General News
Unlicensed & Licensed Bands for Wireless Networks Expanding SATCOM Role in Booming Market

Andrew Aroh
5G brings three new aspects to the table: greater speed [to move more data]; Lower latency [to be more responsive]; higher capacity (the ability to connect a lot more smart devices and sensor at once).

There will be slow but responsive 5G.
There will be also fast 5G with limited coverage.
Spectrum-wise 5G runs in three kinds of airwaves: Low–Frequency bands networks; Mid–Frequency bands networks; and high–Frequency bands networks.
Low –Frequency bands 5G networks use existing cellular band and Wi-Fi band [5 GHz] by taking advantage of more flexible encoding using OFDM [better spectral efficiency, data reliability and effective range].The resulting bigger channel sizes thus created achieves speeds 25 to 50 percent better than 4G [2Gbps].
This yields about 3.5Gbps which is better than existing 54 Mbps for Wi-Fi.
These networks can cover the same distances using existing cellular networks and generally won’t need additional cell sites/Access points (AP).
Thus, even with existing macro cells 5G will be able to boost capacity by four times better than current systems by leveraging wide bandwidths and advanced antenna technologies [Multi beam with massive MIMO].
The goal is to have far higher speeds available and far higher capacity per sector, at far lower latency than 4G [20-30ms].
The standards bodies involved are aiming at 20Gbps speeds and 1ms Latency, at which point very interesting things begin to happen.
The first applications for 5G includes fixed wireless access for homes and enhanced mobile broadband [eMBB] services using new 5G phones, tablets, wireless access modems and HOTSPOTS.
High –speed wireless links tend to be deployed in conjunction with wireless access technologies, namely:
- LMDS/WLL base/earth stations
- Mobile Voice and Data base/earth stations
- Hotspot [Wi-Fi] base/earth stations
Hotspot access network is one in which wireless access is enabled by 802.11-based Wi-Fi technology.
This allows very high–speed roamable access to: Portable computers, PDAs, video games, services terminals of various types [e.g. IPAD], warehouse/industrial equipment, office computers, hand/personal wireless phones i.e. GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite).
Hotspots have been vigorously deployed to primarily serve the travelling business community with the current applications being corporate LAN access.
Hotels, airports, conferences centers, restaurant centers and shopping malls are the current deployment targets intended to serve these markets.
The low cost of the user terminals coupled with the pseudo-mobility of this technology will see it in wide spread HOME INDOOR and OUTDOOR deployments with virtually unlimited applications and services.
This technology has found its way into a merger of sorts with the existing mobile voice networks, providing much sort after integrated mobile voice & data networks with widespread ubiquitous coverage provided via satellite.
Larger Hotspots are constructed using a number of short range Access Points [APs] operating in unlicensed band allocations at 2.4, 5.2 or 5.8 GHz.
Each AP can provide access rates of 11Mbps or 54Mbps using highly standardization 802. 11a/b/g/n using COFDM technology for large and scalable Networks.
The Hotspots within a given metropolitan networks can then be linked using wire line/cable or wireless technologies.
Like other cellular networks, 5G networks use a system of Cell Sites/APs that divide their territory into sectors and send encoded data [using OFDM] through radio waves. Each site must be connected to a network backbone. High speed wireless links operating above 50Mbps can be operated in unlicensed bands or licensed bands depending upon the services and perceived interference immunity of the links, whether through a wired or wireless backhaul connection.
- When considering, wireless inter Hotspot, links, the use of unlicensed technology is attractive since the entire 802.11 user access layer is unlicensed.
- However, once aggregation in the Hotspot has occurred, the interference prone nature of the unlicensed bands makes them unstable choices for backhaul except for bands like 24GHz and 60GHz in which there is a high degree of natural or regulated interference immunity.
- As a result, the aggregation of the data from these access cells tend to be focused on high-speed, highly reliable and predictable links constructed using fiber [If available] or licensed high-speed wireless using satellite technology or microwave links. Frequencies such as 18, 23, 26 and 28 GHz are often candidates for these licensed links. Care must be taken when considering unlicensed operation in the 5.8GHz band since this band is highly prone to interference .The 24 GHZ allocation does allow only highly directive PTP links and 60 GHz offers very highly natural attenuation against undesired interferences. Ultimately, the best reliability and predictability are offered by licensed links.
- 5G over satellite catches on much faster than unexpected:
- Satellite must be inserted into the global virtualized architecture
- Industrial companies have demonstrated the use of satellite communications capabilities integrated and interoperable in the 5G environment, achieve interoperability of networks and demonstrate the functionality, performance and benefits brought by the use of satellite. The first phase leveraged existing space and ground segment assets and new development enables the high efficiency, high performance, virtualization and multi service capability paramount for the main 5G use cases.
- These activities drives the full integration of satellite in 5G through open and standard solutions, facilitated primarily through 3GPP standardization.
SATELLITE PROVIDERS LOOK TO EXPAND ROLE IN BOOMING Wi-Fi MARKET:
- Increasing demand for broadband internet access anytime, anywhere is what is fueling the growth of Wifi services.
- Satellite services providers are moving into the booming market for wireless communications by offering satellite links for Wi-Fi [Short for Wireless Fidelity] hot-spots.
- The market is substantial as Wi-Fi hot-spots continue to pop up in office buildings and other public and private venues around the world. Indeed, both satellite and terrestrial service providers are competing to offer the services.
- Just as satellite backhaul has helped expand the reach of mobile telephone networks, it can also expand Wi-Fi access.
- Rural markets in developed countries, such as France, as well as those in less developed area in Africa, are being brought across the digital divide because of such access.
- A particularly interesting satellite application in the U.S.A is to connect temporary Wi-Fi hot-spots used for sporting events and natural disaster relief.
Broadband wireless software and network providers have found that satellite networking can work better than terrestrial lines to connect wide area Wi-Fi hot-spot networks.
Installing a nationwide-network with terrestrial links [Lines] involves complexities that can include the use of multiple vendors, long lead lines, and multiple points of contact for repairs.
Satellite network uses a single vendor.
- A strategic partner and value added reseller can provide an internet portal for truckers with Wi-Fi hot spots at more than 250 truck shops. It can also offer software solutions and a satellite network capable of transmitting data at up to 48 megabits per second.
- When drivers or any other subscribers are in a hot-spot, they have access to a proprietary network that can transmit application data, access the internet and intranets, as well as send and receive-email.
- To enhance cost-effectiveness of its system, service partners can design their networks around hotspot access locations that will be located strategically across the country.
- Wi-fi hotspots provide an excellent avenue for satellite systems to provide broadband access even with traditional-distribution satellites.
Andrew Aroh is President SSPI Nigeria
General News
Haleon Introduces New Corporate Identity in Nigeria

Haleon, a global consumer health company with a purpose to deliver better everyday health, is introducing its corporate identity across Nigeria in a phased transition. Trusted brands such as Panadol, Sensodyne, Macleans, Otrivin, Voltaren, Cac 1000 and Andrews Liver Salts remain unchanged in formulation, quality, and effectiveness.

Following the formal demerger from GSK, Haleon was launched on July 18, 2022, as an independent company 100% focused on consumer health. Haleon is the new home for brands like Sensodyne, Panadol, Centrum and others, trusted by millions worldwide for their proven effectiveness in improving everyday health.
From relieving tooth sensitivity or pain to providing essential vitamins and nutrients, our products are designed to fulfil Haleon’s purpose: to deliver better everyday health with humanity.
This revised corporate identity is a branding change only and does not affect the safety, quality, or efficacy of the products. Haleon is sharing this update as part of its commitment to transparency and consumer confidence, helping consumers continue to choose the brands they know and trust.
Haleon’s collaboration with Fidson Healthcare forms part of this approach, reinforcing the value of local production in supporting trusted everyday health brands in Nigeria.
Panadol Extra 100s and Panadol Pain & Fever 100s are currently being produced and supplied to the market under the Haleon identity. Sensodyne Rapid Action will bear the Haleon corporate identity from mid-June, followed by Andrews Liver Salts later this year.
In due course, additional brands—including Otrivin, Voltaren, Cac 1000, Macleans, and the wider Sensodyne portfolio—will also transition to the Haleon identity.
Haleon remains committed to ensuring consumers can continue to access the same high-quality brands at pharmacies, supermarkets and other retail outlets across Nigeria.
“As Haleon introduces its identity in Nigeria, we want consumers to feel informed and reassured. The trusted products they rely on remain the same in quality, formulation and effectiveness.
“At the same time, our local production approach in partnership with Fidson Healthcare supports reliable access to high-quality everyday health products in Nigeria,” said Himanshu Raj, Haleon General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa.
General News
Elon Musk Makes History as the World’s First Trillionaire

Tech entrepreneur and SpaceX founder, Elon Musk, has become the world’s first trillionaire after the successful public listing of SpaceX pushed his net worth beyond the $1 trillion mark.

Elon Musk
According to multiple financial reports, Musk’s fortune surged to approximately $1.1 trillion following SpaceX’s historic stock market debut on June 12, making him the first individual in history to achieve the milestone.
The sharp increase in wealth was driven primarily by SpaceX’s initial public offering (IPO), which valued the company at more than $1.7 trillion at listing before rising above $2 trillion during its first day of trading. Musk’s holdings in SpaceX, combined with his stakes in Tesla and other ventures, significantly boosted his net worth.
Musk, 54, is also the founder or co-founder of companies including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink and The Boring Company. He acquired social media platform X, formerly Twitter, in a $44 billion deal and has remained one of the most influential figures in technology and business.
Financial analysts noted that Musk’s wealth now far exceeds that of any other billionaire.
Matt Durot, deputy editor at Forbes Wealth, said the gap between Musk and the world’s second-richest individual had widened significantly, with no other person currently close to the trillion-dollar threshold.
Despite the historic achievement, Musk’s vast wealth has reignited debates over global inequality and the responsibilities of ultra-wealthy individuals in addressing humanitarian challenges.
Advocacy groups have frequently pointed to issues such as hunger, disease eradication and access to education as areas where large-scale private philanthropy could make a significant impact.
In 2021, Musk publicly challenged the United Nations to provide a detailed plan showing how billions of dollars could help combat world hunger. Although a proposal was later presented, no donation followed.
Analysts note that much of Musk’s wealth remains tied to company shares rather than liquid cash, meaning his net worth can fluctuate significantly with market movements.
Nevertheless, the SpaceX IPO marks a historic moment in global finance, placing Musk in a wealth category previously considered unimaginable.
Commenting on Musk’s business achievements, Jamie Dimon, chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase, described him as “the Edison of our time.”
Musk’s rise from co-founding internet startup Zip2 in the 1990s to becoming the world’s first trillionaire is regarded by many analysts as one of the most remarkable wealth creation stories in modern history.
General News
Kaspersky Warns of “Grey” Scam Websites Exploiting User Trust

Recent research by Kaspersky has shown that the so-called “grey” websites repeatedly target all world regions, and this may be driving both financial loss and large-scale data harvesting.

Grey websites are deceptive online platforms that fall outside traditional phishing definitions but still manipulate users into voluntarily handing over money and personal data. Kaspersky’s new report provides detailed insights into the threats posed by the grey websites on global and regional levels.
Unlike classic phishing attacks, which aim to steal credentials outright, grey websites rely on persuasion, misleading interfaces, and hidden terms to exploit users. They often impersonate legitimate services such as e-commerce platforms, financial tools, AI services, or subscription-based content, making them significantly harder to detect.
Kaspersky analysis shows that the majority of suspicious resources globally fall into several recurring categories:
- Fake browser extensions and “security tools” that actually harvest browsing data and track user activity.
- Fraudulent financial platforms including crypto exchanges, trading tools, and investment schemes promising unrealistic returns.
- Intermediary services (e.g., legal or real estate), charging for low-value or nonexistent services while harvesting sensitive personal data.
- Subscription traps offering low-cost trials that convert into costly recurring payments hidden in fine print.
- Fake online shops that either deliver counterfeit goods or nothing at all.
Example of a grey website.
A notable trend is the emergence of tools disguised as AI services or image-processing platforms, reflecting attackers’ ability to adapt to current digital trends and target younger audiences.
There are proven security solutions that help users to detect grey websites across different types of devices – those running on Windows, Linux, Android and iOS. The detection model is based on many factors, including domain name and age, IP reputation, stability of the infrastructure used, DNS configurations, HTTP security headers, digital identity and popularity of the web resource and other criteria.
Regional specifics
Regional variations in grey websites demonstrate how threat actors localise scams based on user behaviour and trending technologies.
In Europe, the threat landscape is dominated by links to suspicious browser extensions and fake “privacy-enhancing” tools.
These resources often present themselves as security solutions, promising safer browsing or anonymous search capabilities. In reality, they function as browser hijackers – intercepting traffic, collecting cookies, tracking user behaviour, and injecting advertisements.
The popularity of these threats reflects a high level of user concern around privacy and security, which attackers actively exploit. Additionally, these regions show a steady presence of phishing intermediaries and crypto-related scams, indicating a blend of technical and financially motivated attacks.
Across African markets, financial scams are the most prominent category of suspicious resources. Fraudulent trading platforms, fake brokers, and investment schemes frequently mimic legitimate financial services, often accompanied by fabricated licenses or endorsements.
These platforms typically prevent users from withdrawing funds, instead introducing additional “fees” or taxes to prolong the scam. The concentration of these threats highlights how attackers leverage growing interest in online investing while exploiting gaps in regulatory enforcement and financial literacy.
In the Middle East and North Africa region, suspicious resources frequently mimic communication (Internet telephony) tools, financial platforms, or betting services. Additionally, Ponzi-style investment schemes and crypto scams are widespread, often presented through polished interfaces that mimic legitimate platforms.
Web browser-based threats also play a significant role, with malicious extensions targeting user data and browsing activity. The regional threat profile reflects a convergence of financial fraud and technical compromise, where users risk both data exposure and monetary loss.
“Suspicious websites don’t look harmful at first glance. But they exploit trust, urgency, and familiarity, and a single click on what looks like a harmless AI image tool, a “secure” browser extension, or a heavily discounted online shop could be all it takes to lose money or expose sensitive data.
Instead of direct credential theft, attackers turn to behavioural manipulation – whether that’s subscribing, investing, or installing software,” comments Anna Larkina, Web Content and Privacy Analysis Expert at Kaspersky.
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