Telecom
MRA Calls on FG to Reverse Steady Decline in Internet Subscriptions
The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Nigerian Government and its relevant agencies to take urgent measures to reverse the steady decline in the number of Nigerians online, saying the government’s efforts should now be geared towards ensuring that every citizen is connected to the Internet rather than pushing those already connected off the grid.
Mr. Idowu Adewale, Communications Officer, MRA, in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, noted that from the monthly figures published by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) of active Internet subscriptions in Nigeria, the number of active Internet subscriptions in Nigeria has been steadily declining over a period of eight months, between November 2020 and June 2021, the latest month for which subscription data is available.
According to him, in November 2020, there were 154,437,623 active Internet subscriptions in Nigeria across three different communication technologies, namely the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication, fixed wired telephone, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), but the number dropped slightly to 153,873,786 in December 2020 and then sharply to 150,898,122 in January 2021.
Mr. Adewale observed that since then, the figure has continued to fall monthly at an alarming rate, going to 148,133,233 in February 2021, 144,581,026 in March; 141,407,324 in April; 140,132,128 in May and currently standing at 139,814,913 as at June.
“The rate at which Nigeria is bleeding Internet subscribers is extremely worrying and unacceptable, particularly at a time when the global preoccupation and efforts are directed at ensuring that all remaining unconnected people around the world get online.
“This situation in Nigeria obviously constitutes an impediment to that global effort,” he said.
Mr. Adewale said: “Besides the fact that access to the Internet enables people to exercise and enjoy their rights, the lack of access obviously has other far reaching negative consequences for those who are excluded, for the quality of lives that they have, their livelihoods as well as their participation in many social, economic and political activities.
“Even before the current COVID-19 context, many public services and benefits were becoming available virtually only to those with Internet access. In the current environment where many social and economic activities are taking place online, there can be no justification for this situation which serves to deprive significant numbers of citizens access to such services and benefits.”
He called on the government and its various departments and agencies with responsibilities in the Internet and telecommunications sectors to make a serious effort to identify the causes of the steady decline in Internet subscriptions, adopt and implement measures to address them and other barriers to connectivity for all Nigerians, including the high cost of data and devices such as smart phones and computer equipment.
Social Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship (SIDE) initiative, a flagship project under the Digital Access Program (DAP) by the UK NG Tech Hub, is geared towards addressing the critical need for accessible, safe, and secure digital access among underserved populations in Nigeria.
In collaboration with the Network of Incubators and Innovators (NINE), the SIDE project has engaged entrepreneurs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical regions, utilizing selected innovation hubs to provide support. The aim is to address sustainable solutions that target economic data, risk capital, infrastructure, and advisory gaps within key sectors. By leveraging digital innovation, the project seeks to alleviate poverty and address challenges faced by SMEs in identified markets and sectors, particularly those affecting underserved populations.
The SIDE project is a 4-month acceleration program tailored for entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs developing sustainable, relevant, and scalable solutions to local challenges through digital innovation. Focused on various economic indicators aimed at poverty alleviation, the program is supporting entrepreneurs in developing sustainable and scalable solutions across key sectors such as health, education, food security, employment, and climate change.
The initiative began with the design and validation of a research-focused challenge brief in collaboration with Nigeria’s academic ecosystem. Subsequently, a call for applications was made, resulting in over 900 submissions. From these, 60 startups were selected to participate in the Masterclass phase, conducted in collaboration with partner hubs in Adamawa, Edo, Enugu, Kaduna, Kwara, and Osun.
Following the Masterclass and pitching sessions, 12 startups were chosen to participate in a 16-week acceleration program, culminating in a Demo Day scheduled for June 25, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
This event aims to provide SIDE startups with a platform to showcase their progress, attract potential investors, receive valuable feedback, and network with industry experts, thereby facilitating the growth and scalability of their businesses.
Event Highlights:
The Demo Day will feature stakeholders from Nigeria’s vibrant tech ecosystem, providing them with an opportunity to witness impactful solutions and extend their support. Join us as we accelerate change and empower communities through digital solutions.
To register for the SIDE Demo day: visit https://sidenigeria.com/
Having any questions, further information or need to make inquiries, kindly email us at [email protected] or visit our website: https://sidenigeria.com/.
Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty Nigeria, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards organized by Nigerian CommunicationsWeek.
Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty Nigeria, (R) receiving Lifetime Achievement Award from Mr. Ayotunde Coker, MD Open Access Data Centre (l) at the 2024 Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards
For the past three decades, Nnamani has been a driving force in Nigeria’s digital space, particularly in interconnected services and data centers, which are now considered the backbone of the digital economy. Industry experts acknowledge his significant contributions.
“We are honored to present you with the Lifetime Achievement Award,” declared Mr. Ken Nwogbo, founder of Nigerian CommunicationsWeek, at the ceremony that highlights initiatives propelling Nigeria’s ICT sector on the global stage.
This award recognizes Nnamani’s unwavering commitment to providing innovative ICT solutions that fuel Nigeria’s flourishing digital economy. He was one of only four individuals chosen for this esteemed honor by a meticulous selection panel.
Under Nnamani’s leadership, Digital Realty (formerly Medallion Data Centres Limited) has become the most interconnected data center facility in West Africa. It boasts the region’s number one peering point, providing a crucial link for submarine cables, long-distance providers, fixed and mobile service providers, Over-the-Top (OTT) providers, internet exchanges, Value Added Service (VAS) providers, and global Tier 1 service providers.
Nnamani’s influence extends beyond Nigeria. Over the past 30 years, he has actively promoted the development of telecom infrastructure in several African nations, including Ghana, Togo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, and Angola.
As economic challenges loom large, the quest for quality at an affordable price becomes more crucial than ever, especially in the realm of smartphones. Amidst this backdrop, TECNO emerges as a beacon of innovation and hope with the launch of the POVA 6 Neo. This budget-friendly marvel defies expectations and redefines value in the smartphone market.
Endurance Meets Affordability:
Gone are the days when enduring battery life came with a hefty price tag. With the POVA 6 Neo, TECNO breaks the mold, offering a massive 7000mAh battery and a remarkable 6-year durability guarantee, all at a fraction of the cost. Bid farewell to constant charging anxiety and embrace uninterrupted usage without straining your budget.
Capturing Memories on a Budget:
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on camera quality. The POVA 6 Neo features a stunning 50MP Ultra Vivid Camera, ensuring every photo you take is Instagram-worthy. Plus, with an 8MP Dual-tone LED Flash, you can say goodbye to dark, blurry shots and hello to crisp, clear images, even in low-light conditions.
Performance That Packs a Punch:
Powered by the MediaTek G99 Ultimate Gaming Processor, the POVA 6 Neo delivers powerhouse performance without the hefty price tag. Seamlessly navigate through apps, games, and tasks with lightning-fast speeds, thanks to its 256GB of storage and 16GB of RAM – proving that high performance doesn’t have to come with a high price.
Built to Last, Built for You:
Designed with affordability, the POVA 6 Neo doesn’t compromise durability. With an IP53 water-resistant rating, you can rest easy knowing your device is protected against spills, splashes, and the occasional rain shower. Plus, its sleek and stylish design ensures you’ll turn heads without breaking the bank.
Entertainment at Your Fingertips:
Who says you need to spend a fortune to enjoy immersive entertainment? With the POVA 6 Neo’s 6.78″ FHD+ display and 120Hz refresh rate, you can enjoy crystal-clear visuals and buttery-smooth performance, whether gaming, binge-watching your favourite shows, or scrolling through social media. And with Dual Speakers featuring AI Noise Reduction and 4D Vibration Sense, you’ll feel right in the action, no matter where you are.
The POVA 6 Neo proves you don’t have to break the bank to experience innovation and performance. Its unmatched endurance, stunning camera capabilities, and powerful performance make it the perfect choice for budget-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on quality. So why settle for less when you can have it all with the POVA 6 Neo?
Innovantics Bags Best Biometric Banking Solutions of the Year Award @ ABoICT 2024
Access Holdings Seeks for Responsible Use of AI @ Smart Banking Summit
Nigeria’s Luxury Car Market to Experience steady Growth Despite Risising Inflation
9PSB CEO says Financial Inclusion, Key Facilitator to Poverty Reduction and Economic Prosperity
Digital Access Program’s SIDE Initiative to Catalyze Innovation and Impact in Nigeria
INTERPOL Appoints Uche, Nigerian CP as Chairman, African Heads of Cybercrime Units
Odu’a Investment Declares N1.961Bn as Profit Before Tax
SLTV Breaks Pay TV Monopoly, Offers Affordable Alternatives to Nigerians
Airtel Hosts Interactive Knowledge Session for Secondary School Girls
Binance Alleges Request of $150m Bribe by Some Nigerian Officials
E-Financial3 days agoCBN Sacks 300 Staff, 14 Directors Affected
E-Business3 days agoCITAD Launches Artie Robot, Coding Training of Girls in Kano
News3 days agoNigeria’s GDP Growth Declined By 2.98 Percent In Q1 2024 – NBS
News1 day agoAMMBAN Decries Mandatory CAC Registration of POS Agents
E-Financial1 day agoUBA Shareholders Commend 2023 Superlative Performance, Dividend Payout
E-Financial1 day agoHere’s How Your Teens Can Celebrate Children’s Day with MPulse at Its Finest!
Telecom1 day agoNigeria Showcases Digital Social Investments at APRA 2024
Telecom1 day agoDiscover TECNO POVA 6 Neo’s Budget-Friendly Features