Telecom
Despite Falling Broadband Prices Internet Uptake Lags – Report
The prices for mobile voice, mobile data and fixed broadband services are falling steadily around the world and in some countries even dramatically.
This is according to a new statistical report − Measuring Digital Development: ICT Price Trends 2019 – released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) this week.
The report, which is a global analysis of the prices of telecommunication services, reveals the reduction in price relative to income is even more dramatic, which would suggest that, globally, telecommunication and ICT services are becoming more affordable.
“Keeping telecommunication and digital services as affordable as possible has always been important to ensure broader Internet uptake, especially for lower-income households and consumers,” says Houlin Zhao, ITU secretary-general. “In the face of COVID-19, this is more vital than ever. People who do not have access to the Internet may not be able to access information about how to protect themselves from coronavirus, telework, learn remotely and connect with families and friends during quarantine.”
The falling prices, however, don’t translate into rapidly increasing Internet penetration rates, especially in least developed countries (LDCs), the international body found.
This, it says, points to the fact that affordability may not be the only barrier to Internet uptake; rather factors such as low level of education, lack of relevant content, lack of content in local languages, lack of digital skills, and a low-quality Internet connection may also prevent effective use.
Mobile data basket
According to the report, mobile data basket prices have decreased from 2013 to 2019 relative to gross national income (GNI) per capita.
“The global average price of a mobile data basket of at least 1.5GB dropped from $20.4 in 2013 to $13.2 in 2019, equivalent to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7%, driven mostly by the 2013 to 2015 sub-period, followed by relative stability over the past four years.
“Over the past six years, there has been an explosion in the number of active mobile data subscriptions, increasing from 27.4 to 83 per 100 inhabitants, or a CAGR of 20.3%.”
At a regional outlook, the report determined the least affordable baskets relative to income are found in Africa, at 11.4% of GNI per capita on average.
The other regions are considerably less expensive, it states. “Europeans have access to the cheapest baskets, at 0.8% of GNI per capita, followed by the CIS region (2.2%), Asia and the Pacific (2.7%), the Americas (2.9%) and the Arab States (4.1%).”
“In Africa, the most affordable baskets are available in Mauritius and Gabon, the only two countries with a basket below the Broadband Commission target of 2%. In the next three countries, Seychelles, Nigeria and Botswana, prices accounted for between 2% and 3% of GNI per capita, suggesting there is a good chance the Broadband Commission target may be reached in these countries by 2023.
“In many African countries, however, mobile data baskets are still out of reach for a large part of the population, costing more than 10% of GNI per capita, in situations where incomes are already limited.
“In eight out of 10 African countries, the data allowance included in the cheapest price (with at least 1.5GB) did not exceed 2GB. The highest allowance for this price is observed in Botswana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, amounting to 5GB.”
Telecom
NCC Advises Subscribers to Opt for Strong Passwords to Beat Hackers
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has advised telecommunications subscribers to opt for strong passwords to prevent unauthorized access to their mobile devices.
In a recent update on its official Facebook page, the NCC focused on how cyber-attacks could be prevented, emphasizing the importance of creating strong passwords to safeguard online accounts
The Commission urged subscribers to ensure that they have a password to log in securely.
The NCC wrote on its official Facebook page, “Protect your online accounts (such as banks and digital media) by using strong and complex passwords.”
It believes that by opting for strong passwords, individuals could defend themselves against cyber attacks.
Telecom
Starlink Users in SA to be Cut Off April 30
Starlink users in South Africa are facing a major setback as the satellite internet service provider has issued a warning that their services will be terminated by the end of the month.
In an email sent to many South African users, Starlink stated that their internet access will cease on April 30 due to violation of its terms and conditions.
The email emphasized that using Starlink kits outside of designated areas, as indicated on the Starlink Availability Map, is against their terms. Consequently, users will only be able to access their Starlink account for updates after the termination.
Starlink, a company owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, operates a fleet of low earth orbit satellites that offer high-speed internet globally. Despite its potential to revolutionize connectivity, Starlink has been unable to obtain a license to operate in South Africa from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa).
Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) requirements mandate that any applicant must have 30% ownership from historically disadvantaged groups to be considered for a license.
However, many in South Africa resorted to creative methods to access Starlink services, including purchasing roaming packages from countries where Starlink is licensed.
However, ICASA. clarified in a government gazette last November that using Starlink in this manner is illegal.
Additionally, Starlink itself stated in the recent email to users that the ‘Mobile – Regional’ plans are meant for temporary travel and transit, not permanent use in a location. Continuous use of these plans outside the country where service was ordered will result in service restriction.
Starlink advised those interested in making its services available in their region to contact local authorities.
Telecom
9mobile Clinches 2 Trophies at the Prestigious SABRE Awards 2024
Organizers of the SABRE awards have adjudged 9mobile winner in two distinct categories – The SABRE Award for Superior Achievement in Reputation Management and Special Event/Sponsorship based on the telco’s innovative and transformative campaign titled The Hack, Expand Your Hustle.
The SABRE Awards, organized by PRovoke Media, is the world’s most prestigious Public Relations awards programme dedicated to benchmarking the best PR works across the globe.
It recognizes exceptional campaigns, by brands, and agencies that exhibit the highest levels of strategic planning, creativity, integrity, effectiveness, and business results across Europe, North America, Asia and Africa.
9mobile carted home these awards based on its recognition of the importance of SMEs in driving the economic growth of Nigeria, thus positioning itself as an SME-friendly company to support their development and success to thrive and scale their businesses.
This drive to see SMEs succeed led the telco to launch a novel entrepreneurship programme – The Hack, an Enterprise Business Growth Series designed to empower entrepreneurs by giving them the knowledge, technology, and access to the market required to help them grow, with imprints in various Nigerian cities and university campuses.
With the Hack, 9mobile showed the endless opportunities in the SME sector while addressing challenges that business owners confront, assisting them in expanding their enterprises and overcoming obstacles, taking them through the hacks the SMEs need for business growth.
Expressing her delight at this global recognition, Saidat Lawal Mohammed, Director, Marketing Communications said: “It gives us great joy to see our work recognized by such a prestigious and globally respected organization such as PRovoke Media, organizers of the SABRE Awards.
“We know that this is a highly sought-after award and based on other projects we beat to clinch these awards, we are super delighted to be recognized on a global stage. What is key for us are the results we achieved and the impact we made which has served as an elevation for this recognition”, she said.
She went on to thank the management of 9mobile for their support of the Hack initiative, and the marketing communications team for the synergy in driving the campaign.
Lawal Mohammed affirmed that through this project, 9mobile burnished its reputation as Nigeria’s SME friendly telecommunications company, adding that “in the end we reached over 23.7 million people online, had over 20,000 knowledge participants, 382 entrepreneurs exhibit and over N10 million in Grants to budding entrepreneurs. The journey of the Hack has been fun and equally impactful”.
The SABRE Awards for Superior Achievement in Reputation Management recognizes public relations work that has played a central role in corporate strategy, positioning and messaging.
In its submissions 9mobile demonstrated that its PR professionals took a lead role in creating and developing a corporate reputation platform and explain how that platform shifted perceptions, built stronger stakeholders’ relationships, and ultimately contributed to corporate performance.
The Special Event/Sponsorship category recognizes the creative spark and execution by brands and agencies in how to bring to life their ideas and strategy and propel their campaigns into the target audience consciousness, raising brand exposure and providing a competitive advantage.
9mobile had previously won Certificates of Excellence under the Corporate Social Responsibility category for its Health Talk Series and Health Workers Appreciation as well as Future CEO Initiative under the Technology category.
The 2024 Awards for Superior Achievement in Branding Reputation and Engagement (SABRE) will be held on May 16 in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, on the sidelines of the annual Conference of the African Public Relations Association (APRA).
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