News
Telecom Industry Rings Worries Over Vandals
The telecom industry waxed worriedly at the weekend over the growing targeted attacks on telecom equipment, infrastructure and telecom workers and urged the government to declare ICT equipment, critical national infrastructure that must be protected by law, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can report.
Vandalism is a problem that affects the delicate tripod on which the telecom industry stands: the regulator; operators; and the subscribers.
Though figures are hard to come by, this senseless crime is believed to be costing the industry billions of naira annually and denying Nigerians of better quality of service from the operators.
Although most vandals do not have a clear motives for their acts, investigations showed that basic social problems; lack of awareness of the critical nature of the infrastructure; and attitudes are at the root of vandalism.
The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) acknowledged the growing attacks and said it has begun moves for a bill in the national assembly to underpin the importance of industry’s infrastructure.
Nodding in agreement, telecom subscribers and operators said that ICT infrastructure is a national resource which must be protected just like railway and electricity infrastructures are protected by law.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that it cost about $150,000 to install a single base station together with its tower, special antennas, and two generators to power the station.
These equipment are like the central nervous system of communications because they allow subscribers make and receive calls are targets of vandals and thieves.
But the infrastructure are easy preys to vandals who are exploiting the lax security situation and absence of stiff punishment for offenders.
Emeka Oparah, vice president, corporate communications/corporate social responsibility at Airtel Nigeria said vandalisation of the telecom service equipment are regular occurrences.
He cited the example of base station in Abia state where Airtel Nigeria lost four generators to the vandals.
The state has over the years gained notoriety for unfriendliness to the telecommunications infrastructure.
It took a more dangerous dimension in 2010 when six hapless telecommunications maintenance workers were killed in Aba, the commercial hub of the State.
The workers, members of the MTN workgroup which included two policemen were said to have gone to carry out maintenance operation at a base transmission station in Aba.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that apart from theft of generators and vandalisation of telecommunications equipment, the industry has also been plagued by the rising incidence of damage to their fibre-optic networks.
MTN said that on the average it suffers more than 70 fibre cuts in various locations across the country every month.
Wale Goodluck, corporate services executive at MTN warn of the long-term negative impact on quality of service and national security.
Findings showed that cuts on the fibre-optic networks are as a result of poor road construction practices; willful damage perpetrated by criminal elements and sabotage.
Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, president of Teledom Group and former president, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (Atcon) said the vandalisation of telecom infrastructure has negative impact in further investment in the sector with the attendant ripple effects on the economy including job losses, poor quality of service, reduced taxation to the government and so on.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that the industry suffers with any minor errors (technical faults, accidents, vandalisation, data recording errors, etc.) that can alter, disrupt or block the system processes unintentionally.
These disruptions not only disconnect subscribers, but could cause embarrassment to businesses and national security.
Deola Ogunbanjo, president, National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMMS), said that telecommunications equipment must be declared critical national infrastructure to prevent it from vandalisation.
Checks with security agencies and the Nigerian Communications Commission, the industry regulator, showed they are aware of the development.
Tony Ojobo, director, Public Affairs of the NCC, said that the commission has initiated moves for a bill to protect telecom infrastructure.
The NCC has already constituted an Industry Working Group (IWG) on Multiple Taxations seeking the discontinuance of illegal taxes/multiple regulations on telecommunication infrastructure as a strategy to deepen ICT Penetration and improve the Quality of Service (QoS), National Security and overall socio-economic development of the country as well as to facilitate the designation of telecom infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).
News
World Energy Conferencing
By Okoko Chidozie Christian
[email protected]; 09025179984.
In an increasing world, the effectiveness of meaningful human interaction becomes ever important.
The significance of networking remains at the very core of what we do; and to support this we strive to offer more opportunities through digital platforms to engage online year round.
Conferences as indispensable part of business could be a vital opportunity that is certain to reap one’s time, organizational commitment and lots more.
Research proven creditably reveals that conferencing provides a rare opportunity for key individuals within field specialism to come together collaboratively all over the world, in the same place, at the same time.
Such environment provides the perfect platform to network,
form partnership and exchange knowledge with both peers, and people from connected industries with whom one may not have previously connected.
A prospect such as this is sure to serve well both now and in the future.
Having known that conferences attract a unique and incredible mix of thinkers, leaders, experts and emerging talents with an existing predisposition to develop skills; it also stimulates industry progress and contribute to important global conversations.
World energy conferencing are energy-focused events set to draw in the world’s top businesses and their leaders to put the wheels of actions in motion against climate crisis and other major threats to the energy sectors and wider world as a result.
The later part of last year saw one of the world’s most pivotal sustainability events to date, COP28 reported in my previous article “Sustainability of Clean and Renewable Energy” on April 1st, 2024. The event saw world’s leaders take urgent actions and decisions on the transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable and energy efficiency.
Undoubtedly, conference brings a wealth of forums, events, programmes which unite leaders about energy and industry’s interest topics, insights, guidance and tackling of some of the most pressing challenges.
These energy events will help in bringing together leading companies and talented people to provide business professional with high quality trade shows, digital solutions and connections, research reveals.
Some of the anticipated World energy events include World Utilities Conference Abu Dhabi, UAE (May 8-10,2024); International Conference in Energy Paris, France (14-15 May, 2024); Reuters Global Energy Transition New York, USA (7-8 June, 2024); Energy Tech Summit, Bilbao, Spain (10-11 April, 2024 ); Offshore Technology Conference, OTC in Houston Texas (6-9 May 2024), and many more.
World Energy Conferencing help companies and individuals to gain access to official media partnering and news publications for the world’s largest energy events thereby increasing their brand visibility through a variety of compelling content platforms helping to share latest innovations which are shaping the future of energy.
Also, connect industry leaders and passionate individuals from across the globe all committed to advancing the future of the energy industry in a path towards sustainable, renewable and affordable energy.
Technology expositions has helped a wide range of industry-leading companies to present energy-efficient products, energy management services and solutions.
Also, creates an environment for global think tank, powered by global innovation, pioneering minds and groundbreaking insights. As creating a new energy future require bold and different thinking, majority of these conferences regarded as the foremost events get accelerated global transition to clean energy, and bring leaders, policy-makers, investment incubators, corporate partners and world-class start-ups to work towards a greener tomorrow.
However, apart from being at the frontier of discovery on a global platform, conferencing witnesses the solution, ideas and game changers that matters amongst the world’s leading energy brands. It opens way for stakeholders to a unique occasion in examining critical insights, global drivers of energy prices and to network with energy specialists from other international companies of the world.
World energy conference platforms showcase advances in energy and a highly interactive experience that inspire progressive leadership thinking, collaborative and constructive actions. Regarding the concept of its most vital meetings, reflects its present and dedicated future to the entire society.
So, as we look ahead to the next 100years of energy mix; it is critical we consider not just the future of our energy technology, but also how we increase society’s energy literacy and create more inclusive bottom-up energy communities.
News
SoftTalk Messenger Introduces Chat and Make Calls without Sharing your Phone Number
Sharing your phone number on chatting platforms can expose you to unwanted spam, potential security breaches, and even compromise your identity.
Simple Azenabor, CEO, SoftTalk Messenger, a Nigerian developer based in Japan, said: “Anyone in an individual or a group chat can see your phone number. But don’t worry, you can use SoftTalk Messenger that doesn’t require a phone number.
“It gives you the best of both worlds, the freedom to communicate with anyone and everyone, and the security of keeping your phone number private”.
SoftTalk Messenger allows you to connect effortlessly with your friends, school mates, and family by using your @username, eliminating the need to share your phone numbers. This feature provides privacy for your phone number, particularly in group chats.
To add friends you simply search by their Unique SoftTalk @USERNAMES or Names to start a conversation and make encrypted HD audio and video calls.
It is possible for a user to turn off and on his profile from the SoftTalk directory if he prefers not to be discovered in a public search for a complete world of his own. Helping you to communicate with friends safely and privately
SoftTalk Messenger is a Nigeria’s Messaging app for Africans & the world. It enables users to buy and sell products and services in a marketplace, post stories, chat, make audio / video calls as well as pay utilities bills & buy low cost data & prepaid mobile airtime in Nigeria with plans to expand to other African countries in the near future. Users can make extra income by reselling Data and airtime to their friends right from within the app.
Messages are encrypted and transferred over a secure channel and use standard encryption algorithms: RSA-2048, RC4+ making sure that only the receiver of the message is able to read it. SoftTalk Messenger accommodates a total of 500,000 participants in a single group, and members can share media and large files.
According to Simple Azenabor, there is no doubt that Nigerians and indeed Africans are hungry for a new technology and need something different that can be called our “own” . It is my wish to see Nigerians use and encourage an indigenous solution built by one of us to grow our own.
The android version of the app was first introduced to Nigerians in late 2018 in the presence of the delegates from the NCC officials and the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Raufu Mohammed represented by a Director General in the ministry. SoftTalk Messenger has been bootstrapping and exploring various technologies in order to strengthen its backend infrastructure to build a secure and scalable system.
Today, SoftTalk Messenger is available on both android, web and the Apple iOS platforms with support of about 16 languages including French and can be downloaded on google and apple stores.
News
QNET Raises Alarm over Fraudulent Use of Foundation’s Name in Nigeria
QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, has recently become aware of fraudulent activities being carried out in the name of its CSR arm, RYTHM Foundation.
An individual had set up an office in Port Harcourt in the name of the RYTHM Foundation and was using online ads offering jobs in the foundation.
The incident came to light when a job seeker who had contacted the individual about the job was asked to pay a fee to secure it. Suspicion prompted the job seeker to verify the ad’s legitimacy by contacting the Foundation directly.
QNET promptly reported the incident to relevant authorities, which led to the arrest of the perpetrator. The matter is currently under investigation.
QNET is deeply troubled by the impersonation of the RYTHM Foundation for illicit activities, including fake job offers and other deceptive practices. RYTHM Foundation, QNET, and any of our affiliate companies are not associated with these activities and disavow any connection with the perpetrators. The company is committed to collaborating with authorities to apprehend fraudsters.
QNET warns the public to be vigilant and verify information before engaging in any such commitments.
QNET and any of its other affiliated companies do not offer jobs in exchange for a fee. The company urges the public to report any such job ads via the WhatsApp compliance hotline for Sub-Saharan African markets at +233256630005.
QNET remains dedicated to empowering individuals through life-enhancing products and micro-entrepreneurship opportunities. The company has undertaken educational and public awareness initiatives such as establishing the Direct Selling Disinformation Centre (DSDC) and launching the “Social Awareness Campaign” and “Say No! Awareness Campaign” to protect individuals from scams.
Direct Selling Disinformation Centre – https://www.directsellingdisinformation.org/ Say No Campaign – www.saynocampaign.org.
QNET reaffirms its commitment to maintaining trust with customers, partners, and communities. The company vows to conduct business with sincerity, integrity, and a focus on enhancing lives through its product offerings and entrepreneurial opportunities.
For more information, visit QNET’s website at www.qnet.net or our Africa blog at https://www.qnetafrica.com/
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