Africa and Asia. In his most recent position, Mr. Cruz served as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Unilever in West Africa, with responsibility and oversight of three listed operating companies, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Francophone Africa. He was a board member in the role of Executive Director in Unilever Nigeria Plc and a Non – Executive Director on the board of Unilever Ghana representing Unilever as a shareholder.
Carl Cruz, Managing Director, CEO, Airtel Nigeria.
Prior to this, he was the Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Sri Lanka, in addition to occupying leadership roles in Unilever Philippines and Hindustan Unilever India. Throughout his career, Mr. Cruz has managed strategic and directional responsibility in sales, distribution, customer and brand development, trade development, and commercial engagement.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management from the University of De La Salle, Philippines.
Speaking on Mr. Cruz’s appointment, Airtel Africa Group CEO, Segun Ogunsanya said, “Mr. Cruz brings to Airtel Africa a wealth of business experience, exceptional track record, and strong values. He has a solid record of accomplishment as a strategic and transformational business leader who thrives on problem-solving and building strong teams to deliver business growth. We look forward to working with him to steer our largest region and to deliver on our corporate purpose of transforming lives.”
Mr. Cruz takes over from Mr. C Surendran.
Telecom
Airtel TV Celebrates Creativity, Awards Star Winner With Whopping N1,000,000 And Scholarship
Rashidat Okunlade Writes
Leading entertainment content streaming service, Airtel TV, announced the winners of its first Super Skit-Makers contest on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023 at Airtel Headquarters, Ikoyi, with prizes ranging from N250, 000 to N1, 000,000.
Launched in March 2023, the Airtel TV Super Skit-Makers competition is an initiative by the fledgling platform, to recognize and reward the country’s outstanding talent in the emerging online skits genre.
An evidently thrilled crowd at the prize presentation ceremony applauded as the star winner, Qudus Shokunbi, received the unprecedented N1, 000,000 cash reward and a scholarship to Del-York Creative Academy, a top film school in Lagos.
Left-Right: Marketing Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina; star-prize winner, Airtel TV Skit-Maker Competition, Qudus Shokunbi; Partnership and Intervention Manager, Del-York Creative Academy, Halima Alawiye; and Managing Partner, Covenant Entertainment Services and Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon at the prize presentation to the winners of the competition at Airtel Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023.
Left-Right: Marketing Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina; star-prize winner, Airtel TV Skit-Maker Competition, Qudus Shokunbi; Partnership and Intervention Manager, Del-York Creative Academy, Halima Alawiye; and Managing Partner, Covenant Entertainment Services and Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon at the prize presentation to the winners of the competition at Airtel Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023.
Left-Right: Marketing Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina; second runner-up, Akueme John-Paul; first runner-up, Mathias Saidu; star-prize winner, Airtel TV Skit-Maker Competition, Qudus Shokunbi; Partnership and Intervention Manager, Del-York Creative Academy, Halima Alawiye; and Managing Partner, Covenant Entertainment Services and Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon at the prize presentation to the winners of the competition at Airtel Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023.
This star award was followed by additional prizes to other winners and contestants. Second and third-place winners were presented with cash prizes of N500,000, and N250,000, respectively, alongside film school scholarships to Del-York Creative Academy. For their notable participation, makers of the top 10 most viewed videos that were entered into the competition also received branded Airtel TV merchandise.
Speaking at the event, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja said, “Airtel Nigeria is excited to host the Skit-Makers and celebrate the incredible contributions of young skit makers to the comedy genre in particular, and Nigerian entertainment in general. We believe in supporting and promoting creativity in Nigeria, and with Airtel TV, we are thrilled to recognize and reward the impact of these talented creators.”
He added: “We hope that the prizes will not only serve as a form of recognition for the winners but also as a source of inspiration to other aspiring skit makers.”
Sharing a similar sentiment, Shokunbi, expressed his gratitude to Airtel TV for boosting the art form. “I am happy that Airtel TV organized this competition and offered this large prize. Their support will go a long way to encourage more youths to produce more creative skits,” he said.
Rashidat Okunlade Writes
Leading telecommunications network provider, Airtel Nigeria, has partnered with AXA Mansard, to launch a digital health insurance plan that provides access to basic health care consultation and minor treatment for customers on the Airtel network.
This was announced during a press launch at Airtel Headquarters, on Wednesday, 19th April 2023.
The Airtel AXA Mansard health bundle gives Airtel customers the opportunity to approach low-cost health care consolation and treatment for minor illnesses. The bundle plan is said to provide three forms of healthcare services, including telemedicine, pharmacy, and hospitalization reimbursement, and Airtel customers can subscribe by dialing *141*44# to select the service.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja described the bundle as an innovative product that has been particularly designed to make significant difference.
Left-Right: Director, Internal Assurance, Airtel Nigeria, Ngozi Akamelu; Acting Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja; Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard, Tope Adeniyi; Chief Customer & Marketing Office, Customer Engagement and Marketing, AXA Mansard, Jumoke Odunlami at the press briefing announcing the Airtel and AXA Digital Health Partnership at Airtel Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, April 19th 2023.
Left-Right: Director, Microinsurance, AXA Mansard, Alfred Egbai; Chief Executive Officer, Truthware Solutions, Deji Macauley; Acting Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja; Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard, Tope Adeniyi; Head, Customer Communications, Airtel Nigeria, Guruman Iwundu at the press briefing announcing the Airtel and AXA Digital Health Partnership at Airtel Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, April 19th 2023.
“In line with Airtel’s core value, which is to deliver solutions that enrich the lives of our customers, we are pleased to partner with AXA Mansard, to launch a cutting-edge health bundle that will add value to our customers. This partnership aims to provide easy and pocket-friendly health insurance access to Airtel users, through mobile data service”, he said.
He added that the health bundle will shorten the distance between Airtel customers and healthcare providers such as hospitals and pharmacies. “With this simple cover,” he noted, “users may now have access to the medication of up to N60,000 and hospitalization cover of N50,000 per year.”
Also speaking during the launch, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard, Tope Adeniyi hailed the partnership between the two companies for deploying technology to make far-reaching impact in healthcare.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Airtel to make health insurance accessible through mobile services, and we believe that this is currently one of the most innovative and relevant solutions that will empower more Nigerians to conveniently access best-in-class health insurance value offerings,” he said.
Some of the other interventions made by Airtel as part of its continuing commitment to health and wellness in Nigeria include the N200 million investment in the refurbishment and outfitting of the infectious disease center at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in addition to a donation of N20 million from personal contributions by Airtel employees which was described by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the first of its kind, and many several other projects under Airtel’s award-winning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Airtel Touching Lives.
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