Telecom
Quanta Monitor Can Now Tell Level of Radiation from Your Cellphone
Cellphone Radiation (CR) in a very hot topic multi-billion-dollar smartphone industry do not like to talk about, however, the issue is existing and now telecom regulators, operators and big public can start to use an innovation, and be aware about the level the radiation, and take some actions accordingly.
Obviously, there are growing concerns that electromagnetic radiation from one’s cellphone is absorbed by the head and body.
Exposure to such radio frequency energy has the potential to cause cancer, as indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2011.
Young, growing children, many of which are becoming addicted to social media and games have been identified as most vulnerable to the potentially damaging effects of cellphone radiation.
Thus, a Finnish startup- Cellraid, has taken up the challenge by developing unique applications to measure, monitor and also reduce exposure to cellphone radiation.
According to health experts, cell phones emit radiofrequency energy (radio waves), a form of non-ionizing radiation, from their antennas, but now, Cellraid is saying it is only small part of the radiation you should actively worry about.
Pasi Ala-Mieto, CEO Cellraid in a chat with Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, said they are quite concerned about the high level of exposure to radiation coming from cellphones hence they developed the world’s first apps for measuring mobile phone radiation.
Quanta Monitor is a free Android app that measures the SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) output, power density, and cumulative exposure to radiofrequency emissions from your phone.
Quanta Guard takes things a step further by automatically cutting off your data connection if safe SAR limits are exceeded. “We tried both apps out to see how they work and learn just how much radiation we’re exposed to on a daily basis,” he said.
Pasi Ala-Mieto states further, “Our development is good news for, not only the 5 billion cellphone users, but also telecom operators, phone manufacturers and telecom authorities, all of which have the potential to benefit from our ability to make cellphone use less risky, especially the increasing number of very young users of smartphones.”
Researches
Recently, scientists engaged in the study of biological and health effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) raised fresh alarm based on their peer-reviewed, published research.
The scientists said they have serious concerns regarding the ubiquitous and increasing exposure to EMF generated by electric and wireless devices.
According to a report by guardian.ng, these include–but are not limited to–radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitting devices, such as cellular and cordless phones and their base stations, Wi-Fi, broadcast antennas, smart meters, and baby monitors as well as electric devices and infra-structures used in the delivery of electricity that generate extremely-low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF).
The scientists were joined by Professor of Radiation & Health Physics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State; and Dr.Idowu Ayisat Obe, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek found that the concerns over cell phones and other wireless devices prompted Toronto’s Department of Public Health to warn teenagers and young children to limit their use of cell phones.
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) established in 1998 the “Guidelines For Limiting Exposure To Time-Varying Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields (up to 300 GHz)”. The WHO and numerous countries around the world accept these guidelines.
The WHO has also called for all nations to adopt the ICNIRP guidelines to encourage international harmonization of standards.
Nigerian Government’s Position
But, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has consistently refuted claims about telecoms equipment posing health hazards to the public. Though, the industry regulator has limited the discussions to telecom masts and towers, efforts to get the views of other industry player proved abortive as they were sceptical about commenting on the subject.
The Commission has severally relaxed the tension over the speculated health hazards that may arise as a result of erecting telecommunication masts near residential areas.
According to NCC, no research whatever had proved that Radio Frequency Exposure could enhance the possibility of contracting any disease.
They maintained that masts were not hazardous, saying that such fear was no scientific backup and urged participants at the event to pay less attention to such speculation and think more on how to move the industry forward.
How Cellphone Radiation Occurs
The CEO of Cellraid explains further “There are 5B phones causing non-necessary ‘extra radiation’ which means very fast battery consumption, which again means needs to burn coil, to charge these phones again. So far there is no institution which is really monitoring the RF exposure levels.
“Now when little kids are using their smartphones 24/7, phones in their pockets, data always on, and phone 0-10mm distance from their body hours, every day..and night…the 20 years old regulations to control SAR & power density (radiation levels) are not updated to face the real use of smartphones. Old regulation still suppose that the phone is at 15mm distance from the skull and only for voice talks, even the phone is on hand, pocket or close to body, rather than on the ear.
“We have developed Quanta Pro, that is for telecom operators and regulators to make RF Exposure measurements from the user perspective, to ensure that their operations are respecting the set limits. We are monitoring both uplink (phone), downlink (base station antennas) and additionally also wifi – just like the user is experiencing the ‘radiation’.
“In addition, we have developed solution for the consumers too; As, our technology is noting when the phone is close to body, head or hand, it can monitor the SAR level on real-time, and also limit the exposure levels, when certain thresholds are exceeded”.
How Quanta Operates
The solution, Quanta Pro, measures RF exposure level of the user in the field, streets, buildings, homes and places of work. The software runs on any Android device. It provides a low cost measurement solution for Telecom Authorities and Operators to identify high RF Exposure locations.
Quanta Pro is able to measure the combined level of radiation from the cellphone, network antennas and even Wi-Fi. At present network operators only measure radiation from network antennas (downlink). However, the main source of RF is the phone itself, which represents 99,9989% of all exposure.
“The strange thing is that telecom authorities and operators are focusing today on antennas that represent only 0,001% of the exposure”, CEO Ala-Mieto said. “I believe that soon every operator will measure the total level of RF exposure. And a real opportunity arises, when they compete to be “the healthiest choice” for their customers.
In addition, the company has developed Quanta Monitor, which is a free app for consumers, to monitor personal RF exposure levels, in real-time.“At last the user is able to know more about their own level of exposure to radio frequencies, at home and work, Quanta Monitor gives them the ability to compare networks, and keep a history of their accumulated exposure.”
Quanta Monitor and Quanta Guard are available in the Google Play Store for Android phones.
“We look forward co-operating with cellphone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, as well as telecom operators and authorities”, said CEO Ala-Mieto respectfully and with the goal of “making all our communication life better”.
Airtel Nigeria has secured a fresh 10-year renewal of its spectrum licence from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), reinforcing the telecom operator’s long-term commitment to expanding broadband connectivity and improving digital access across the country.
The renewed licence covers Airtel’s spectrum holdings, which are critical to the delivery of voice and high-speed data services, providing regulatory certainty for continued investments in network expansion, capacity upgrades and improved customer experience.
According to the company, the renewal underscores confidence in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and will support its ongoing efforts to bridge the country’s digital divide by extending quality connectivity to more underserved communities.
Sunil Taldar, chief executive officer, Airtel Africa, said the renewal provides the company with the confidence to continue investing in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
He said, “The spectrum renewal reaffirms our long-term commitment to Nigeria, our largest market. It gives us the certainty required to continue investing in network expansion, improve service quality and accelerate digital inclusion for millions of Nigerians.”
Taldar added that Airtel remains focused on expanding broadband access and supporting Nigeria’s digital economy agenda through sustained investments in telecommunications infrastructure.
He further said, “We appreciate the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Federal Government for their continued support in creating an enabling environment for investment. We remain committed to delivering reliable and affordable connectivity while contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.”
Meanwhile, Industry observers said the licence renewal removes regulatory uncertainty and allows Airtel to pursue long-term capital investments, including the expansion of 4G and 5G networks, as demand for mobile data and digital services continues to grow across Nigeria.
The renewal comes as telecom operators continue to invest heavily in broadband infrastructure to meet rising data consumption and support government efforts to achieve Universal digital access.
Furthermore, It also aligns with the NCC’s objective of ensuring efficient spectrum management while encouraging sustained private sector investment in the country’s telecommunications industry.
Telecom
GSMA Supports Abuja Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa, Joins Partners to Launch ATLAS Umoja
The GSMA supports the Abuja Ministerial Declaration on Meaningful Connectivity for Africa by Ministers and Heads of Delegation at the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-2026), describing it as an important milestone in strengthening Africa’s digital future through evidence-based policy, investment and regional collaboration.
The Declaration commits African governments to advancing policies that promote meaningful connectivity, digital inclusion, technology-neutral regulation, resilient digital infrastructure and locally relevant digital services. It also reinforces the importance of collaboration between governments, industry and development partners to close the continent’s connectivity and usage gaps.
Throughout the conference, the GSMA has worked alongside governments, regulators and industry leaders to support these shared ambitions through practical policy engagement, evidence-based research and new collaborative initiatives designed to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.
Speaking during the ATU-GSMA African ICT Regulatory Leaders’ Forum, policymakers and regulators explored how stronger evidence-based regulation, greater regulatory harmonisation and future-ready policy frameworks can create an enabling environment for investment, innovation and sustainable digital growth across Africa. Drawing insights from the GSMA’s Digital Africa Index, participants also examined future-ready approaches to satellite regulation, highlighting how technology-neutral licensing frameworks can support innovation while extending connectivity to underserved communities.
Caroline Mbugua, Senior Director, Public Policy, Africa, GSMA, said: “The Abuja Ministerial Declaration sends an important signal that African governments share a common vision for delivering meaningful connectivity through modern, evidence-based and investment-friendly policy. Its emphasis on digital inclusion, technology-neutral regulation, resilient infrastructure and stronger regional collaboration reflects the practical policy foundations needed to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.”
Launching ATLAS Umoja AI
Supporting the ambitions set out in the Abuja Declaration, the GSMA, Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Togo’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Transformation, Kenya’s Ministry of information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Namibia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Benin’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and Innovation, Awarri, Zindi, Pawa AI and Mozisha today announced ATLAS Umoja AI –a new pan-African initiative to strengthen collaboration on African language AI.
Designed to complement national AI programmes, ATLAS Umoja will bring together governments, industry and researchers to share expertise, datasets and best practice, helping develop trusted, scalable AI that better reflects Africa’s languages, cultures and development priorities. The initiative aims to accelerate innovation, attract investment and scale African language AI across the continent.
The launch builds on the momentum of the newly established AI for Good Global Commission. Ministers from Nigeria, Namibia and Togo, who serve on the Commission, have committed to support Africa Umoja, demonstrating how African leaders are turning global ambitions for trusted and inclusive AI into practical regional collaboration.
Angela Wamola, Head of Africa, GSMA, said: “Africa’s AI future must reflect Africa’s own languages, communities and development priorities. ATLAS Umoja brings together governments, industry, researchers and innovators to build African language AI at scale. By making AI and digital services available in the languages people speak every day, the initiative will help tackle two of the biggest barriers to internet adoption – digital literacy and locally relevant content – supporting efforts to close Africa’s usage gap and expand meaningful connectivity across the continent.”
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy of Nigeria said:“Artificial Intelligence will be a defining technology for Africa’s future, but its benefits must be built on our own languages, cultures and knowledge systems. Nigeria is proud to have taken the first step through N-ATLAS and is equally proud to see that vision evolve into the continental ATLAS Umoja AI.
“By working together with governments, researchers and ecosystem partners across Africa, we can build AI that is more inclusive, locally relevant and accessible to millions of people, while strengthening Africa’s digital sovereignty and creating new opportunities for innovation, education and economic growth.”
Silas Adekunle, Founder & CEO, Awarri added: “Awarri is proud to support The ATLAS Umoja AI and contribute lessons from N-ATLAS, which has demonstrated what is possible when African language data, local technical talent and practical AI applications are brought together. This is an important opportunity to help build AI systems that work for African languages and communities.”
Celina Lee, CEO & Co-Founder, Zindi concluded: “Africa’s AI future will be built by the people who best understand its languages, cultures and communities. Through ATLAS Umoja AI, we have an opportunity to empower local researchers, data scientists and developers to solve meaningful challenges, strengthen national AI capabilities and ensure African language AI is developed by Africans, for Africans.”
Alongside the launch of ATLAS Umoja AI, the GSMA continued discussions with policymakers at the ATU Conference on future-ready regulatory frameworks, including satellite connectivity, spectrum policy and technology-neutral licensing.
Drawing on the GSMA Satellite Regulatory Playbook, discussions explored how modern regulation can encourage investment, expand meaningful connectivity and support the ambitions of the Abuja Declaration.
Together, the Abuja Declaration, ATLAS Umoja and continued collaboration between governments, regulators and industry represent an important step towards expanding meaningful connectivity, accelerating digital inclusion and supporting Africa’s digital transformation.
Samsung has unveiled its most advanced foldable smartphone lineup yet, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8. The tech conglomerate now sets a new benchmark for premium mobile innovation.
Konga
Nigerian customers can now pre-order the new devices on Konga, Samsung’s trusted e-commerce partner, and stand a chance to receive Samsung gift items worth up to ₦1 million, making this one of the most rewarding smartphone launches of the year.
Designed for productivity, creativity, and everyday convenience, the new Galaxy Z series introduces Samsung’s most refined foldable experience to date.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra combines an expansive display with AI-powered productivity, a powerful 200MP camera, an ultra-thin design, and enhanced durability for users who demand the very best.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 delivers immersive entertainment and seamless multitasking in a lighter, wider form factor, while the Galaxy Z Flip8 elevates self-expression with its sleek design, smarter FlexWindow, and intelligent Galaxy AI features for effortless interaction on the go. Powered by Samsung’s latest AI experiences, the new devices redefine how users create, communicate, and stay productive.
The availability of the new Galaxy Z Fold8 series on Konga further reinforces the long-standing partnership between Samsung and Konga, built on trust, authenticity, and a shared commitment to delivering genuine technology to Nigerian consumers. Through Samsung’s official store on Konga, customers are assured of authentic products, reliable after-sales support, and a seamless shopping experience.
The pre-order offer is available for a limited period. To be one of those who get to experience the new device, tech enthusiasts are encouraged to visit Konga’s Samsung Official Store to reserve their preferred Galaxy Z Fold8 or Z Flip8 device and qualify for exclusive Samsung gifts worth up to ₦1 million, while stocks last.
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