Telecom
Claims of Laying 5G Fibre Optic Cables in Lagos, others Misleading– DEMS Volunteers
Digital Economy Media Support Volunteers’ (DEMS Volunteers), a non-governmental Advocacy group of media and telecoms practitioners creating awareness on digital economy, has described as strange, the recent social media onslaught on the telecommunications infrastructure deployment in parts of Lagos.
The Group said it was regrettable that purveyors of fake news have chosen this period of Coronavirus pandemic to misinform millions of internet users in the country, particularly as regards unfounded cases of 5G fibre optic cable deployment in Lagos and other parts of the country.
According to a statement released on Friday and endorsed by Prince Stan Okenwa, director general, DEMS Volunteers, called on Nigerians to disregard the comments, posts (videos) and documentaries by uninformed groups and individuals who are arrogating on themselves the roles of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecommunication engineers.
Prince Okenwa said, “Obviously, 5G is not only crucial to global economy because it has the potential to support millions of devices at ultrafast speeds, but also because it has the potential to transform the lives of people around the world. Improvements in 5G technology can help make life better.
“Today, telemedicine, e-learning, e-government, teleconferencing, etc., have become more relevant because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Connectivity makes life easy.
“Having said that, it is important to state that 5G is not launched in Nigeria yet. Of course, it is not something to be shrouded in secrecy. Therefore, the turn of events in Nigeria in recent weeks is unfortunate.
“Recall that the issue of drop calls was on the front burner not quite long, but have we asked ourselves why this persists! It is basically due to lack of infrastructure and other factors associated with the business of telecoms.
“Now, telcos have seen a window to expand infrastructure for current 3G & 4G we use and people are making mockery of the system. This must be condemned by every well-meaning Nigerian”.
“NCC had earlier made it clear via a statement that the ongoing laying of fibre optic cables and the deployment of other telecoms equipment by mobile network operators (MNOs) across Lagos and other states is entirely to expand their networks infrastructure across the country to provide more efficient services to the consumers.
“What can be more true than this? Okay, the conspiracy theorists are saying the fibres are for 5G, whereas no license has been issued for such.
“Do you build a house before laying the foundation? How possible is that. Nigerians should ask these purveyors of fake news hard questions to understand their motives.
“Just recently, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, minister of Communications and Digital Economy and the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, where also going cap-in-hand engaging the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to grant waivers and still agree to continue with N145 per square meter for right of way.
“It smacks of sabotage for some people to wake up one morning and begin to rubbish the system without understanding how telecom infrastructure are deployed.
“In other climes, to improve the coverage, capacity, and overall Quality of Experience (QoE) of mobile users, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are adopting small cells, which strategically place radios closer to users.
“Small cells can be backhauled over copper (xDSL, HFC-based cable modems), air (microwave, millimeterwave), or fiber (Ethernet, PON).
“These are in public domain. When it’s time for 5G deployment we have the confidence that NCC working with stakeholders will choose the best option and not necessarily must it be through fibre optic cable”.
The Volunteers called on Nigerians to rally round NCC and MNOs by protecting telecom infrastructures in their domain as means to ensure 4G infrastructure are deployed in every nooks and crannies of the country for the benefits of e-learning, e-commerce, e-health, connectivity, e-government, access to media for quality news, agritech, amongst others.
Airtel Africa reported a profit after tax of $376 million for the half year ended September 30, 2025 as compared to $79 million in the corresponding period last fiscal, benefitting from a $90 million gain largely arising from Nigerian naira appreciation during the current quarter (Q2’26) and the Central African franc (CFA) appreciation during the previous quarter (Q1’26).
Revenues at $2,982 million for the reported period saw strong growth as compared to $2,370 million in the six months of the last fiscal, rising 24.5% in constant currency and 25.8% in reported currency.
The company said constant currency revenue growth reflects the consistent execution of its strategy, supported by tariff adjustments in Nigeria and continued strong growth momentum in Francophone Africa.
“Our strategy has been focussed on providing a superior customer experience and the strength of these results is testament to the initiatives that we have been implementing across the business,” Sunil Taldar, chief executive officer of the company said in a statement.
He said the company has been scaling the network to build additional capacity to facilitate the rise in both digital and financial inclusion.
“The increase in smartphone penetration to 46.8% reflects the substantial demand for data services across our markets but also highlights the scale of the opportunity to further develop the digital economy,” Taldar said.
Capex for the period stood at $318 million. “We have increased our capex guidance for FY’26 to between $875m and $900m – from ‘between $725 million and $750 million’.
This reflects our decision to accelerate our ability to capitalise on the significant growth opportunity that is available across the region, as is reflected by these strong H1’26 results,” the company said.
During the period, the company continued investments in network with the rollout of over 2,350 new sites to over 38,300 sites and an expansion of its fibre network by approx. 4,000 kms to over 81,000 kms.
Vitel Wireless Limited, a GSM second level operator, licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to begin nationwide operations on October 30.
Kenneth Nwabueze, Chairman and CEO of Vitel Wireless
Themed “Blue is Here,” the launch event will unveil E-SIMs, physical SIMs, and smart connectivity solutions for individuals and businesses
With the tagline “Everything Connected,” Vitel aims to redefine communication in Nigeria through innovation, speed, and trust.
In a statement earlier, Vitel Wireless, said it combines reliability with innovation, leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver seamless connectivity and intelligent solutions across the country.
“The company’s services go beyond communication — they integrate safety, mobility, and smart systems to enhance how individuals, businesses, and communities connect,” the statement reads.
According to Engr Kenneth Nwabueze, executive chairman, Vitel Wireless, at the heart of the telco’s mission is a bold vision to redefine mobile communication through technology that not only connects people but also protects them.
He highlighted the features saying the device is embedded with IoT-driven devices, smart logistics solutions and AI-powered safety analytics.
“Vitel Wireless is more than a telecom brand — it’s a movement toward a smarter, safer, and more connected Nigeria. Our goal is to bridge technology and humanity, using mobile innovation to improve lives, empower businesses, and strengthen national security,” Engr. Nwabueze said.
He stated that the Vitel Wireless team has interconnected with all major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Nigeria, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, and has a roaming agreement with MTN for nationwide rollout, extending Vitel Wireless coverage as one of the largest networks in Nigeria.
“Vitel Wireless has partnered with NCC and various law enforcement agencies to define and support key regulatory frameworks that now govern the nation’s telecom space in personal and public safety,” he said.
He added that the value added service includes Xphone -free phone calls and low international calling rates, SecureMe -location awareness solution for personal safety, Oga-App -employment enhancement and performance tool, ISEEYOU -AI-based CCTV with real-time alerts, AssetNow -LBS/GPS-based asset tracker, and many more.
“Vitel Wireless’s nationwide rollout signals a new era for the telecom industry — one where connectivity meets intelligence, and technology serves both purpose and people,” Nwabueze added.
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, in collaboration with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) through the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, has announced the shortlist of 100 young Nigerian innovators for the second phase of the 2025 Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge.
The initiative, launched in 2024, is aimed at fostering home-grown solutions to Nigeria’s most pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, community conservation, and sustainability.
According to a joint statement by the organisers, the top 100 were selected from a pool of 2,169 applications received nationwide. The selection process involved a rigorous multi-stage evaluation conducted by 20 expert assessors, guided by a robust framework to ensure fairness and consistency.
“The shortlisted innovators represent the brightest minds committed to environmental resilience,” the statement read. “Their solutions span high-impact sectors and are designed to address both national and continental environmental issues.”
The PachiPanda programme offers participants access to mentorship, technical workshops, seed funding, and a network of industry experts. The next phase will see a further evaluation to determine the Top 10 finalists, who will be unveiled ahead of a three-day sprint pitch and masterclass event scheduled for November 2025 in Lagos.
During the event, finalists will undergo intensive training to refine their business strategies and enhance their solutions for broader impact. Winners of the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge will advance to the continental Africa PachiPanda Contest, where they will compete with other national champions.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek reports that the programme underscores MTN Nigeria’s commitment to eco-entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability, empowering youth-led enterprises to drive green innovation across Africa.
PalmPay Supports Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Walk
Research ICT Africa Develops AI Framework for Africa
BlueNoroff Targets Eecutives on Windows and MacOS Using AI-driven Tools
The Alternative Bank, Utiva Partner on Scholarships to Boost Digital Skills for Women
Moniepoint Unveils Nigeria’s First Informal Economy AI Chatbot, As FG Lauds Fintech Giant for Powering Business Growth Across the Country
Telecom3 days agoUNICEF, GSMA Unite with Partners to Launch Africa Taskforce on Child Online Protection to Safeguard Children in the Digital Age
Broadcasting3 days agoNCC Calls for Professional Guidelines on Software Use, Support for Copyright Enforcement
General News3 days agoFG to Train One Million Youths under TVET for Entrepreneurship, National Development
E-Business3 days agoNOTAP to Crackdown on Unregistered Technologies in Nigeria
Broadcasting2 days agoMultiChoice to Delist from JSE after Canal+ Takeover
E-Financial3 days agoSEC Puts Nigeria’s Cryptocurrency Transactions in One Year @ Over $50Bn
E-Financial2 days agoLotus Bank Drags 45 Banks to Court over Alleged ₦1.1Bn Fraudulent Withdrawals
E-Financial3 days agoPolaris Bank restates support for SMEs, commissions EveryDay Supermarket in Yenagoa