Telecom
‘Mobile Broadband Will Act As a Strategic Disruptor in 2012’
Emerging market operators will continue to experience strong connections growth in 2012 and Mobile broadband will be the main driver of this growth, but it will also act as a strategic disruptor, finds Ovum.
In a new report, the analyst states that emerging market operators will continue to see double digit mobile connections growth in 2012. Large markets with relatively low mobile penetration, such as China, India and Indonesia, will be the key drivers of this growth.
Angel Dobardziev, Ovum Telecoms Emerging Markets practice leader and co-author of the report, said: "Many emerging market operators went through a transitional period in 2011. Operators had to continue adjusting to slower mobile connections growth, tougher competition, more regulation and lower prices and margins. While many emerging markets are still expected to experience double-digit connections growth in 2012, few will report double-digit revenue growth".
Revenue growth, margins and return on investment will be far more important metrics than connections growth in 2012 as connections and average revenue per user (ARPU) are becoming increasingly irrelevant due to the growing prevalence of multiple SIM ownership in most markets.
According to the report, mobile broadband growth will be the biggest opportunity for emerging market operators in 2012. Ovum forecasts that operators across all emerging markets will experience strong data connection and revenue growth in 2012 as users look to gain access to data services, the Internet and mobile content and applications.
Dobardziev added: "Emerging market operators will look to expand their 3G network coverage and capacity to cater to the increasing demand for data services. Many operators will also start to evaluate and plan for the acquisition of spectrum for LTE services in 2012, while a select few will launch LTE networks. The increase in capacity that the deployment of 4G services will enable will cause a number of disruptions and shifts in the industry.
A decline in smartphone prices and feature phones with enhanced capabilities will further drive the demand for data. Many feature phones will offer comparable capabilities and user experiences to smartphones at a significantly lower price.
The rapid growth of data traffic will also increase the demand for domestic and international backhaul capacity that links emerging markets. Many operators will find that they need to deploy strategies to better manage the considerable increase in data traffic, which will increase the demand for traffic shaping and local content-caching solutions.
The rapid growth of mobile broadband will force emerging market operators to question their role in the expanded mobile content and applications value chain. While the shift to downloading content and applications from over-the-top app stores appears to be inevitable, emerging market operators have not given up on their ambitions to assume a role beyond that of a LEAN (low-cost enabler of agnostic networks) player.
Dobardziev concluded: "In 2012, we expect that it will become increasingly clear which operators are planning to pursue the role of a SMART (services, management, applications, relationship, technology) player, and which are willing to settle for the more limited – but not necessarily less profitable – LEAN role".
Telecom
MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), a fintech subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, has announced a partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles to provide subsidised bus rides of ₦10 per fare to students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

MoMo PSB
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday in Lagos, is aimed at easing transportation costs for young Nigerians, particularly students, as part of MoMo PSB’s broader commitment to financial inclusion and digital accessibility.
MoMo PSB, which provides millions of Nigerians with secure financial services including transfers, savings, card services, bill payments and wallet solutions, said the transport subsidy reflects its mission to improve everyday life by reducing the cost of essential services.
The company explained that the partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles would not only make commuting more affordable for students but also promote sustainable mobility through the use of electric buses.
Officials of MoMo PSB noted that the initiative is designed to bring “good cheer” to the UNILAG community, ensuring students can access safe, reliable and cost-effective transport while focusing on their education.
Telecom
MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

MTN Nigeria has launched its Unlimited Broadband Data plans powered by 5G technology, a move the telecoms giant says will tackle long-standing challenges of capped data limits, high costs and unstable connectivity faced by internet users across the country.

MTN Nigeria
Egerton Idehen, Chief Broadband Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the new product was designed to support high-demand users including streamers, gamers, households and businesses requiring uninterrupted connectivity.
“We’re building a broadband experience for everyday life. For content creators, remote workers, gamers, students and households. Our focus is on speed, reliability, low latency, and affordability.
“Broadband is designed to deliver seamless connectivity that empowers Nigerians to thrive in the digital economy,” Idehen said.
The plans, available in speed-based variants of 50Mbps and 100Mbps, promise lightning-fast speeds and ultra-low latency to address issues of lag and buffering. MTN said the packages would also provide affordable and flexible options to cater to diverse economic segments.
New customers who purchase a 5G router will enjoy a welcome bonus of unlimited data for the first 30 days, allowing them to experience the service before committing to long-term use.
The company explained that the initiative was part of its broader commitment to digital inclusion, enabling Nigerians to access stable connections for virtual meetings, large file transfers, online learning, high-definition streaming and professional gaming.
Customers can subscribe to the Unlimited Broadband Plans by dialling 4611#, using the MyMTN app, MTN eShop, MTN website, or visiting authorised retail outlets nationwide.
Telecom
Airtel Africa Foundation Opens Undergraduate Scholarship Portal in Nigeria

The Airtel Africa Foundation has opened applications for its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship in Nigeria, inviting first-year university students with strong academic potential to apply for financial support aimed at accelerating their studies in technology and related fields.

The scheme provides full tuition, accommodation support, and essential study materials for eligible 100-level students. It forms part of the Foundation’s F.E.E.D. agenda, which promotes Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion, with a focus on creating pathways for talented young people who face financial barriers.
Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity. He noted that, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for national development,” adding that “as an organisation, Airtel is determined to build a platform for aspiring young Nigerians to learn, innovate and lead in the country’s expanding technology landscape.”
Applications are open to students pursuing courses such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines at participating universities: University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.
Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said the scholarship demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of digital leaders. “Young Africans are brimming with talent and ambition. What many need is a fair chance to pursue their education without financial pressure. This scholarship reflects our belief that investing in their growth will strengthen communities, empower families, and expand the continent’s digital future,” he said.
Applicants must be enrolled in 100-level, have scored at least 230 in JAMB, and hold a minimum of five credits in WAEC, including English and Mathematics, in a single sitting. Required documents include Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results, university admission letter, West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, student identity card, and academic transcript or university results.
The Foundation encourages qualified students across the listed institutions to apply and position themselves for a stronger start in the technology sector. Applications can be submitted at candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/airtelfellowship2025.
E-Financial2 days agoCBN Rejigs Financial Inclusion Strategy to Boost Economic Growth
E-Financial2 days agoSEC Urges IST to Freeze all CBEX Bank Accounts in Nigeria
News2 days agoFG to Use Digital Economy Initiatives to Curb Corruption Among Youth
E-Business2 days agoFinancial Sector Faced AI, Blockchain and Organised Crime Threats in 2025 – Report
Broadcasting2 days agoEnd of an Era as Multichoice Delists from JSE After Canal+ Takeover
Broadcasting2 days agoGlobal South Alliance Launches $72,000 Datafication and Democracy Fund to Support 2026 Research Projects
Telecom2 days agoCOUCH 2025 Grand Finale Highlights Student Breakthroughs, Secures Government Pledge for University Research Commercialization
Telecom2 days agoGoogle Invests $2.1m to Boost Nigeria’s AI Development












