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Funds, GSM Killing CDMA Operators Softly

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Left to right: Deputy GM at ONB; Mr. Najm Eldding M. Agab, and Executive Director for Business Development of ICSFS; Mr. Wael Malkawi.
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A number of Code Division Multiple Access operators (CDMA) offering fixed and mobile services have seen bad times and are no longer operating optimally, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can now reveal.
Growing subscribers’ preference for Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) services, limited access to funds for expansion and poor network coverage are some of the factors responsible for the state of affairs.
It is surprising that CDMA operators are not able to operate at the same footprints as the GSM operators despite their overwhelming advantages.
CDMA operators are able to charge lower on-net and off-net call charges than GSM operators, and have fewer subscribers and less strain on their networks, which means they can provide better service quality.
They also provide very cheap and partly subsidized mobile handsets that appeal to the low-end market, especially those who have never been able to afford a handset.
CDMA operators who spoke to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek however accused financial institutions of preferential lending to GSM which are known for quicker turnover.
But the financial institutions are quick to point at some of the CDMA operators’ histories of poor accounting and book keeping.
Elsewhere, some of the CDMA operators like Starcomms, ZoomMobile, Intercellular, and Multi Links Telkom which hold unified licenses are not able to roll out services because the spectrum to do so is a scarce resource.
A unified license gives an operator the freedom to offer mobile, fixed and any other telecommunications service to its subscribers and especially opportunity for the CDMAs to play in the lucrative GSM market.
Operators complained of inadequate cellular frequencies (GSM-900 and GSM-1800) designated for the operation of the GSM for mobile phones.
“The general impression is that with unified license we can do almost everything but in real terms, there is no spectrum, the ones available have all been used up. We are handicapped, if we have the frequency to do GSM, the story will be different.” a top official of one the CDMA operators said.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that CDMA operators have also focused on the same products, services and consumers, the resultant competition has beaten down profits.
In all, the CDMA operators’ contribution to the telecom industry growth has also remained feverishly modest at just 7.3 million subscribers as at October, 2009.  Total mobile (GSM) subscription for the period was 63 million.
It was a disappointing growth compared to the promises it showed earlier when the number of mobile CDMA subscriptions grew from just 380,000 in 2007 to more than 6million at year-end 2008.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that there are palpable fears that the operators may also be at the outskirts of the $11.14 billion revenue estimated for the telecom industry this year.
It is already beginning to show with the signs of distress in some CDMA operators.
Operators like RainbowNet, MTS, First Wireless, Disc Communications, Intercellular, Webcom, XS Broadband and Nitel have either by design or some strokes of ill lucks, remained in the back seat operating in fits and starts
For some forward looking operators, emphasis is gradually shifting from voice centric postures to data said to posses the potentials to turnaround their fortunes.
Operators like Starcomms, ZoomMobile, Visafone and Multi Links Telkom are all playing deep in the data arena which is helping them underpin the continuous encroachment of GSM into the subscriber bases and shore up revenues.
But increasingly, consolidation either by way of merger or acquisition looks very likely in the coming months as the operators pull resources and energy together to weather the harsh operating environment.

 

 


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Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

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WHO Says Ebola Outbreak Worse than Reported

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World Health Organisation (WHO) at the weekend declared the Ebola outbreak linked to the rare Bundibugyo virus strain a global public health emergency.

WHO Says Ebola Outbreak Worse than Reported

WHO said there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain of Ebola.

At home, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said there is “no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria” but had  tightened surveillance against the deadly virus.

The outbreak, linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has already caused dozens of deaths in Congo and spread into Uganda, raising fears of wider transmission across the region.

In response, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said that the country remains on alert because of growing movement across African borders.

Jide Idris, director-general said the agency was “closely monitoring the situation” and working with the Port Health Services and other health agencies to strengthen preparedness nationwide.

He added that surveillance has been increased at entry points and within Nigeria’s health system.

According to the WHO, the outbreak has recorded more than 240 suspected cases and about 80 suspected deaths in Congo’s Ituri province, while imported cases have also been confirmed in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.

The WHO said the outbreak is “extraordinary” because of uncertainty around the true number of infections and the lack of approved medical countermeasures for the Bundibugyo strain.

Health authorities advised Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with infected persons and report symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting and bleeding to the nearest health facility immediately.

Nigeria was declared Ebola-free in 2014 after successfully containing an outbreak brought into the country by an infected traveler from Liberia.

 

 


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Digital PayExpo 2026 to Convene Africa’s Most Influential Payments Leaders in Lagos

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Africa’s digital payments ecosystem will take center stage as Digital PayExpo 2026 returns to Lagos on June 17–18, 2026, at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, under the theme: “Seamless Digital: Fostering Pan-African Market Expansion in the AI Era.”

At a time when artificial intelligence, cross-border commerce, and financial inclusion are redefining Africa’s economic future, the event is set to convene over 3,000 senior executives, policymakers, fintech innovators, and global technology providers.

The speaker lineup reflects a powerful blend of regulatory leadership, private sector innovation, and pan-African expertise.

Among the headline speakers:

  • Dr. Rakiya Yusuf, Director, Payment Systems Supervision, Central Bank of Nigeria — a key architect in Nigeria’s payment system reforms.
  • Dr. Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager & Area Business Head (West Africa), Mastercard — a leading voice in digital payments expansion across Africa.
  • Clara B. Arthur, Managing Director, GhIPSS (Ghana) — driving Ghana’s interoperable payment ecosystem.
  • Wacera Maina, Chief Operations Officer, Kenwitch Kenya — an expert in East Africa’s payment infrastructure evolution.
  • Akeem Lawal, CEO, Interswitch Group — a pioneer in Africa’s fintech growth story.
  • Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo, Executive Director, NIBSS — shaping Nigeria’s core payment infrastructure.

The conference will explore:

  • AI-powered financial services
  • Cross-border payment systems and interoperability
  • Cybersecurity and trust frameworks
  • SME financing and financial inclusion
  • Infrastructure for a unified African digital economy

With participation from banks, fintechs, telcos, regulators, and global payment networks, Digital PayExpo 2026 is positioned as a critical marketplace for ideas, partnerships, and investment flows. Register: https://digitalpayexpo.com/register
Sponsorship Enquiries: [email protected]


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Only 1 in 3 Families Fully Secure their Devices, Kaspersky Study Reveals

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On International Day of Families observed on May 15th, a global Kaspersky study* reveals that while 47% of respondents talk about online safety, only 33% secure all their family devices – highlighting the need for proactivity from Family Digital Managers.

As online threats develop and every generation joins the online space, cybersecurity habits have become an essential part of life for every family. Typically, in every family, one or two people become so-called Family Digital Managers, responsible for managing subscriptions, setting up new devices, or thinking about cyber protection. Kaspersky has conducted a survey to find out what measures modern families take to stay safe online.

According to Kaspersky’s data, a significant portion of respondents adopt an educational approach to cybersecurity within their families:

47% regularly coach elderly relatives and children on safe online practices

45% advise family members to adopt password manager solutions

42% encourage the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA)

An equal 42% actively review and adjust privacy settings on both family devices and critical online accounts

Although a growing awareness of the importance of proactive, family-focused digital protection can be observed, when it comes to the implementation of security solutions, the trend is slightly different. 10% of respondents take no measures at all to protect their loved ones online, rising to 21% among those aged 55+.

As for the parental control apps, 67% of families with children under 18 years use this tool to monitor and secure their kids’ online activity. Parental control, such as the Kaspersky Safe Kids solution, can help restrict children’s access to inappropriate content and also gently manage their online habits by limiting access to certain websites and apps, controlling their screen time, and even enhancing their physical security by tracking their geolocation.

The most worrying number is that only 33% of respondents – just 1 in 3 – install security solutions on all family members’ devices. Kaspersky experts highlight that the current threat landscape shows that mobile devices and tablets as well as PCs all require comprehensive cyber protection, as they are often targeted by cybercriminals.

According to the survey, only 30% of respondents set up new devices for their families. Setting up a new device is not often regarded as a step that contributes to cyber safety; however, some actions performed before the device is put into use can significantly enhance its security.

For instance, experts recommend installing a security solution first, to scan the device for hidden threats and make web browsing safe from the first queries. What’s more, reviewing privacy settings on a new device allows you not to share data that you would like to keep private with some applications and services.

The research also shows that the older generation (55+) is generally less included in family security habits. Around 1 in 5 (21%) of this age group globally do not take any measures to protect their family online and only a quarter (24%) install security solutions for family members. The most popular security measure among them turns out to be a password manager, as 40% of this age group recommend their family members to use it.

“We are now using a lot of gadgets and digital services, and with every new device and every additional hour spent online, the potential entry points for cybercriminals continue to grow, exposing us to a wider range of cyber threats. At the same time, not every generation adapts to these rapid changes with the same ease.

“That’s why having someone in the family take on the role of a ‘Family Digital Manager’ can be so valuable, especially when it comes to protecting kids and elder people from digital cyberthreats, give advice and help with the use of trusted security solutions,” comments Brandon Muller, Technical Expert at Kaspersky.

 


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