Telecom
African Telecoms Market to Top $65Bn by 2018

The African telecoms market is set to be one of the main growth success stories for the telecoms sector in the next 5 years, according to a new report entitled Sub-Saharan Africa telecoms market: trends and forecasts 2013–2018 from telecoms specialist Analysys Mason.
The telecoms market in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is transitioning, as growing revenue from mobile data services increasingly matches mobile voice growth.
Telecoms service revenue in the SSA market will increase at a 6% CAGR during 2013–2018 (mobile at 6.7% and fixed at 1.0%), jumping from USD49 billion in 2013 to more than USD65 billion in 2018.
Increased 3G coverage and capacity, and the widespread introduction of low-cost smartphones will help support the take-up of mobile data services.
A related key driver is the increasing take-up of adjacent digital economy offerings – notably, mobile financial services.
According to Analysys Mason’s regional analyst Mpho Moyo, “SSA’s telecoms market is growing faster than that of any other region, and will increase its share of worldwide telecoms revenue over the next 5 years, although this will still remain small compared with other regions.”
The SSA market accounted for only 2.9% of worldwide telecoms revenue in 2013, increasing to 3.6% by 2018.
Telecoms revenue in SSA will continue to be heavily dominated by mobile services, which accounted for 86.5% of telecoms revenue in 2013 and will contribute an even higher 89.4% in 2018.
Mobile voice and handset data revenue will together deliver 90% of the total telecoms revenue growth in the region in the next 5 years.
Mobile growth is coming in part from expanded penetration of mobile services generally. Mobile penetration of population was still below 80% in most countries in SSA in 2013, with the exception of Ghana and South Africa.
Mobile voice will continue to be the largest component of the telecoms market through 2018, as new subscribers, new market entrants and mobile termination rate (MTR) reductions drive price competition and increased traffic.
However, mobile data revenue will grow far faster than mobile voice revenue (at a 5-year CAGR of 19.6% compared with 4.7% for voice).
Mobile handset data’s share of total telecoms revenue will almost double by 2018, reflecting the role of mobile devices as the main Internet access point for most users in Africa.
Increased penetration of smartphones in the SSA region is underpinning handset data growth. Smartphone penetration will more than double from 12% of handsets in 2013 to 26% in 2018 (at a CAGR of 25.2%).
Access to high-speed broadband services will remain restricted to a minority of users in the region for the next 5 years. 3G connections will account for 23% of mobile (non-M2M) connections by 2018, while 4G will account for only 3%.
Fixed broadband household penetration will continue to lag significantly behind global averages at only 3.3% in 2018, and levels well below 2.0% in most markets. Significant structural and commercial barriers will continue to restrain fixed services growth – particularly outside major urban areas.
As report co-author Alexandra Rehak noted, “Under-penetration of fixed and mobile data services in SSA represents a major growth opportunity for service providers and other market players, as does the growing demand for value-added digital economy offerings such as mobile financial services. However, affordability, coverage and effective regulatory and market structures remain major challenges for successful telecoms development in Africa.”
Telecom
NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

This directive was contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.
The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.
In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.
Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”
The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.
“Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.
The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.
The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.
The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.
Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.
Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”
Telecom
Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.
Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.
The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.
The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.
“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.
Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.
Telecom
GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.
The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.
GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.
These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.
More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.
As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.
Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.
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