Telecom
ATCON Regrets External Interference, Impact On NCC Independence
Association of telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), has warned against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) being robbed of the independence contrary to the spirit and letters of Telecoms Act 2003.
Engineer Lanre Ajayi, ATCON’s President, raised the eyebrows in a speech presented during the Association’s meeting with NCC management in Abuja recently.
Ajayi recalled that Decree 75 of 1992 deregulated the telecoms industr led to the emergence of some private telecoms companies but it did not lead to remarkable growth of the telecoms industry.
He said that significant growth commenced after the enactment of Telecoms Act 2003 which granted NCC independence that kept its operation away from political interference.
“The immediate result,” he said, “was a transparent auction of the GSM spectrum contrary to the earlier practice of issuing out license based on patronage.
“The independence of NCC has led to an unimaginable transformation of the sector.
“Regrettably, in recent times, NCC is being robbed of the independence contrary to the spirit and letters of Telecoms Act 2003. This became more manifest when the issue of MTN fine arose, as some other organs of Government virtually took over the responsibility of NCC. We consider this trend omniuos and call on NCC to take charge of its responsibilities and exert its power as guaranteed under the law.
While expressing appreciation to the management of NCC for creating the opportunity for ATCON delegation to pay this visit, Ajayi barred the Association’s mind on some issues in the industry nagging for attention including broadband plan (&implementation), National Critical Infrastructure, and MTN fine.
On Broadband plan, he said, “We have noticed with regret the poor implemnetation of the National Broadband plan. The plan which aims to increase broadband penetration in Nigeria from 6% in 2013 to 30% in 2018 has only been able to increase penetration to 10% in 2016. We noticed that most of the timelines are not met and there is general poor supervision of the plan implementation. We call for the strengtheining of the National Broadband Council and an accelerated action on the implementation of the plan.
“National Critical Infrastructure – We are delighted by the recent passage and signing into law the cybersecurity act, which takes into consideration the issue of protection of National Critical Infrastructure which ATCON has been clamouring for. We however noticed the non implementation of the Act, which is supposeed to commence with the inauguration of the National Cybersecurity council. We call for immediate inaguration of this council and an accelerated implementation of the Act to protect the investment of members and facilitate improvement in the quality of service of telecoms services in Nigeria
“MTN Fine – We would like to use this opportunity to express our concern about the handling of the fine given to MTN in respect of non compliance to regulation on SIM card registration. We would like to remind the commssion that the idea of introducing SIM card registration emanated from ATCON and was resisted by many when we sugested it. The regulation on SIM card registration may not have seen the light of the day if not for the persistent campagin by our then President, Dr Emmanuel Ekwuwem, who saw its importance in the prevention of national security breaches. We therefore believe we have a better understanding of the purpose of SIM card registration regulation and have moral right to intervene when the regulation is to be used for the pupose it was not intended for”.
He said that the Association has been campagning for the introduction of SIM card registration, “it was not our intention for it to be used to raise fund for Government. It was not our intention to use it as a tool to kill telecoms opertors and it was not our intention to create a tool that can be used to destroy our industry.
“Our singular intention was to protect the environment where we do business even if it means initial loss of business to telecoms operators as a result of its potential to slow down uptake of telephone services by customers. We have watched with regret the poor handling of the issue, the politicisation, remarks based on emotion and not on the objectives of the fine”.
He argued that while some see it as an opprtunity to make quick money by offering all sorts of services, legal, lobbyist etc., some politicians and public officers see it as an opportunity to show off the importance of their offices without an iota of consideration for the purpose of the fine and the impact its mishandling can have on the Telecoms industry and the Nigeria economy at large.
“For the avoidance of doubt ATCON does not tolerate unprofessional conduct and disrespect for rules. As a demonstration of this, we recently launched our code of ethics and we are determined to sanction erring members. Equally we have no objection to the use of fine as tool to ensure compliance to regulations but when an unanticipated scenario emanates where fines computes to an humongous amount that is capable of inflicting damages on the industry and country arises, it is only wise that the nation act in self-interest by seeking a review that ensures that the purpose of the fine, which is to act as deterrent to breaches of rules, is served while an inadvertent self-infliction is avoided.
“We are of the opinion that MTN has suffered sufficient losses: loss of reputation, loss of market value, loss of revenue and have learnt their lessons. We are of the opinion that the fine should be reviewed downward to a figure not more than their profit for one year. This should be enough to serve as deterrent for future breaches while ensuring that they are kept in business to provide Nigerians services that we badly needed at this stage of our development. Our plea for leniency is based on our conviction that the breach was not done with a criminal intention to injure our national security but by share act of negligence. Our approach would have been different if otherwise proven.
“At this point, we would like to advise that all politicians and public officers who are not of NCC and who seems to have abandoned their core jobs to focus on this MTN fine to please allow the NCC, who is charged with the responsibility of regulating the industry, to handle the matter professionally and in the best interest of the nation. The fact that NCC presently has no Commissioners’ (Board) is no excuse for others agencies and individuals to usurp their roles as it well known that in the absence of the board, the Honorable Minister acts as the board. Non NCC public officers should intervene only on invitation by NCC,” Ajayi said.
Vitel Wireless, pioneer Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has launched an audacious “data that never expires” campaign designed to address consumer pain points in the market.
Kenneth Nwabueze, Chairman and CEO of Vitel Wireless
Fast-depleting data is a major issue for mobile users, particularly in Nigeria, with numerous complaints against network providers alleging that data plans exhaust prematurely.
But Vitel Wireless said it is now addressing the situation after extensive engagement with Nigerian consumers, particularly young people and small businesses.
Kenneth Neabueze, chairman of Vitel Wireless, said “What we’re saying to Nigerians is this, you buy the data, and you keep the data for as long as you want. There’s no more. You bought 2GB for two days, and it expires. If you buy that data under our scheme, it stays with you forever,” he said.
He added that the model promotes transparency and cost efficiency. “So it’s saving us money, it’s giving us transparency, and it’s giving us the ability to have control over how we spend and use our data,” he stated.
He noted that the concept was inspired by research into the everyday challenges Nigerians face.
“We talked to students who would tell us that in the middle of doing a project, they would be told that the data had expired, and we asked, ‘ How do we innovate?” We have analysed it, and we know, given the current economic conditions in Nigeria, you should buy the data with discounts of almost 40 per cent, and that’s why we are transparent”
The company has also unveiled a suite of products and services aimed at redefining connectivity, including its flagship Vitel Xphone.
The company explained that its services are available via both physical SIMs and eSIMs, with the 0712 number offering global use.
According to the firm, users can retain existing mobile numbers or migrate seamlessly, while enjoying nationwide coverage across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with full GSM services including voice, SMS, USSD, and mobile data.
Chudi Nwabueze, chief operating officer of Vitel Wireless, described the firm as a technology telecom focused on innovation beyond traditional voice and data services.
“We’re coming in with a lot of innovation to activate applications and create tools that people can use in their businesses, homes, and daily lives,” he said.
He added that eSIM technology allows users to operate multiple lines on compatible devices, while introducing a range of digital solutions aimed at enhancing communication, safety, and business operations, anchored by its flagship Xphone.
Hence, the platform combines GSM and VoIP technologies to deliver seamless voice, video, and messaging services, along with cost-saving benefits and nationwide connectivity.
It is complemented by the Oga App, which enables real-time staff monitoring, automated payroll, and performance tracking to improve organisational efficiency.
Similarly, the network also rolled out SecureMe and Asset Tracker to address security and asset management needs.
While SecureMe provides GPS tracking and emergency alerts for personal and workplace safety, Asset Tracker helps businesses monitor and manage physical assets in real time.
Vitel Wireless noted that on pricing, challenged consumers to compare daily data costs across operators, while adding that the network offers discounts for higher volumes without imposing expiry limits.
Also speaking, Chinenye Adebayo, relationship partnership manager, outlined opportunities for Nigerians to join the company’s distribution network by visiting the website and becoming a mobile agent or sun-agents in any state.
The company noted that its offerings, including Close User Group (CUG) services and high-speed wireless network, are designed to provide integrated digital solutions for individuals and enterprises, as it seeks to position itself as a disruptive force in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
MTN Group delivered impressive financial and operational achievements for 2025, boosted by strong performances in MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana, as well as solid earnings from MTN South Africa.
The three core markets of Africa’s largest mobile provider enhanced profitability, free cash flow, and shareholder dividends by 45%.
IT Web Africa reported that Ralph Mupita, group CEO and president, MTN, highlighted that the telecoms giant’s robust commercial momentum across key markets capped the final year of its Ambition 2025 strategy, while laying the foundation for a new long-term growth phase under Ambition 2030.
“The Group’s overall performance in 2025 was excellent. In the final year of our Ambition 2025 strategy, we were proud to have exceeded the 300 million customers milestone,” he said.
MTN revealed that it now serves more than 307 million voice subscribers, 172 million data users, and 70 million Mobile Money customers across 16 African markets, reflecting the continent’s growing demand for digital connectivity and financial services.
The operator credited its results to disciplined commercial execution and sustained investment in network infrastructure, with R38 billion spent during the year to expand capacity, improve coverage and enhance service quality.
The group reported that data traffic surged 27%, while average monthly data consumption per user climbed to 12.5GB, up from 10.8GB a year earlier, reflecting Africa’s fast-growing appetite for digital services.
Financially, the performance was driven by MTN’s largest markets.
In constant currency terms, MTN Nigeria grew service revenue by 54.9%, while MTN Ghana increased service revenue by 35.9%.
Meanwhile, MTN South Africa recorded 2% growth, demonstrating operational resilience in one of the continent’s most mature and competitive telecom markets.
MTN Group service revenue rose nearly a quarter to R218 billion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation climbed to R98.5 billion, supported by R3.6 billion in expense efficiencies.
Mupita stressed that the strong results translated into robust free cash flow and improved return generation, allowing the board to declare a dividend of 500 cents per share, up from 345 cents the previous year.
“This comfortably exceeds the minimum dividend of 370 cents we had previously guided,” he said.
The group also announced a R6 billion share buyback programme as part of an enhanced shareholder remuneration framework aimed at delivering stronger long-term returns.
Alongside its results, MTN unveiled Ambition 2030, a strategy centred on three platforms, connectivity, fintech and digital infrastructure, as it seeks to capture the next wave of growth driven by data adoption and financial inclusion across Africa.
“We are hugely excited about Africa’s potential. We are well positioned to leverage our scale, footprint and brand leadership to capture the significant structural growth opportunities identified,” said Mupita.
Source: IT Web Africa
Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) non-profit consumer rights group dedicated to protecting the rights, interests, and welfare of telecommunications subscribers, has urged the Federal Government to ensure safety of telecom consumers’ data hosted by government agencies.
Dr Sina Bilesanmi, president of the body stated this World Consumers Day in Lagos.
He alleged that said subscribers” data are being jeopardised by some of its agencies.
Bilesanmi urged government to ensure that every subscriber in Nigeria can use digital service without fear of physical, financial, or data-related harm.
The ACTIS president said safety in the telecommunication sector extends beyond physical hardware to include data privacy and protection from cyber fraud.
“We call for stricter enforcement by the Standard organization of Nigeria (SON) to eliminate substandard mobile devices and Cable Tv equipment that pose fire or electric hazards.
“We also want safe services from telecoms that are transparent – free from hidden charges and misleading advertisements”, he said.
He urged subscribers to utilize platforms like ACTIS as well as NCC and even FCCPC web portal when they encounter service failures.
He also tasked FG on hosting Nigerian Data Privacy in the country.
He said: “We ask for more robust surveillance and swifter penalties for entities that violate consumer safety standards. We admonish the subscribers to be aware and speak out, a vigilant consumer is a protected consumer.”
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