Telecom
ATCON Urges Members to Patronize NIGCOMSAT for Broadband Penetration
Engr. Olusola Teniola, President of Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, has urged telecommunications operators to embrace the services of Nigeria Communications Satellite, NIGCOMSAT, in order to leverage on satellite technology for the deployment of broadband for socio-economic development of the country.
He stated this at the strategic Business Interactive Session between NIGCOMSAT and members of ATCON held on Wednesday, at the Lagos Travel Inn, Ikeja, Lagos.
He noted that the aim of the business interactive session was to show majority of operators that they can buy capacity from NIGCOMSAT at a very good and affordable price.
He said, “This initiative is borne out of the need to bring NIGCOMSAT’s services to ATCON’s teeming members because it has shown that majority of ATCON members do not know that they can buy capacity from NIGCOMSAT and those who know do not patronize NIGCOMSAT because they thought NIGCOMSAT’s prices are very high.
“Be that as it may, ATCON primary focus with respect to pervasive broadband is to see how our members can leverage on satellite technology for the deployment of broadband for socio-economic development of our country.”
Engr. Olusola Teniola, President of Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria ATCON making a remark at the event
He explained that this initiative would undoubtedly help the industry to realize its broadband target set by the federal government.
According to him,”This initiative would undoubtedly make our industry to realize its broadband target set by the federal government.
“As you may be aware, the continuous existence of our members is paramount to us and as part of adding sustainable value to the business of our members, we designed this strategic business interactive session to foster a mutually beneficial business relationship between our members and NIGCOMSAT with a special emphasis on broadband penetration across the country.
“Other strategic objectives of putting this timely initiative together are; to make NIGCOMSAT offer its quality services at a cheaper rate for the patronage of our members.
“To create an enduring business relationship and partnership between our members and NIGCOMSAT.
“And to support broadband service via satellite technology and to rejuvenate the satellite business among our members.”
Mrs Abimbola Alale, MD, NIGCOMSAT said that this gathering of telecoms stakeholders only emphasized collective desire to critically examine the prospects, challenges and future plans in attempting to redefine the relationship between telecoms operators and NIGCOMSAT in deepening broadband penetration nationally.
She added that the need for a mutual relationship to achieve broadband penetration in the country is long overdue and that Nigerians are waiting with keen interest to see how they will achieve it
According to her, “In this information age, broadband/communication services cannot be limited to few cities and towns in our country.
“The farmer, the market woman, the student and a host of others are critical stakeholders in the nation’s quest for digital economy and inclusiveness.
“Whilst I appreciate the business focus and contribution of ATCON in taking services to our people in urban and sub-urban areas, I also believe that our collective efforts will yield better results across all parts of the country in order to boost the overall business environment.
“A forum like this therefore, is not only timely but also critical to forge the frontiers of telecoms operators and satellite operators for a common good.”
Some participants at the event.
“It is certainly true that there is tremendous capacity of broadband here in Lagos, but what about other areas in the country?
“We are therefore faced with a challenge to urgently cover those areas where broadband services are needed.
“I am hopeful that our resolutions today will chart a roadmap that is achievable.
“We are all aware that one of the cardinal objectives of ATCON is to ‘bring together under one umbrella all companies in the field of telecommunications and auxiliary services for the purpose of sharing industry information, networking, associating and otherwise enhancing the stature and relevance of telecommunications industry’, it is on this principle that NIGCOMSAT would like to partner with ATCON to ensure that the federal government’s plan of broadband penetration is achieved.
“We cannot do this alone without proper engagement with you. You are the vehicle to reach the rural populations and we can provide the infrastructure that you can leverage on.”
Alale revealed that Nigeria’s foremost satellite, NigComSat-1R is performing optimally and that the Ka-band payload consists of eight (8) active transponders with a bandwidth of 120 MHz each for communication and broadcasting services.
She promised to make NigComSat-1R readily available to serve as our nation’s gateway for ease of doing business in this digital age.
Lebara Nigeria is building excitement for its upcoming Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) launch, giving customers a chance to secure a personalized piece of their mobile identity.
The company has opened a Number Reservation Portal, allowing users to reserve their preferred mobile numbers before the official service goes live in the third quarter of 2025.
This strategic move is all about giving customers a sense of ownership from day one. Using the carrier’s 0724 prefix, users can choose a number that’s meaningful to them, whether it’s a birthday, a lucky number, or an easy-to-remember pattern.
The reservation process is straightforward. Users must be at least 13 years old and provide a few basic details to get a one-time password via email.
Once verified, they’ll need to enter their National Identification Number (NIN), which the system uses to confirm personal information.
After this, a list of available numbers appears, and a final confirmation email completes the reservation.
Lebara, a London-based global MVNO, according to yozzo.com, is no stranger to the telecom world, with a strong presence as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) across Europe and other regions.
Its entry into Nigeria is a calculated move to carve out a space in the highly competitive market.
By allowing customers to pick their numbers early, Lebara hopes to build loyalty and highlight its customer-first philosophy.
The company plans to operate a lean, technology-driven model by leveraging existing network infrastructure, which will help keep costs low and make its pricing competitive.
At launch, Lebara will offer nationwide coverage, a dedicated 0724 number series, and both SIM and eSIM options.
Beyond traditional connectivity, Lebara is also partnering with local government and the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy to launch public Wi-Fi hubs and promote digital inclusion for creators and underserved communities.
The core of its proposition is affordability, transparent billing, and a strong customer service model designed to challenge established players.
Lebara’s entry won’t be without its challenges.
It will face off against many other competitors in Nigeria’s emerging MVNO space.
This wave of new entrants comes after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issued 46 MVNO licenses, with many of the licensees expected to have already launched.
Despite this, the local media’s focus has largely been on only a couple of them, Vitel and now Lebara.
Telecoms stakeholders have cautioned that many Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria could struggle to survive unless they address infrastructure gaps, target niche markets, and adapt to local realities.
The warning came during the sixth edition of the Telecoms Sector Sustainability Forum, organised by Business Remarks in Lagos on Tuesday.
According to the stakeholders, securing a license from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is not enough to ensure survival in a market dominated by major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) like MTN, Airtel, and Glo.
Chidi Ajuzie, director of USK Mobile, highlighted the stark reality facing MVNOs, noting that none of the over 40 licensed operators have fully launched services.
“Licenses are not cash cows. Too many people think that once you get a license, the money will start rolling in. The truth is, you must build infrastructure, study the market, and create services that meet consumer needs. Without that, many MVNOs will die out quickly,” Ajuzie said.
Ajuzie pointed out that smaller operators, particularly those in Tier 4 and Tier 5 categories, face significant financial hurdles in building their own infrastructure to support capacity.
However, he sees this as an opportunity for innovation, urging MVNOs to target niche markets such as youth, migrant workers, or fintech services, as seen in successful models in South Africa and India.
“Half of us may launch, but only those with clear strategies will survive,” he warned, predicting mergers and consolidations in the coming years.
Tony Emoekpere, president of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), echoed Ajuzie’s concerns, stressing that market differentiation is critical for MVNO survival.
“The MNOs already provide enterprise services, internet, and fintech. MVNOs must find gaps and focus on those,” Emoekpere said.
He cited Kenya’s M-Pesa, which revolutionized payments by targeting rural and low-income users, as a model for local innovation.
Emoekpere suggested that MVNOs could capitalize on Nigeria’s underserved rural areas, where millions lack access to reliable telecom and financial services. “Something as simple as a low-data package for POS machines in rural areas could be a game-changer,” he added.
Olusola Teniola, director, IPNX, cautioned against adopting foreign business models without considering Nigeria’s unique environment. “In some villages, people still travel by canoe or horse for hours to access basic services. If your business model doesn’t account for that, it will fail,” Teniola said.
He urged MVNOs to focus on the bottom of the pyramid, where millions lack basic connectivity, rather than competing for urban smartphone users.
Teniola also warned that failure to strengthen indigenous companies could lead to more profits leaving Nigeria through foreign-owned operators, emphasizing the need for policies to protect data sovereignty and foster local innovation.
The stakeholders said while MVNOs have the potential to expand Nigeria’s telecom sector and increase consumer choice, their survival hinges on strategic planning, niche targeting, and a focus on rural connectivity.
Without urgent action to address infrastructure challenges and adapt to local needs, many MVNOs risk disappearing before they can establish a foothold in Nigeria’s competitive telecom landscape.
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has defended the recent upward review of telecom tariffs, insisting that Nigeria’s rates remain among the cheapest in the world due to strong industry competition.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja recently, Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC, said that despite a 50% hike in tariffs, call rates have only moved from ₦15 per minute in the early 2000s to about ₦18–₦19 per minute today.
“Even with the increase, not all operators adjusted their tariffs. Some are still undercutting others. That is competition at work,” Maida explained.
He assured that the commission will continue to strengthen regulations to encourage competitiveness and transparency.
According to him, NCC is adopting an information disclosure strategy to enable consumers to make informed choices.
Maida also cautioned Nigerians against relying on Truecaller for identity verification, stressing that it is not linked to Nigeria’s SIM registration database and often provides misleading results.
He noted that while all SIMs in use are registered, some individuals deliberately use proxies, including domestic staff, to register SIMs an act he described as a crime.
The NCC boss disclosed that in September, the commission will launch a coverage and tariff map to help subscribers compare network quality and pricing across operators.
He further revealed plans for spectrum trades and leases to optimise usage and improve service delivery, adding that most Nigerian phones already support 4G, which remains the “sweet spot” for mobile broadband.
Maida emphasised the need for fresh capital and stronger corporate governance within the sector to sustain growth, enhance service quality, and strengthen national security.
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