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3G Technology and Access Challenge

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The 3G race in the space begun when the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) signified its intension to award the licenses to Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) operators in 2006 barely five years after GSM service was launched in the country.

The competition complete with media blitz of the first to get the license and the first to launch the service began.

The three Major operators Celtel, MTN and Glo eventually secured the license and began the process of deploying the technology in order to launch the service.

3G is radio communications technology that creates a "bit pipe" for providing mobile access to internet-based services. It enhances and extends mobility in many areas of our lives.

In essence, mobility won’t be an add-on; it will become a fundamental aspect of many services. Consumers expect high-speed access to the internet, entertainment, information and electronic commerce (e-commerce) services wherever we are-not just on our desktop computers, home PCs or television sets.

3G services add an invaluable mobile dimension to services that are already becoming an integral part of modern business life: Internet and intranet access, video conferencing, and interactive application sharing.

We are not just talking about "road warriors" who spend their entire lives traveling. It’s more a question of supporting new, flexible working practices where employees need access to a wide range of information and services via their corporate intranets, whether they are at their own desk or anywhere else.

Employees spend some of their working at home, Accountants that carry out audits at client premise, on-site maintenance engineers who need access to detailed instruction manuals, such as mobile emergency services who need a video link with a hospital or doctor for specialized advice. These are a few situations where 3G will play a valuable role.

We’re likely to see 3G services enter our day-to-day lives in all sorts of new ways: for instance, in shopping, especially internet "mail order" (e-commerce), banking, or playing interactive computer games over the net.

We’ll think nothing but sitting on the train and using a mobile palmtop with internet browser to log into our bank accounts. While on-line we’ll be able to check our accounts, pay a few bills and click on a screen icon to immediately set up a video-conference to discus our account with a bank clerk.

On vacation, we’ll be able to use our mobile palmtop to obtain local tour guides, make a last minute reservation at a hotel, find and call the nearest taxi firm, and send video postcards. We’ll expect location-independent mobile access to a personalized set of services that matches the way we live and work.

Increasingly, machine-to-machine communications will also be enabled and enhanced with future mobile network technology. Domestic appliances will have built-in-radio modems to provide remote control and diagnostics. Our refrigerators will have built-in sensors that detect which items need restocking and automatically send a reminder message to our Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). We could even get the refrigerator to send an order direct to our local store. Likewise, vending machine will be able to tell the warehouse when they need restocking.

In what many describe as an effort geared towards kick starting all the various benefits of 3G services that Celtel, MTN and Glo launched the service late last year. But the manner and subsequent luster attitude to drive the service to potential subscribers leave much to be desired.

The launch of the service which should have been celebrated as another major achievement in our process of development in the telecommunications sector of the economy turned out as a source of competition. While MTN had planed the launch of its branded 3.5G to the media and business community, Glo sent press release to media houses claiming that it’s 3G plus was live on its network.

Mohammed Jameel, group chief operating officer, Globacom, explained that the Glo Mobile 3G Plus network will, in addition to giving customers high speed mobile internet access, allow them to do video calls and video streaming on their 3G enable handsets. He continued thus "it also offers other advanced mobile services such as video greeting kiosk, video mail box, video conferencing on both phones and PCs and such other services as are possible on the 3G High-Speed Downlink Packet Access(HSDPA) network which enables speeds up to 3.6 Mega bytes per second(Mbps)." he stated. He said that the services available on Glo 3G Plus include video calling, high speed internet access either on 3G phone or laptop via data cards, video and audio streaming and mobile TV. "As to the mobile TV, the channels available for now are CNN, Sliverbird TV and Fashion TV just as the Glo COO promised that more are coming soon. And that the 3G Plus network will revolutionize the way data is transferred and relayed digitally as it enables a much faster transmission of data, voice, broadband internet and multimedia services over a range of frequencies," Jameel explained.

Challenges thereafter

Although some of the challenges in being experienced by GSM operators in the launch of 3G services were envisaged before the launch, but were of view that those challenges will be address as the services takes root. Among the challenges is limited access, this could be explained in two folds, for the service to be accessed by subscribers there should be provision of the service by the operator on its network by making the service live on its network and on the side of subscribers, they need to have 3G compactable mobile phones that will enable them enjoy the service. Today, months after the launch Nigeria CommunicationsWeek investigation can reveal that the service is still restricted to three major towns claimed as commercially viable, they are Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. One wonders the sense of hooking up to a service that is restricted to very few cities, if such situation is not going to limit the use of the service. Imagine one who lives in Lagos but has to travel for business to Kaduna, Benin; Kano and Enugu not enjoy the service while in these cities. State government official in states outside the three presently covered states can not enjoy the service considering that most of them are heavy spenders in communications.

More so, there are paltry, 300,000 3G mobile phones in the country according to Mr. Bola Akingbade, chief marketing officer, MTN when it launched the service, he argued that the number is too small for competition when the service was launched. This he said was responsible for the network’s look warm attitude towards launching its 3.5G service commercially. He noted that they are partnering with mobile phone manufacturers towards reducing the cost of acquisition of 3G compatible phones to increase the number.

This effort Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered could not be realized as GSM network operators was faced with the issue of poor quality of service that led to Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ban all promotions geared towards increasing their subscriber base that may result in compounding the poor quality of service.

Against this backdrop, that the current promo on MTN/DSTV mobile television from MTN is attributed to Multichoice as the sponsor in order not to be sanctioned by the regulatory body.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek investigations however, revealed that the ban has made it difficult for Celtel now Zain Nigeria, MTN and Glo Mobile to reap the economic value of the service. It was also gathered that the Blackberry that the three major GSM networks are selling to the same class of subscribers that will make use of 3G services is adversely affecting the marketing of 3G services.

Although, there are some differences between what Blackberry can do compared to 3G technology, A BlackBerry, is a push technology with an Enterprise Server or Desktop Redirector software that ‘pushes’, or redirects, new e-mail, calendar updates, documents and other data straight to the user over the Internet and the cell phone network.

The software determines the capabilities of the BlackBerry and lets people establish criteria for the information they want to have delivered. The criteria can include message type and size, specific senders and updates to specific programs or databases. Once all of the parameters have been set, the software waits for updated content. When a new message or other data arrives, the software formats the information for transmission to and display on the BlackBerry. It packages e-mail messages into a kind of electronic envelope so the user can decide whether to open or retrieve the rest of the message.

The BlackBerry listens for new information and notifies the user when it arrives by vibrating, changing an icon on the screen or turning on a light. The BlackBerry does not poll the server to look for updates. It simply waits for the update to arrive and notifies the user when it does. With e-mail, a copy of each message also goes to the user’s inbox on the computer, but the e-mail client can mark the message as read once the user reads it on the BlackBerry.

 


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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.

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How Zabira is Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

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Financial independence is no longer a distant dream but a daily reality, especially for young entrepreneurs cashing out weekly through innovative platforms like Zabira.

From trading gift cards to paying bills with crypto-converted naira, Zabira is proving to be more than just a fintech app; it’s a complete digital marketplace designed to fuel the ambitions of the next generation of hustlers.

With users reportedly earning up to ₦150,000 weekly from ongoing campaigns, Zabira has become a go-to platform for side income and full-time digital entrepreneurship.

Its frequent cashback campaigns reward both new and existing users, allowing them to earn 2% cashback on their first crypto trade and 3% on their first gift card trade, a simple but powerful incentive that reduces entry barriers for young people stepping into digital finance.

But Zabira isn’t just about trading; it’s about everyday life. In a move to deepen its utility and promote seamless living, the platform has expanded its bill payment business unit. Users can now pay for airtime, data, electricity (PHCN), TV subscriptions, and even fund wallets for platforms like Bet9ja, all within the Zabira App.

Zabira allows users to make utility and other payments directly using crypto. For added flexibility, users can also instantly convert their crypto to naira, removing any limitations and ensuring seamless transactions without bank delays or downtime.

This subtle integration of crypto into daily transactions is a major leap forward in digital financial inclusion. It not only helps normalise the use of digital assets but also provides practical avenues for users to derive real-world value from their crypto holdings.

Zabira also understands the frustrations of online subscriptions, especially when traditional bank cards fail. Through its robust gift card marketplace, users can buy and use cards for platforms like Netflix, Spotify, Google Play, Apple, Amazon, and more.

These cards offer a reliable alternative for accessing services that are increasingly essential for both work and leisure and are especially helpful for digital creatives, remote workers, and students.

Beyond utility, the platform keeps the entrepreneurial spirit alive with bonus campaigns on first-time gift card trades, creating more reasons for users to engage and earn. With every trade, Zabira positions itself not just as a service provider but as a digital enabler supporting users on their financial journey.

In a country where access to financial tools can often feel like a privilege, Zabira is leveling the playing field. Whether you’re a student looking to subscribe to an online course, a freelancer paying for tools, or a small business owner funding your daily operations, Zabira is building the infrastructure that turns these goals into everyday wins.

To get started using Zabira, users can download the app on Android and iOS devices.


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Driving Digital Inclusion: Anambra’s Mobile Tech Hub Brings Free WiFi to the People

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The Geeks & Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS) has taken another bold step in supporting Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of a smart, connected Anambra with the official launch of its Mobile Tech Hub- a custom-built bus bringing free WiFi directly to the people.

Fully equipped with high-speed internet, voice and data services, and backup power, the GEFAS Mobile Tech Hub can connect up to 3,000 people at rallies, campaign grounds, and public spaces: expanding the Solution WiFi initiative already live at over 26 locations across Anambra.

The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, flagged off the Mobile Tech Hub at a brief ceremony held on Thursday, 24th July 2025, at the Tower of Light, Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard, Awka.

He was joined by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu; the Deputy Chief of Staff/Chief Protocol to the Governor, Chief Chinedu Nwoye; other senior government officials; the media; and the GEFAS community.

Dr. Ibezim, visibly excited as he inspected the hub’s features, described it as an initiative perfectly aligned with what the Governor is doing in the state.

“We don’t expect anything less from Agbata, who is a guru in this field: exactly why the Governor puts square pegs in square holes,” he said, pointing to the sophistication of the project and the Governor’s deliberate choices.

“I hear wherever this vehicle parks, people can connect freely, in line with our mantra of making Anambra a place to live, invest, work, relax, and enjoy

“I thank Agbata for this great feat and assure our government’s support to make Anambra the smart mega city we all desire

He further emphasized that this will not be a one-off.

“Mr. Governor is also working to make this permanent. We are not just going to leave you with one vehicle. So I encourage everyone: wherever you see this bus parked, connect to the free WiFi and get your job done.” he concluded.

Earlier in his remarks, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, GEFAS Convener and MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, said:

“We are here to celebrate innovation made possible by Mr. Governor’s forward-thinking policies, like waiving Right of Way (RoW) charges, which opened up fibre optic expansion and connectivity across Anambra.

“Today, various public places, student lodges, and even four higher institutions in the state already enjoy free WiFi, just as Governor Soludo promised in his People’s Manifesto.

“Now, with this Mobile Tech Hub, wherever the Governor goes during the campaign period, people can enjoy free connectivity and high-speed internet.

“All over the world, we know that when broadband expands, the economy grows.

He added, “Data is expensive these days, so this bus will bring relief to Ndi Anambra.

“Wherever you see it passing through your neighborhood, you can hop online for free- maybe download a movie, a song, or do whatever you like.

It’s a practical solution that the Solution Government is delivering. So, vote Governor Soludo, and let the Solution continue” Agbata concluded.

The bus is set to hit the road in the coming days, following Governor Soludo to campaign grounds and reaching far more neighborhoods in earnest.

With this milestone, GEFAS reaffirms its commitment to helping Anambra become the smart, connected, and prosperous state that every citizen can proudly call home.


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MTN Media Innovation Programme Fellows Gain Insight into Nigeria’s Connectivity Backbone

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Fellows of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) embarked on an intensive industry tour recently, gaining firsthand experience of MTN Nigeria’s infrastructure and learning how technology is shaping the future of connectivity and storytelling.

L-R: Dr Chike Mgbeadichie, Programs Director, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University; Blessings Mosugu, Vice President, MTN Media Innovation Programme Cohort 4; Yahaya Ibrahim, Chief Technical Officer, MTN Nigeria; Rebecca Edun, Social Director, MTN MIP Cohort 4 and Isaac Ogugua-Ezechukwu, Programs Administrator, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, during the July session of the MTN Media Innovation Program held at the MTN Plaza, Ikoyi, recently.

The day began with a visit to the MTN Cable Landing Station, where the Fellows explored the facility that serves as a gateway for international data traffic. The tour provided insights into the network that powers Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

At the MTN Switch in Aromire, the group observed key operations ensuring seamless connectivity across the country. They were guided through the processes that keep millions of Nigerians connected daily.

Later at MTN’s Head Office in Falomo, the Fellows engaged in two sessions with the company’s executives.

Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, discussed the role of 5G and IoT in driving innovation and storytelling in the media. “5G is not just about speed; it’s an enabler of experiences,” she said. “With ultra-low latency and massive device connectivity, we can deliver high-definition content production, virtual reality experiences and cloud-native workflows that redefine how journalists create and audiences consume media.”

The CMO also noted that MTN’s leadership in 5G since 2022 has opened doors for industries such as healthcare, education, and entertainment to innovate.

In a session on network innovation and digital transformation, MTN’s Chief Technical Officer, Yahaya Ibrahim, shared how the company is leveraging artificial intelligence for demand planning and network optimisation. “AI allows us to predict faults, automate maintenance and plan smarter for Nigeria’s unique needs,” he said.

He also highlighted the technical challenges of maintaining network stability. “From seamless handovers between base stations to combating fibre cuts and vandalism, we work around the clock because connectivity is critical to the economy and to people’s lives,” Ibrahim said.

The day provided Fellows with a comprehensive understanding of MTN’s infrastructure and the technologies shaping Nigeria’s digital future, reinforcing the programme’s goal of empowering media professionals to tell richer, more informed stories about the industry.


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