Telecom
Competition is Both Helping, Hurting Telecoms Industry
A colleague of mine recently bought a smartphone. On a limited budget, he was able to find an excellent phone with a sharp 5.5inch display, 32 GB storage, and an 8 MP camera, running the latest version of Android for a little over $100.
I spent a few minutes looking at the device and marvelling at the fantastic value for money, and it hit me – consumers have never had it better, but telecoms companies have never been under more pressure.
Samsung – the world’s largest mobile device manufacturer recently recorded a 37.6% drop in profits, due to competitive pressures.
Even with a global brand and large advertising revenues, it has become extremely difficult for Samsung to compete with over 100 different mobile device manufacturers all struggling for market share (and profitability).
This is only part of the story.
There are 4 main smartphone software platforms – Apple iOS, Android, Windows and Blackberry. Of these platforms, Android owns over 83% market sharewhilst iOS owns about 13% market share (Gartner).
The Android platform is owned by Google, and is provided free of charge to handset manufacturers to use on their devices.
This has made it relatively easy for manufacturers to enter the market, as Google manages the platform and has created an attractive and profitable ecosystem for application developers to deliver their content to subscribers.
Google in turn makes money from this platform using an advertising supported model.
Most of the smartphone devices sold by Samsung run on the Android platform,they therefore have to compete for market share with over 100 device manufacturers and can only distinguish themselves on hardware specifications, and to a limited extent on software customisation and services.
Consumers are therefore spoilt for choice, as manufacturers are stuck in a race to the bottom on price.
Even Apple with its unique combination of hardware, software and services, and sky high profitability, recently suffered a share price drop when it announced record-breaking- yet-lower-than-expected sales and revenue figures.
Apparently, investors are concerned about Apple’s growth prospects in light of current market dynamics.
This is in spite of the fact that Apple already makes over 90% of all profits in the entire smartphone industry, leaving all other operators to struggle for just 7% of smartphone profits (Forbes).
Telecoms operators and service providers are also facing similar struggles globally.
Traditional operator revenue streams (voice telephony and SMS) are declining and will continue to do so. In the near future, Cisco predicts that voice will make up less than 10% of total mobile traffic.
Subscribers are increasingly turning to cheaper over-the- top (OTT) alternatives such as WhatsApp and Skype, to make calls and send messages.
These OTT players have typically lower entry costs but global reach, and pose a significant challenge to existing telecoms operators.
For example, the total number of mobile VoIP minutes is expected to grow from 15 billion in 2010 to 471 billion in 2015 (Juniper Research).
Furthermore, Telecoms subscribers now have much higher expectations from their providers, and telecoms operators are scrambling to find waysof providing differentiated customer service to address the needs of their subscribers, to avoid losing them to rivals – especially now that technology has reduced the hurdles of switching between telecoms providers.
Almost all Telecoms operators are therefore looking to data services to drive growth.
However, the competition for provision of data services is fierce – especially since this strategy puts them in direct competition with traditional internet service providers in many cases.
Telecoms operators and service providers therefore now face pressures from both sides as well.
Traditional revenue streams are drying up due to competition from OTT players (amongst other factors), and there is increased competition in new areas of interest.
The scenario is also causing a race to the bottom on price for telecoms services.
Competition is supposed to be a good thing for consumers.
It is meant to create a situation in which they get the best value (and price) for goods and services.
At the moment, consumers have never had it better – they can choose their devices from an increasing list of manufacturers at constantly decreasing prices, choose their connectivity from a bouquet of offers with constantly decreasing prices, and choose their applications from a collection oflow cost or free options. However, at some point this competition could turn out to be a poisoned chalice.
What happens if device manufacturers and telecoms operators start (continue) going out of business?
Now that consumers’ appetite has been whet, is it sustainable to continue to expect prices to drop? Should regulators be doing more to ensure an even playing field? Should governments do anything to protect their companies from global competition?Should the principles of free markets be allowed to prevail?
A lot of difficult questions need to be asked and answered in the global telecoms industry – and these questions equally to the local industry.
For example, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued 4G licenses to wireless internet providers to ensure that Nigerian subscribers have access to affordable (and widely available) data services.
However, licenses have not yet been made available for auction to mobile operators.
These operators face increasing pressure as traditional revenue streams are being eroded by OTT players for example, and this erosion is encouraged by the presence of these new wireless internet service providers.
As a result, these mobile operators may not be able to compete effectively as they have to use their limited spectrum to provide the quality of service (QoS) guarantees that traditional voice services demand, whilst trying to compete against providers who do not have this challenge.
OTT players such as WhatsApp do not have a physical presence in most countries in which their services are used, and therefore do not pay taxes or provide jobs in those countries.
Again whilst consumers benefit from better and cheaper services, what happens if mobile operators (who have paid millions of dollars in license fees, and spent millions more on equipment) begin to shed jobs?
What happens if (as) tax revenues from these mobile operators decrease?
Whilst competition can be a very useful tool in providing value to consumers, it can also create scenarios which undermine the benefits it is meant to provide.
Ensuring a vibrant telecoms sector must include maintaining a healthy balance between competitive policies (to provide value for consumers), and policies aimed at ensuring that companies can continue to thrive and provide jobs, benefits to shareholders, as well as tax revenue.
MENXTT TECH NG, a Lagos-based technology company, has launched an initiative to make quality Dell laptops more affordable for Nigerians through flexible payment plans and extended warranty support.
The company said the initiative was aimed at helping students, entrepreneurs, professionals and small businesses acquire reliable computing devices despite rising technology costs.
According to the company, customers can now purchase premium pre-owned Dell Latitude, Dell Precision and Dell Inspiron laptops at competitive prices, with selected models available under staggered payment arrangements.
The laptops, it said, are designed to meet the needs of users ranging from students and office workers to architects, engineers, software developers, graphic designers and video editors.
Speaking on the initiative, the Co-Founder of MENXTT TECH NG, Mr Anthony Emeka Nwosu, said access to quality technology should not be limited by financial constraints.
“A laptop is no longer a luxury; it is an essential tool for education, business and career development.
“Unfortunately, many people are forced to settle for unreliable devices because of the high cost of new laptops.
“At MENXTT TECH NG, we want to bridge that gap by providing durable Dell business laptops at affordable prices, backed by a full one-year warranty and flexible payment plans.
“We want every student, entrepreneur, freelancer and business owner to have access to technology that helps them succeed,” he said.
Nwosu explained that every laptop undergoes comprehensive testing before delivery and comes with a one-year warranty, an original charger, a complimentary laptop bag, Windows 11 operating system and Microsoft Office Suite pre-installed.
He added that the company, an authorised Bitdefender Antivirus reseller in Nigeria, also installs genuine Bitdefender security software on every system to protect customers against cyber threats.
According to him, customers requiring additional productivity tools can also have licensed Foxit PDF software installed on their devices.
Nwosu said the flexible payment option was introduced in response to prevailing economic realities, enabling customers to spread payments over an agreed period.
He noted that the arrangement would make it easier for students, startups and growing businesses to acquire quality computers without placing excessive pressure on their finances.
Beyond laptop sales, the company provides information technology consultancy, computer repairs, software licensing, cybersecurity solutions and digital transformation services to organisations across Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy by making dependable computing devices and enterprise technology solutions more accessible to individuals and businesses.
According to him, the initiative reflects MENXTT TECH NG’s vision of combining affordability, quality products and professional after-sales support to help more Nigerians participate in the country’s expanding digital ecosystem. (NAN)
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for stronger collaboration among government, industry, academia and technology professionals to accelerate digital innovation and drive inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.
Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director, Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, representing the Director General of NITDA, delivers a goodwill message at the 20th International Conference on Technology and Computing (RISE 2026) in Jos, reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to fostering digital innovation, strategic collaboration, and a technology-driven future for Nigeria.
The agency made the call at the 20th Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) International Conference 2026, held in Jos, Plateau State, where stakeholders examined strategies for leveraging emerging technologies to strengthen national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa, the agency’s Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo, said Nigeria’s digital transformation would depend on sustained investment in innovation, digital skills, research and strategic partnerships.
According to him, collaboration across the public and private sectors is essential to translate emerging technologies into practical solutions capable of improving governance, creating jobs and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.
Onumo said NITDA remained committed to implementing its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan through initiatives that promote digital literacy, research and development, innovation ecosystems, cyber sovereignty and emerging technologies.
He added that the agency was expanding opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs and startups through platforms designed to encourage collaboration, investment and technology-driven enterprise.
“We are transforming Digital Nigeria into the nation’s foremost innovation platform where policymakers, investors, startups, researchers and technology companies can collaborate to accelerate economic growth and digital transformation,” he said.
He urged innovators, startup founders and technology professionals to participate actively in the forthcoming Builders Summit by showcasing indigenous solutions capable of addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.
Declaring the conference open, the Governor of Plateau State, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, described digital technology as a critical driver of governance and economic development.
Mutfwang said his administration had adopted digital solutions to improve public service delivery, modernise government operations and enhance internally generated revenue.
He also identified technology as a key enabler for agricultural transformation, increased productivity and improved food security, urging participants to ensure that deliberations at the conference translate into practical outcomes for national development.
Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Prof. Muhammad Sirajo, said the conference was organised to strengthen collaboration among policymakers, researchers, regulators, technology professionals and industry leaders.
Sirajo said the conference, with the theme “Harnessing Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth and Economic Renaissance (RISE 2026),” focused on exploring how innovation could accelerate Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
He identified artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity and robotics as among the technologies shaping the future of economies across the world.
According to him, Nigeria’s youthful population and expanding digital ecosystem provide a strong foundation for building a globally competitive economy through sustained investment in digital infrastructure, innovation and skills development.
The conference attracted government officials, regulators, academics, development partners, technology professionals and private-sector stakeholders to deliberate on policies and innovations aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation and inclusive economic renaissance.
Telecom
Hon. Minister Dr. Kingsley T. Udeh and ASUS To Unveil First of a Kind Flagship Store in West Africa
In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s technology retail sector, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh SAN, will on Monday, August 3rd, commission a landmark ASUS Flagship Store in partnership with Nigeria’s leading e-commerce group Konga. The state-of-the-art facility is widely regarded as the first initiative of its kind in West Africa.
The commissioning will witness the visit of senior executives from the world-renowned technology brand to Nigeria, including EMEA General Manager, Mr. Aaron Tsai, alongside other. One of the purposes of their visit is to reinforce the strategic partnership with Konga and solidify the collaboration between both organisations, further demonstrating ASUS’ commitment to the Nigerian market.
The event is expected to also bring together key stakeholders from government, the technology industry, business community, and the media for what promises to be a defining moment in the evolution of technology retail in the region.
The development comes as Konga continues to accelerate its strategic partnerships with some of the world’s leading technology brands.
For years, Nigerian consumers have demanded more than just access to genuine technology products. They have increasingly sought immersive experiences, expert guidance, after-sales support, and greater confidence when making technology investments. The next chapter in this journey appears to address many of these expectations in a bold and innovative way.
The forthcoming announcement is expected to bring together global innovation in a manner that reflects the changing realities of today’s technology consumer. It also reinforces the growing confidence that leading international technology companies continue to place in Nigeria as one of Africa’s most strategic digital markets.
Industry analysts note that partnerships of this nature are becoming increasingly important as consumers place greater emphasis on authenticity, hands-on product experiences, technical support, and trusted purchase channels. Beyond selling devices, the future of technology retail lies in building complete customer experiences.
As anticipation builds for Monday, one thing is certain: the ASUS-Konga partnership promises to set new standards for tech retail in West Africa, elevating customer experience and reinforcing Nigeria’s digital transformation narrative.
Police Uncover Fake Diplomatic Number Plate Syndicate in Abuja
Davido Shares Past Suicidal Thoughts, Drops Oriadé Album
Gavi Okays $500m for Vaccines, PHCs in Nigeria
82% of Organizations Concerned about AI Risks Even as Adoption Accelerates – Survey Reveals
The Journey to Financial Freedom: Priscilla, a PalmPay Agent Now Owns a Store
NRC, Ponzi Scheme Collapses Resulting Loss of Billions of Naira
EFCC Busts NIS Visa Overstay Racket, Uncovers N700m in an Account
From Scarcity to Scale: What Africa Can Learn from India’s Agricultural Transformation
Tokenization, Blockchain Technology will Transform Financial Institutions – IMF
BON Establishes Six Ad Hoc Committees to Modernize Broadcasting
E-Financial3 days agoAccess Bank Debunks Shutdown Report, Vows Action against Perpetrators
E-Business3 days agoKaspersky Uncovers Cyber Threats Defining the First Half of 2026 in Nigeria, Others
General News3 days agoMENXTT TECH NG Offers Affordable Dell Laptops with Flexible Payment Plans
Telecom3 days agoATU Summit Ends in Abuja with Landmark Declaration to Eradicate Continental Digital Divide
Telecom3 days agoHon. Minister Dr. Kingsley T. Udeh and ASUS To Unveil First of a Kind Flagship Store in West Africa
E-Business2 days agoHow Temu Helped a Madagascan Vanilla Family Business Sell Direct to Consumers Across Europe
Broadcasting2 days agoDavido Shares Past Suicidal Thoughts, Drops Oriadé Album
General News2 days agoMTN Nigeria Posts N707.5bn H1 Profit, Declares N26 Interim Dividend