Telecom
Digital Economy: ATCON Seeks for Collaboration to Grow the Industry
Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) said that collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy remains a critical factor that would create and mould an industry that will attract further huge investments to the country.
L-R: Olusola Teniola, president, Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO NCC during a reception organised by the Association in honour of the Minister, Dr, Isa Pantami on Thursday, December 12, 2019 in Abuja
Olusola Teniola, president, Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) stated this during a reception organised by the Association in honour of the Minister, Dr, Isa Pantami on Thursday, December 12, 2019 in Abuja.
Teniola said they hope that the handshake with the Ministry will provide an environment where innovation creates an eco-system; where both the smaller and larger operators can co-exist to create positive shareholder’s value and deliver a consumer experience that exceeds expectations.
He further said that the Association commends the recently launched documents on National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.
“We promise to collaborate, corporate and partner with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to realise the set broadband target of 75% in the documents in the next 5 years by removing, collectively those obstacles that are working against the growth of the industry”.
“No doubt the documents on National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy will help all stakeholders to have a focus as to what the government is thinking in terms of digitalizing the entire country’s economy as it provides a further foundation which will eventually lead the industry to a truly digital transformation that has 5g as a central vehicle for collaborative innovation to grow our GDP and raise our GDP per capital in 5 year’s time.
“In 2020, in order to give complete industry support to our minister’s passion and dreams for digital economy, the Association in collaboration with the ministry of Communications and Digital Economy under the leadership of Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and other agencies under the Ministry, ATCON would be organising a National Dialogue on Telecom and ICT in Nigeria, the whole essence is to foster the implementation of Digital Economy in Nigeria. The information on this proposed event would be shared with all concerned later.
“ATCON pledges to work with the ministry of Communication and Digital Economy in order to understand how we can shape, mould and create an industry that attracts further huge investments and environment where innovation creates an eco-system where both the smaller and larger operators can co-exist to create positive shareholder’s value and deliver a consumer experience that exceeds expectations. Collaboration remains a critical factor in the success equation of our industry.
Speaking on the 7th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Communications and Digital Economy 2019, the ATCON President said, “We sincerely appreciate the opportunity extended to us to submit a memo and join all the commissioners of all 36 States including the Federal Capital Territory, other relevant Ministries and Organizations to consider Memorandum submitted.
“ATCON would continue to advocate in a manner that is professional, mature and objective which not only protect but promote the business of its teeming members in Nigeria. We look forward to gathering useful information as to ensuring that we realize the 75% broadband penetration in the next 5 years.
Dr. Pantami, while appreciating ATCON members for the reception in his honour, said that he has presented some of the challenges facing the telecommunications sector before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and that actions are being taken to address them,” he said.
He further pledged to work with all stakeholders in the sector and ask for their support, suggestions and constructive criticisms wherever necessary, to promote the growth of the sector for the betterment of all Nigerians.
The highlight of the day was the presentation of a certificate of support to the Honourable Minister on behalf of the President, National Executive Council Members and Member Companies.
MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with ONErpm and Ultima Studios, has announced Ayodeji Benson, popularly known as Ayo Benzi, as the winner of the maiden edition of the Next Afrobeats Star reality show.
L-R: Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria; Ayodeji Benson, Winner, Next Afrobeats Star Reality Show (Season 1) and Emamoke Ogoro, General Manager, Brand and Communication, MTN Nigeria, at the grand finale of the Next Afrobeats Star Reality Show (Season 1), held at the Ultima Studios, Lekki, Lagos on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
The grand finale, held on Sunday night at Ultima Studios in Lekki, Lagos, marked the climax of a nationwide talent search that began in September with over 15,000 aspiring musicians.
After weeks of auditions, mentorship, and rigorous training, five finalists – Ayo Benzi, Dave Cash, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker, and Lucky Yay – battled for the top prize in a high-energy showcase of performance and artistry.
At the end of the electrifying contest, Ayo Benzi emerged victorious, securing a ₦150 million music deal. Dave Cash was named first runner-up with ₦100 million, while Kaeko, Somto O’Laker, and Lucky Yay received ₦75 million, ₦50 million, and ₦25 million respectively.
Throughout the season, contestants were mentored by leading Afrobeats producers Sarz, Puffy Tee, P Prime, and Andre Vibez. Benzi, who was part of Puffy Tee’s team, credited the mentorship programme for sharpening his craft and stage presence.
Speaking at the event, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and cultural expression.
“The Next Afrobeats Star platform is about creating real opportunities for young Nigerians and giving their talent the structure, visibility, and support it deserves.
“Afrobeats continues to place Nigeria on the global cultural map, and MTN is proud to be enabling the next generation of artists who will take this sound even further,” she said.
She added that the finale was not just a competition but a celebration of growth and readiness for the global stage.
In his acceptance speech, Ayo Benzi described the victory as a defining moment in his career.
“A big thank you to MTN. From the audition days, the treatment MTN has given us has been amazing. God bless the brand,” he said.
The finale also featured guest performances by Afrobeats stars Iyanya and Bella Shmurda, adding glamour to the night and reinforcing the show’s connection to the wider music ecosystem.
With the successful conclusion of the season, MTN Nigeria and its partners reaffirmed their role in championing youth ambition, supporting creative industries, and shaping the future of Nigerian music through platforms that turn potential into opportunity.
T2, formerly known as 9mobile, is under investigation by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Benue State for an undisclosed incident disrupting USSD, SMS, voice, and data services across nine local government areas.
T2
The affected areas include Ado, Agatu, Gwer East, Gwer West, Konshisha, Obi, Ohimini, Okpokwu, and Otukpo, as detailed in an advisory on the NCC Major Outages Portal, which tracks significant disruptions reported by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
Neither T2 nor its public relations firm, Chain Reactions, has responded to inquiries on the outage’s cause or restoration efforts as of this report.
The NCC’s continued reference to the operator as 9mobile, months after its public rebranding to T2 in August 2025, has sparked questions about whether the name change was formally notified to the regulator.
This probe aligns with NCC mandates requiring operators to disclose major outages, their impacts, and timelines for fixes, with compensation obligatory for disruptions exceeding 24 hours under the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations.
Industry watchers note that such incidents, often linked to fibre cuts, power failures, or infrastructure faults, underscore ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s telecoms sector, particularly amid T2’s subscriber losses post-rebrand. NCC vows transparency via its portal to hold operators accountable and protect consumers.
Telecom
NCC Unveils Draft 5-Year Spectrum Roadmap, 60 GHz License-Exempt Guidelines to Boost Broadband, Innovation
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled two pivotal regulatory draft documents aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s communications sector over the next five years and fast-tracking deployment of ultra-high-speed wireless technologies.
NCC
In a public notice dated December 19, 2025, and issued pursuant to its mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, the Commission published the Draft 5-Year Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector (2025–2030) and Draft Guidelines for the Use of the 60 GHz License-Exempt Band for Multi-Gigabit Wireless Systems.
Both documents are accessible on the NCC website for stakeholder review, with the roadmap outlining strategic spectrum planning, allocation, and management to optimise utilisation, support emerging technologies like 5G and IoT, expand broadband access, and align with global best practices.
The Spectrum Roadmap emphasises four core pillars: bridging the digital divide through low-band spectrum and satellite services, attracting investments via flexible licensing models, enhancing service quality with mid-band optimisation, and fostering innovation in areas such as direct-to-device connectivity and secondary spectrum trading.
It sets ambitious targets including universal 4G coverage nationwide, 50 per cent 5G penetration in state capitals, and average broadband speeds of 100 Mbps by 2030, while addressing rising data demand through band refarming and efficient management.
Complementing this, the 60 GHz Guidelines establish a license-exempt framework for the 57–66 GHz band, enabling multi-gigabit speeds up to 10 Gbps for short-range applications like WiGig, fixed wireless access, enterprise connectivity, urban broadband, and backhaul solutions.
The rules mandate NCC type approval for equipment, site registration for outdoor use, and interference mitigation measures, while prohibiting wide-area networks to safeguard primary users.
In line with Section 58 of the NCA 2003, NCC invites comments from industry operators, equipment manufacturers, consumer groups, and the public, with submissions due by Friday, January 16, 2025, via email to [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected].
The notice, signed by Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs, stresses that stakeholder inputs will refine the frameworks to drive innovation, investment, competition, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s telecoms ecosystem.
FIRS Rebrands as Nigeria Revenue Service, as New Tax Laws Take Effect
Galaxy Backbone Celebrates the Federal Government’s Paperless Civil Service Milestone
Banks to Impose N50 Stamp Duty on Transfers of N10,000 and Above from January 1
How to Use the Correlation of Gold with Other Trading Assets in the Forex Market
How Nigeria’s New Tax Law Could Redefine Risk in the Banking Sector
Nigeria Records Highest Weekly Cyberattacks in Africa — Report
Banks quietly move to enforce new ₦50 transfer levy from Jan. 1
Financial Sector Faced AI, Blockchain and Organised Crime Threats in 2025 – Report
Report Reveals Half of 2025’s Compromised Passwords were Already Leaked
Minister Claims Bandits Exploit Poor Network, Bounce Calls Off Multiple Towers
Telecom2 days agoT2 Faces NCC Probe in Benue Over Major Service Outage in 9 LGAs
Telecom2 days agoMTN Nigeria Crowns Ayo Benzi Winner of Next Afrobeats Star
E-Business2 days agoJumia CEO says Black Friday Signals Nigeria’s E-Commerce Maturity
E-Financial2 days agoGTCO Secures Regulatory Approvals to Raise N10bn in Private Placement
General News2 days agoNDIC Reinforces Full Oversight Compliance to Safeguard Depositors
Telecom2 days agoNCC Grants 45 Days for Telecoms Firms to Fix Unapproved Shareholding Changes
Telecom2 days agoNCC Unveils Draft 5-Year Spectrum Roadmap, 60 GHz License-Exempt Guidelines to Boost Broadband, Innovation
E-Financial1 day agoBanks to Impose N50 Stamp Duty on Transfers of N10,000 and Above from January 1