Telecom

Convergence Redefines Service Delivery in Telecoms

Published

17 years ago

April 14, 2009

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At the expiration of exclusivity license granted to pioneer operators of Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) in the nation’s telecommunications industry in 2006, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) introduced a unified licensing regime that allows operators with the license to provide unrestricted service. Many did not realize the benefit of it to service delivery.
Some observers were expecting that it will in short term address the lingering poor quality of service being deliver by Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) operators. When this did not come to realization, they started questioning the essence of the license and concluded that it was a way the government in power wanted to generate revenue in preparation for 2007 general election.
A Unified License is an authorization that allows the licensee to provide a basket of services under a single license. For example, under a Unified License, the licensee may be able to provide Mobile and Fixed telephony services, National Long Distance Communications Services, International Gateway services, among others, under one license.
It is often times referred to as convergence. The concept of “convergence” is frequently used to describe the development of global information society. The process of convergence starts when previously separate technologies coming closer together as a direct consequence of the advances made in ICT. The most profound changes will probably take place as a result of the process of technological convergence of the previously separate telecommunications, cable, information, publishing and mass media industries.
These industrial sectors are often referred to as ‘converging industries’. Borders that once separate them are now increasingly being blurred. Presently, we have different types of networks for telephony, broadcasting, radio and television and they are regulated differently and usually by separate authorities. National Broadcasting commission regulates Radio and television while Nigerian Communications Commission regulates telecommunications.
Explaining NCC’s proactive stance in moving the industry forward by introducing convergence, Ernest Ndukwe, executive vice chairman of the commission said that the state of maturity of the telecommunications market in Nigeria, vis-à-vis global trends in service and technological development, the Commission was convinced that a sure way to promote universal access to telecommunications services, at this stage of the industry’s development is to evolve a policy framework that recognizes the issues relating to VoIP as an engine for the development of telephony in the country.
“The unified licence regime is helping to extend the frontier for service providers to move service delivery to the next level. One thing that would certainly happen is an increasing converged environment for the delivery of services in the ICT sector. The four factors identified to enable convergence are already here, ready and hot for market. They are the increased digitisation of content, the rise in connectivity, technological improvements and a new generation of technology users,” he said.
Changes in service delivery
Convergence is a revolution rooted in technology and like all revolution so rooted, the convergence revolution poses two types of challenge: technological and societal. Vendors, content owners, software/application providers, telecoms operators, the broadcast industry practitioners must rethink their business processes or cave in under the convergence challenge. Nigeria’s unified regime ushered in by the NCC has already set the tone for the convergence challenge.
For regulators, the challenge is on how best to respond to new technologies redefining traditional services orientation. What should regulation look like in a Converged Services Market? And for operators, it is getting to drive the market ahead of the competition.
Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (Alton) corroborated Ndukwe on the gains of convergence when he said that gone are the days when system, services, facilities and network are build for one type of application, today the available services, the available system allow for an all encompassing services voice, data, video and internet.
All these have started manifesting as men are beginning to be separated from the boys in terms of service delivery. The landscape of telecommunications services that includes voice, video and data is changing. Before now, internet service were provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) using dial-up technology that requires a telephony line which delivers about 56 kpbs, radio technology as well as Very Small Aperture Terminal (Vsat) for those who can afford the cost.
In all of these, subscribers are faced with very slow speed of internet basically, as a result of sharp practices of sharing a lot of people on available bandwidth and the technological capacity.
Three years after the introduction of convergence, things have started changing especially in internet service delivery; we are now witnessing an improved service delivery as well as reduction in cost of access. This is made possible by telecommunications operators upgrading their technology to accommodate data service at a higher speed, since they are no longer restricted by license. Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators upgraded from 2000 1x technology to Rev A EV-DO that offers robust service in voice and data. It enables operators deliver wireless broadband internet service at affordable cost compared to what traditional ISPs are offering.
On the other hand, GSM operator upgraded from 2.5G to 3G technology which enables network operators to offer users a wider range of more advanced services while achieving greater network capacity through improved spectral efficiency. Services include wide-area wireless voice telephony, video calls, and broadband wireless data, all in a mobile environment. Additional features also include HSPA data transmission capabilities able to deliver speeds up to 14.4 Mbit/s on the downlink and 5.8 Mbit/s on the uplink.
These developments are taking toll on ISPs whose subscriber base have reduced by over 60 percent thereby pushing them out of business with attendant lost of jobs as they can not compete with telecom operators in providing access as well as cost of internet connectivity.
Opportunities provided
However, some ISPs have started responding to the development by also adopting technology that offers a competitive high speed internet with affordable cost. Against this backdrop, that we are witnessing the rollout of hotspots by some ISPs, which is design to increase their subscriber base.
Hotspot solutions are wireless gateways that come with built-in accounting, authentication and access (AAA). The hotspot connects to a modem which offers broadband connection, and broadcasts a wireless signal that provides Internet connection for up to 100 users at a time from a single location.
ISPs can create an additional revenue source for very little cost, selling casual Internet access to customers who use a wireless Notebook or handheld PDA. The Hotspot offers the ability to list up to 10 sites that users can view without needing to pay, which they could sell off as advertising to other companies for additional revenue.
Presently, Emperium Nigeria, SwiftNetworks, and iWay formerly Mweb are pioneering this initiative and Nigeria CommunicationsWeek investigations revealed that many more ISPs are looking at embracing the initiative. Hotspot solutions are Wifi technology based.
Convergence has also brought some innovations in mobile technology for instance,
Multichoice, the South African company that promotes the DStv satellite service across Nigeria, is now partnering with MTN Nigeria, the country’s leading telecommunications provider, to offer a bouquet of 10 television channels on the MTN network. What this means is that, MTN subscribers who possess the technology compatible mobile phones are able to watch television from their mobile phones anywhere, anytime.
Using the Digital Video Broadcast Handheld technology (DVBH) technology, specialized handsets which are compatible are being deployed by both companies in making mobile television accessible to tens of millions of Nigerians.
The television on our mobile devices now opens up a whole new world of advertising opportunities that will reach out to more and more mobile consumers. Advertising is one key area that will be revolutionized by this new mobile technology convergence and will make mobile TV advertising a very lucrative spot. With Nigeria as the largest telecoms market in Africa, there will be more investments in Nigeria’s mobile TV space in the next couple of years.
Mr. Lanre Ajayi, president, Nigeria Internet Group, explained the development as consequence of convergence, but regretted the inability of traditional ISPs to rise up to the situation by either still providing voice service just as the telecomm companies, however, restricted by the huge capital required to provide it which they are unable to get.
He stressed the need for ISPs to start doing things differently to be able to remain relevant, according to him, with their vast experience in internet service provision; he said they could go into content development. He added that while telcos provide pipe that is access they are technologically positioned to provide, ISPs should concentrate in the provision of content they are well positioned to provide that is also profitable.
He cited Yahoo, Google as example of internet content providers in the world today that are far richer than access providers. Lanre said that Nigeria requires content developers especially as government and organizations are putting their services online.
“ISPs have to be more creative and innovative. This is the time to leverage on their experience to remain in business,” he said.

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Telecom

Airtel Nigeria Expands Retail Footprint to Strengthen Customer Access Nationwide

Published

16 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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Airtel Nigeria has strengthened its nationwide retail and distribution network as part of its continued investment in enhancing service delivery and making telecommunications and digital services more accessible to millions of Nigerians.

The company’s retail ecosystem comprises more than 4,000 exclusive Airtel shops and over 200,000 retail touch-points nationwide, including partner stores, channel partners and neighborhood agents. This network ensures that subscribers can conveniently easily access SIM registration, device purchases, airtime and data recharge, customer support and other digital solutions.

Commenting on the company’s retail distribution strategy, Dinesh Balsingh, CEO, Airtel Nigeria, said,

“Telecommunications goes beyond the physical infrastructure, it is important that we are able to reach people where they live and work. That is why we continue to invest in a strong retail and distribution ecosystem that enables us to bring Airtel closer to our customers while delivering a consistent, high-quality experience wherever they are.”

According to Joypratip Sengupta, Director, Sales and Distribution, Airtel Nigeria, the company’s distribution network plays a vital role in ensuring seamless service delivery.

“Our retail network is designed to ensure that our services reach customers efficiently. It is a combination of efficient logistic systems, strong partnerships and local engagement that enables us to consistently meet the needs of our customers across the country,” he said.

The strengthened distribution strategy complements the company’s ongoing investments in network infrastructure and digital innovation, recognising that customer proximity remains a critical driver of service excellence and digital inclusion.

In addition to improving customer access, Airtel’s extensive retail ecosystem continues to create economic opportunities for thousands of entrepreneurs, distributors, retailers and small business owners who form an integral part of the company’s value chain.

As demand for accessible, interconnected digital services continues to grow across Nigeria, Airtel remains committed to investing in improving its service delivery and ensuring that every subscriber enjoys quality service.

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Telecom

Kaspersky Survey Highlights the Need for Smartphone Security

Published

16 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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Kaspersky’s latest global survey shows a change in how people go online: 60% of survey participants from the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa (META) region now claim their smartphone is the main device they use to access the Internet, pushing the PC into a secondary role.

But as the amount and sensitivity of data stored on these phones keep growing, cybersecurity experts warn that users’ security habits aren’t keeping up.

According to the survey* 60% of respondents from the META region consider a smartphone their primary device for accessing the Internet. The most active smartphone users are representatives of Gen Z, with 67% of all global respondents aged 18-28 choosing a mobile phone as their main device.

With mobiles as the full-fledged rivals of computers in accessing the Internet, the amount of important data stored on them has also increased significantly. Personal photos and videos are leading the pack. 60% of users in the META region store visual memories on their devices. Close behind are contact details (51%), text messages and chats history (45%) and important personal documents such as IDs and passports (43%).

At the same time, a substantial portion of users in the META region keep work‑related data on their smartphones (37% emails, 22% calendars and 17% even store access to corporate systems), blurring the line between personal and professional realms.

Financial credentials and login details appear on 40% of devices, while emerging categories like AI chat histories (30%) and gaming accounts (26%) signal new types of personal data stored on personal devices.

“Now our smartphones serve as full‑featured assistants that touch every aspect of our lives. The data we entrust to them goes far beyond photos, phone numbers or text messages. Consequently, the main question is no longer “what we store,” but “how we protect it,” requiring security to become as integral to the device as the data it carries,” comments Anton Kivva, cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky.

Three keys to mobile data security

To help users navigate this new digital reality safely, Kaspersky experts have issued a three-step security plan:

No data should live on your phone only

A smartphone should never be the sole repository for any type of information. While having everything at your fingertips is convenient, accidental deletions, loss or hardware failure can make recovery impossible without reliable backups or cloud sync.

The most sensitive data like passwords, ID or financial details requires special attention and preferably be kept in a protected format. Use a dedicated security solution like Kaspersky Password Manager, which apart from securely keeping credentials and bank cards, has a special secret vault functionality aimed at storing important documents, for example, scanned Passports/IDs and PDF files, addresses and notes. Thanks to the cross-device synchronisation it allows access to the data from any gadget.

Create a guard against digital threats

In Q1 2026 only, more than 2.67 million attacks utilising malware, adware or unwanted mobile software were prevented and more than 306,000 malicious installation packages were discovered.

Mobile devices require the same cyber protection as PCs. Kaspersky experts recommend cybersecurity solutions such as Kaspersky Premium that provide comprehensive protection – starting with scanning apps for potential threats upon installation, and using AI‑driven features to block malicious and phishing links in real time and prevent data or money losses, among many other security layers.

The “what if” scenario planning

Phone loss always occurs unexpectedly, but a few proactive steps can dramatically reduce its impact:

Turn on location services. Both Android and iOS include built-in tools that can locate a lost phone and, if needed, wipe its data remotely. Kaspersky for Android app activates this capability through the Where Is My Device feature.

Enable automatic backups.Regular backups ensure that photos, videos, documents, contacts and other vital data can be restored even if the device is lost or stolen.
Configure instant auto‑lock.Setting the phone to lock immediately after the screen turns off keeps it inaccessible to thieves or cyber‑criminals when you’re not using it.
Keep the device physically safe.In public spaces, never leave your phone unattended or within easy reach, avoid placing it on tables, in back pockets or any other vulnerable spot.

“We often underestimate how much valuable information we keep on our mobile devices and how vulnerable that data truly is. Ask yourself: When was the last time I backed up my photos or notes? What’s my plan if my phone goes missing? Do I verify links before I click them? While most users automatically think of security software for their computers, phones lag behind. It’s time to give your everyday digital companion the same robust cyber‑protection it deserves,” adds Anton Kivva, cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky.

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Telecom

Why Africa’s Top ICT Ministers Are Gathering in Abuja This Week

Published

16 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Ugo Onwuaso

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Nigeria will host telecommunications, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digital economy ministers from across Africa for the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26), scheduled for July 23 to July 24 in Abuja.

The conference, the highest decision-making body of the ATU, is expected to bring together ministers, regulators, industry leaders, development partners and other stakeholders from the Union’s 52 member states to deliberate on Africa’s digital and telecommunications agenda for the next four years.

A statement by the organisers said delegates would adopt the Union’s strategic direction, approve its 2027–2031 budget and work programme, elect a new Secretary-General and determine the composition of the Administrative Council.

The conference will also harmonise Africa’s common positions ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled to hold later this year in Doha, Qatar.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, described the conference as a significant milestone for Africa’s digital future.

“Nigeria is honoured to host the 7th Ordinary Session of the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries at a defining moment for Africa’s digital future.

“As countries across the continent accelerate digital transformation, it is increasingly important to strengthen regional cooperation, develop common positions on emerging technologies, and create enabling environments that attract investment, build digital talent and expand meaningful connectivity.

“Our role as host reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to building an innovation-driven economy while strengthening African cooperation on digital infrastructure, technology governance, skills development and investment,” he said.

One of the major highlights of the conference will be a ministerial dialogue on “Achieving Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity,” jointly organised by the ATU and the GSMA.

The dialogue will explore practical strategies for expanding affordable, reliable and quality connectivity across the continent, with emphasis on infrastructure investment, service quality, affordability and ensuring that digital access delivers tangible economic and social benefits.

Also speaking ahead of the conference, the Secretary-General of the ATU, Mr John Omo, said the meeting would provide member states with an opportunity to strengthen the Union’s capacity to drive Africa’s digital ambitions.

He said the decisions to be taken in Abuja would shape the ATU’s ability to support national priorities, sustain Africa’s participation in global telecommunications forums and respond effectively to emerging technological developments over the next four years.

The conference is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Abuja Declaration, which will provide governments, regulators, industry stakeholders and development partners with a common framework for advancing Africa’s digital transformation agenda.

According to the organisers, hosting the conference underscores Nigeria’s commitment to regional collaboration and reinforces the country’s growing leadership in digital policy, technology governance and investment promotion across Africa.

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