Telecom

GSM operators’ End of Year Promos and Quality of Service Issues

Published

16 years ago

December 14, 2009

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One of the different ways that businesses woo customers to patronize their products or services is sales promotions. Succinctly put; a sales promotion is an activity designed to boost the sales of a product or service. It may include an advertising campaign, increased public relation activity, a free-sample campaign, offering free gifts or trading stamps, arranging demonstrations or exhibitions, setting up competitions with attractive prizes, among others.
This is not different in telecommunications business where operators render services to subscribers on their network, they often times embark on one form of promo or the other, all in the name of increasing the number of subscribers as well as reward loyal subscribers for retaining the network. Telecommunications business is a business of numbers where the large number of subscribers on the network, the more profitable the business. Against this backdrop, that Global System for Mobile communications GSM) operators in their usual style have rolled out mouth watering end of year promos in order to reward as well as woo more subscribers to their networks.
The four GSM operators in the country have each designed promos in such a way that subscribers are rewarded through bonus airtime, cash gift, household property and free intra network calls.
MTN Y’ello Bounty Promo
MTN in its "Y’ello Bounty Promo" is wooing subscribers this festive season with different prizes. The promo which commenced on 1st December 2009 through January 08, 2010 consists of two simultaneous activations: National draws where prizes shall be won on a weekly basis and daily regional draws where instant prizes will be won on the streets.
In essence, the promo will reward MTN customers for either buying a new SIM and/or loading a minimum of N200 airtime within a week. The following rewards will be on offer during the promo:
Customers who buy new SIM cards will be credited back with the recommended retail price of the SIM (N150) if they load a minimum of N200 airtime within 7 days of activation. The N150 will be credited as N50 airtime bonuses over a 3 month period. They also automatically qualify for the weekly or regional draws where they stand a chance to win exciting prizes. More so, if a subscriber loads a minimum of N400 airtime denomination, he gets 10 per cent instant airtime bonus, which can be used for on-net calls. The customer will continue to receive 10 per cent airtime bonus on each N400 recharge card denomination loaded during the promo duration. They also automatically qualify for the weekly or regional draws where they stand a chance to win exciting prizes.
Glo Biig Dash Promo
Mobile arm of telecommunications giant, Globacom, GloMobile in line with its desire to reward its subscribers this season launched “Glo Biig Dash Promo.” The promo which has been suspended to enable the network effective take care of its impact on the network as well as re-package it for effective service delivery, allows their subscribers to make free on-net calls for a daily rental of N40.00 only. Basically, Glo subscribers can call other Glo lines as long as they want for just N40 daily. GloMobile claims to be revolutionalising the telecoms sector with this promo.
In order to activate ones Glo line for the Biiig Dash promo, all that the Glo subscriber needs to do is just dial *100*1*1# from his phone. The rental of N40 will be deducted from the subscriber’s airtime daily and he can call all his or her contacts on Glo network for as long as he want without attracting any further charges.
Zain Naira rain promo
The third GSM operator, Zain is not left out as the network has also embarked on its own promo to ensure that it retains its subscribers as well as attract new customers to the network. In the Zain Naira rain promo, a Zain subscriber can become a millionaire this Christmas season with just N50, which is the promise Zain is making to its loyal subscribers this Christmas through its Zain Naira Rain promo. Subscribers qualify for daily draws by using credit worth at least N50 in any given day. N1m will be won each day till the end of the Christmas promo. One lucky Zain subscriber will win N10 million at the end of the promo. The Zain Naira Rain promo ends on 7th January.
The Zain Naira Rain gives one a chance of being rewarded for using his Zain line this Christmas. Whether it is an SMS, voice call, or other data service once they use up to N50. For each N50 a subscriber used in a day he gets an entry. For example if he uses N150 on a particular day, he will have 3 entries in the draw.
Zain in addition to Naira rain is simultaneously running its Loyalty/ Rewardz Scheme.
The scheme, the company said would give its customers an opportunity to earn points, collect prizes and enjoy discount when they would have accumulated enough points, adding that various prizes can be won depending on the number of points earned by the customer.
Shamel Hanafi, chief Commercial Officer, Zain Nigeria, said the programme is open to both pre-paid and post customers. He said the scheme is both a loyalty plan and reward programme and that it is specially packaged by the company to offer its customers special privileges and rewards for their loyalty to the brand.
However, fourth largest telecommunications company, Visafone is also seeking enlarged market share in the CDMA arena with ‘The Zero Advantage’ package.
The company said the N0.00 Handset Advantage was designed to give back to new subscribers the full value of the cost of purchasing any of the two handsets: Haier C5000 FM phone, and Huawei C2802 in 3 months.
Etisalat
Etisalat having concluded ‘Najillion’ promo has began its brand of end of the year promo to ensure that its subscribers are taken away by other operators it tag ‘9ja talk 4 free’ this allows Etisalat subscribers get 1 minute free for every minute call on the Etisalat Network this Christmas season. The ‘9ja talk 4 free’ promo is Etisalat’s offer to you this Christmas. Simply pickup your Etisalat phone, make a call to any Etisalat number and you will be given 1 extra minute free for every minute you spend. This is a Christmas gift from Etisalat. The free minutes can only be used to call Etisalat numbers. This Christmas offer from Etisalat ends on December 31, 2009.
In all of these the bottom line is that all the networks running promos will witness large volume of calls on their network as well as new subscribers. Then the question that arises is how prepared are these operators to absorb the increase in traffic to ensure that quality of service is not affected. Ordinarily, before such promos are unveiled network operators are expected to carry out network audit, which analyses the impact of the expected influx of new subscribers as well increase traffic on the network capacity. Experience has shown that although these audits are carried out but severally it has not been effective resulting in networks experiencing congestions. This is the case in almost all the networks running end of year promo presently, subscribers are now faced with difficulties in either making calls or recharging their phones orchestrated by congestion on the network.
Previous experience
The situation subscribers are currently faced is close to what happened in December 2007 when operators started similar promos which eventually resulted to congestion on the networks. The height of the problem was on the eve of Christmas and New Year when most short message service subscribers sent to their loved ones were not delivered but charged. This prompted Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to carry out audit on all the GSM networks and found MTN and Zain most culpable and thereafter directed that they compensate their active subscribers with N175 worth of airtime.
NCC also placed ban on promos by GSM operators, which was subsequently lifted on the grounds that they restrict their promos to the use SMS avoiding promos that will give subscribers opportunity to make free calls or airtime reward which often times result in congestion.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek investigations reveal that since then, this season is the only period that operators have come out the same time with promo campaign that includes free calls, airtime bonus, cash reward as well as material gift. It was also gathered that quality of service on almost all the networks has been affected. This prompted Glo Mobile to suspend its promo to enable the telecommunications giant repackage the promo in away that it will not congest its network. Industry watchers that spoke to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek hail the move by GloMobile and urged other operators to think in that direction. They advised operators that are running promos which are expected to woo subscribers to the network that such promo may be counter productive if such when it affects capability of the network to process calls and thereby make it difficult for existing subscribers to complete calls. This they said could result in existing subscribers leaving the network for other network; they urged NCC not to relent in its promise to introduce Number portability by next year which they believe will make operators more conscious of quality of service when rolling out promos.

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Telecom

Qualcomm Completes Third Edition of Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program

Published

13 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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Qualcomm Technologies Inc. has announced the successful completion of its third annual Make in Africa (QMIA) Startup Mentorship Program, marked by the virtual Make in Africa Finale 2025. The initiative underscores Qualcomm’s long-term commitment to fostering Africa’s vibrant innovation ecosystem through the broader Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform.

Highlights:

The 2025 Qualcomm Make in Africa program supported ten innovative startups from Kenya, Tunisia, Nigeria, Benin and Senegal, each addressing local challenges by developing tech-enabled solutions across critical sectors such as healthcare, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and mobility.
This year, the program attracted more than 400 applications from 19 countries, showcasing remarkable talent across the continent.
Farmer Lifeline, of Kenya, was announced as the 2025 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund winner, recognizing its impactful use of wireless technology.
Applications for Qualcomm Make in Africa 2026 are now open. Applicants can visit the Qualcomm website to apply.

As a flagship initiative of Qualcomm, the equity-free program shines a spotlight on the creativity and drive of African founders leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, 4G/5G, robotics, connectivity and IoT to address pressing real-world challenges.

Now in its third year, the program remains steadfast in its mission to accelerate early-stage technology startups by providing tailored mentorship, targeted business coaching, expert engineering consultation and comprehensive intellectual property protection guidance – exemplified by resources such as Qualcomm’s L2Pro Africa training. This holistic support empowers founders to transform their visionary ideas into sustainable, market-ready solutions.

“This year’s cohort has demonstrated incredible ingenuity, transforming complex challenges into scalable, tech-driven solutions that will drive social and economic impact across the continent,” said Elizabeth Migwalla, Vice President International Government Affairs, Qualcomm Incorporated.

“Innovation is the driving force behind Africa’s future, and this year’s startups are a brilliant demonstration of that. The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) is proud to partner with Qualcomm for the Make in Africa 2025 program,” said John Omo, Secretary General of the ATU. “We are working to harmonize spectrum management policies, regional standards, and open data practices, but we know that true progress relies on large-scale support. That’s why we call on governments, universities, investors, and industry to support these initiatives – and any endeavor that places African ingenuity at the forefront.”

The 2025 cohort includes the following groundbreaking startups:

Aframend (Nigeria): Uses AI to explore African medicinal plants for new drug discovery and aims to turn local remedies into safe, affordable treatments for diseases.
AmalXR (Tunisia): Offers AI-powered virtual rehabilitation sessions on everyday devices, enabling easy patient and clinician progress tracking.
Archeos (Benin): Automates fish farming with solar-powered sensors and feeders, providing real-time data on water quality and feeding levels for improved fish health.
ClimatrixAI (Nigeria): Installs connected weather and flood stations with an AI platform to forecast street-by-street risk, enhancing early warnings and disaster response for local communities.
Ecobees (Tunisia): Builds smart hive monitors and a digital platform for real-time insights into beehive-health, to protect bees and crops that depend on them.
Edulytics (Senegal): Applies AI on handheld ultrasound devices for early detection of liver disease, aiming to make this special screening widely accessible.
Farmer Lifeline (Kenya): Deploys small, solar-powered devices that scan fields for pests and diseases and send alerts straight to farmers’ phones to protect crops.
Pollen Patrollers (Kenya): A women-led agritech startup using connected hive technology and AI to keep bee colonies healthy.
Solar Freeze (Kenya): Provides solar-powered cold rooms with remote monitoring enabling farmers to keep fruits and vegetables fresh and increase earnings.
Pixii Motors (Tunisia): Designs electric scooters with smart batteries that can be swapped in and out at local stations, aiming to revolutionize urban mobility.

Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund Winner

Kenyan innovator, Farmer Lifeline, was announced as the winner of the 2025 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund. The fund, sponsored by Qualcomm® Wireless Reach™ Initiative, champions the innovative use of wireless connectivity to address pressing community. As the winner, Farmer Lifeline will receive dedicated funding and tailored technical support to scale its groundbreaking solution.

“Farmer Lifeline stood out with its innovative small solar-powered devices that scan fields to detect pests and diseases. This technology enables local farmers to effectively protect their crops, significantly increase yields, and improve food security”, stated Erica Ciaraldi, Vice President, Wireless Reach, Qualcomm Incorporated.

“Their visionary approach and dedication to agricultural resilience have positioned them as leaders in their field. They are driving meaningful change for smallholder farmers and inspiring others across the continent. This fund will empower them to scale their impact further, enabling broader reach and deeper influence across Africa and the world.”

In recognition of the groundbreaking innovations demonstrated by all finalists, each will receive stipends designed to accelerate their growth, support strategic development and safeguard their intellectual property. This comprehensive support underscores Qualcomm’s commitment to fostering innovation and ensuring these visionary projects can thrive sustainably.

Looking ahead: Launch of Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026

Building on the significant success of previous years, Qualcomm is excited to launch the fourth year of the program in 2026.

Applications for the 2026 Qualcomm Make in Africa cohort can be found at the Qualcomm website.

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Fynd Expands Global Footprint, Adds Africa With Surtee Group Partnership

Published

13 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Ugo Onwuaso

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Fynd, an AI-native retail technology platform backed by Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, today announced its official expansion into South Africa, onboarding Surtee Group – one of the region’s most established luxury and fashion retailers – as its first strategic customer in the market. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for African retail, as legacy brands begin embracing digital transformation to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving consumer landscape.

Fynd

Fynd’s entry into Africa reflects its commitment to enabling digital transformation in high-growth retail markets worldwide. The move also comes at a turning point when South Africa’s e-commerce sector is projected to exceed R130 billion ($7.48 billion) in 2025, capturing nearly 10% of total retail sales – a fourfold increase since 2020.

According to Statista, South Africa is expected to have 11.7 million e-commerce users in 2025, with projections reaching 21.5 million by 2029. This growth is being driven by rising internet penetration, mobile-first shopping behaviour, and increasing trust in digital platforms. To meet rising consumer expectations, businesses are investing in AI and unified commerce platforms. Fynd’s scalable, AI-native stack is built to support this shift, enabling agility, personalisation, and operational efficiency.

“South Africa’s retail landscape is evolving fast,” said Ronak Modi, Chief Business Officer – Global at Fynd. “Consumers expect seamless, personalised experiences across every channel, and retailers need agile, intelligent infrastructure to keep up. Our platform is built to unify disconnected systems, speed up fulfilment, and elevate customer engagement; all without adding operational complexity.”

“South Africa is an exciting addition to our global footprint. The market is digitally ambitious, brand-forward, and ready for intelligent commerce infrastructure. Our goal is to help local retailers unify siloed systems, personalise engagement, and accelerate fulfilment without adding complexity.”

Surtee Group operates 94 boutiques and 2 e-commerce sites, comprising the multi-branded stores Levisons and the mono-brand boutiques, namely, Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Hugo Boss, VERSACE, TOD’S, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace Jeans Couture, Emporio Armani, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Luminance, Paul Smith, Coach, and Armani Exchange. They will implement Fynd’s unified commerce stack, including Storefronts, Order Management System (OMS), Warehouse Management System (WMS), and Clienteling tools to connect in-store and online operations, streamline inventory visibility, and launch brand-specific ecommerce storefronts across its brand portfolio.

While online retail continues to surge, offline sales still represent the vast majority of revenue for retailers in the country. Fynd will enable Surtee Group to unify its offline inventory online, power ship-from-store capabilities, and improve both margins and sell-throughs. Additionally, products like Clienteling will empower in-store teams to engage customers better and drive incremental sales through personalised recommendations and seamless omnichannel experiences.

Fynd’s entry into the market is designed to meet this demand. Its AI-native platform enables real-time stock visibility, ship-from-store capabilities, dark store orchestration, and intelligent customer engagement all within a single scalable solution.

As part of its digital transformation roadmap, Surtee Group aims to consolidate its leadership in luxury and fashion retail while expanding into e-commerce and improving omnichannel agility.

“We were looking for a partner who understood both the technical and strategic dimensions of unified commerce,” said a Surtee Group spokesperson. “Fynd stood out for their proven scalability, consultative approach, and deep experience with global fashion brands, many of which align with our portfolio. Their unified stack enables us to modernise operations while building a connected, brand-first customer experience.”

Fynd has already scaled across India, the GCC, and Southeast Asia, and now adds Africa to its regional presence. With Surtee Group leading the transformation, Fynd is positioned to play a key role in powering unified commerce adoption across South Africa’s growing digital economy.

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AI Meets Governance: Anambra Rolls Out SmartGov for Seamless Citizen Interaction

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13 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Ugo Onwuaso

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Anambra State has taken another decisive step in digital governance with the BETA launch of SmartGov (https://smart.anambrastate.gov.ng), its digital government services platform designed to simplify how citizens access its over 31 public services anytime and anywhere.

Anambra Rolls Out SmartGov

SmartGov is powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling citizens to interact with government through natural conversations rather than complex procedures or paperwork. At the core of the platform is NORA, an intelligent digital assistant trained on Anambra State government services, processes, and directories.

This launch further cements Anambra’s leadership in digital transformation, coming on the heels of its recognition at the recently held National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE), where the State won four major national awards, including Best Overall Performing State in Digital Technology Development and Best State in Human Capital Development.

SmartGov serves as a single digital gateway to official government information, services, and platforms across the State.

Using AI, the platform understands citizens’ questions and guides them accurately to the right service, requirement, or process.

Through a simple three-step interaction, citizens can:

1. Ask questions about any government service in plain language

2. Receive intelligent AI-driven guidance that directs them to the correct procedure, requirements, or platform

3. Get answers or complete transactions online, via WhatsApp, or through voice-enabled access

The platform currently covers eight major service categories, including Taxes and Revenue, Land and Property, Business Services, Health, Education, Security and Complaints, Transport and Vehicles, and Culture and Tourism.

With 24-hour availability and multilingual support in English and Igbo, SmartGov removes traditional barriers such as office hours, location, and unnecessary bureaucracy, making government services more inclusive and accessible.

From business-related inquiries to renewing vehicle papers, paying taxes, or locating the nearest health facility, SmartGov guides users clearly and seamlessly through each step of the process, ensuring accuracy and consistency across government interactions.

The BETA launch also showcases Anambra’s technical innovation by bringing together AI, voice-enabled access, and WhatsApp connectivity into one unified platform, all supported by a continuously updated government service directory.

This development positions Anambra as a national reference point for citizen-focused eGovernment, building on strong policy direction, sustained digital infrastructure investments, and a deliberate focus on human capital development.

Describing the platform and its functionality, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, said SmartGov was built with citizens at the center.

“SmartGov is more than a service directory. It is an intelligent gateway that makes government interactions simple, fast, and reliable.”

He added that Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has consistently emphasized technology as the backbone of governance through the Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere vision.

“SmartGov is a practical expression of this vision. By embedding AI into everyday government services, Anambra State is making governance more transparent, accessible, and efficient for Ndi Anambra.”

As part of the BETA phase, SmartGov also has a dedicated feedback channel to support continuous improvement. Citizens are enjoined to submit feedback via https://smart.anambrastate.gov.ng/feedback

In addition to existing channels such as the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and official email platforms, NORA, the AI digital assistant, is also available to guide users through the feedback process where required.

“As we refine SmartGov during this BETA phase, we invite Ndi Anambra to explore the platform, use it actively, and share feedback to help us make it even better,” CFA concluded.

SmartGov is now live at https://smart.anambrastate.gov.ng, ushering in a new era of AI-enabled, citizen-centric governance in Anambra State and advancing Mr Governor’s Smart Mega City vision, where innovation is expected, not optional.

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