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Global Stakeholders Must Be Engaged to Develop 5G Standards -Gwandu

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(L-r):Dr Bashir Gwandu, chairman, Commonwealth ITU Group and former Acting EVC of the NCC; Dr Bernard Barani, Director, Network Technologies, European Commission; Dr Mike Short (CBE), Vice President, Telefonica Europe and former Chairman of GSMA; Mr  Guy Pinto, Group Chief Operations Officer, Inmarsat Plc; Dr Takehiro Nakamura, VP/MD of 5G Laboratory, NTT DOCOMO Inc at the Wireless-World Research Forum 5G Conference held in London, United Kingdom recently.
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Dr Bashir Gwandu, former acting CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the chairman Commonwealth ITU Group, has called on all Fifth Generation (5G) systems engineers and standards developers to ensure full engagement with key stakeholders around the globe when developing standards for the 5G to succeed and avoid the pitfalls of other technologies such as the Wimax and even the 3G.

Gwandu made the call in London during his analysis of the 5G development efforts as part of his presentation on “Delivering a sustainable and long-term 5G future” at the recently concluded 2nd International Conference on 5G Hurdle 2016 organized in London by Wireless World Research Forum –a group of leading experts and researchers on 5G networks in association with Forum Europe.

Gwandu spoke on a number of strategies that the experts need to adopt for 5G to have a sustainable future.

In particular, he spoke on ensuring sustained research effort; Global stakeholder engagement and collaboration; Innovative regulation and policy development; Technical Standards harmonization and Spectrum availability and early release; Infrastructure design and harmonization; Co-existence and network interference minimization; Security, Privacy, Resilience, and Reliability; partnership and funding.

On research effort, Gwandu suggested more focus on latency reduction, resilience, availability for confidence building, Spectral efficiency and Speed, Mobility, and antenna versatility.

He spoke on timely spectrum release and adequate planning and harmonized slots/channel arrangements.

On innovative policies, he spoke on Technology neutrality, Infrastructure deployment and coverage, Accurate digital and regular update of high-resolution maps and accurate positioning, Weather and ecological consideration in antenna deployments, etc.

Importantly, Gwandu was very emphatic about the need to carry all key stakeholders and major end-users along in requirement capture for standards development –mentioning some stakeholders such as  governments, regulators, verticals such as auto-manufacturers, transport and logistics industries, retail and general Fast-moving consumers goods sellers, Health and social care institutions, Business and financial services, and experts from various user groups.

Gwandu said for technology that is expected to be relied on by driver-less cars and independents robots in everyday life from roads, car parks, utility control centers, shops and homes as well as surveillance systems with sub-millisecond signal delay, much is expected for confidence building if it is to be sustainable.

On the technical sides Gwandu spoke strongly on making sure that all efforts be made harmonized for Radio Access Technologies (RATS) as well as harmonized spectrum bands between Europe and Americas for 5G usage citing amongst many other bands the 24GHz, the 28GHz, the 31GHz and 66GHz bands.


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MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

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MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), a fintech subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, has announced a partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles to provide subsidised bus rides of ₦10 per fare to students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

MoMo PSB

The initiative, unveiled on Thursday in Lagos, is aimed at easing transportation costs for young Nigerians, particularly students, as part of MoMo PSB’s broader commitment to financial inclusion and digital accessibility.

MoMo PSB, which provides millions of Nigerians with secure financial services including transfers, savings, card services, bill payments and wallet solutions, said the transport subsidy reflects its mission to improve everyday life by reducing the cost of essential services.

The company explained that the partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles would not only make commuting more affordable for students but also promote sustainable mobility through the use of electric buses.

Officials of MoMo PSB noted that the initiative is designed to bring “good cheer” to the UNILAG community, ensuring students can access safe, reliable and cost-effective transport while focusing on their education.


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MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

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MTN Nigeria has launched its Unlimited Broadband Data plans powered by 5G technology, a move the telecoms giant says will tackle long-standing challenges of capped data limits, high costs and unstable connectivity faced by internet users across the country.

MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

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Egerton Idehen, Chief Broadband Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the new product was designed to support high-demand users including streamers, gamers, households and businesses requiring uninterrupted connectivity.

“We’re building a broadband experience for everyday life. For content creators, remote workers, gamers, students and households. Our focus is on speed, reliability, low latency, and affordability.

“Broadband is designed to deliver seamless connectivity that empowers Nigerians to thrive in the digital economy,” Idehen said.

The plans, available in speed-based variants of 50Mbps and 100Mbps, promise lightning-fast speeds and ultra-low latency to address issues of lag and buffering. MTN said the packages would also provide affordable and flexible options to cater to diverse economic segments.

New customers who purchase a 5G router will enjoy a welcome bonus of unlimited data for the first 30 days, allowing them to experience the service before committing to long-term use.

The company explained that the initiative was part of its broader commitment to digital inclusion, enabling Nigerians to access stable connections for virtual meetings, large file transfers, online learning, high-definition streaming and professional gaming.

Customers can subscribe to the Unlimited Broadband Plans by dialling 4611#, using the MyMTN app, MTN eShop, MTN website, or visiting authorised retail outlets nationwide.


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Airtel Africa Foundation Opens Undergraduate Scholarship Portal in Nigeria

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The Airtel Africa Foundation has opened applications for its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship in Nigeria, inviting first-year university students with strong academic potential to apply for financial support aimed at accelerating their studies in technology and related fields.

The scheme provides full tuition, accommodation support, and essential study materials for eligible 100-level students. It forms part of the Foundation’s F.E.E.D. agenda, which promotes Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion, with a focus on creating pathways for talented young people who face financial barriers.

Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity. He noted that, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for national development,” adding that “as an organisation, Airtel is determined to build a platform for aspiring young Nigerians to learn, innovate and lead in the country’s expanding technology landscape.”

Applications are open to students pursuing courses such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines at participating universities: University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.

Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said the scholarship demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of digital leaders. “Young Africans are brimming with talent and ambition. What many need is a fair chance to pursue their education without financial pressure. This scholarship reflects our belief that investing in their growth will strengthen communities, empower families, and expand the continent’s digital future,” he said.

Applicants must be enrolled in 100-level, have scored at least 230 in JAMB, and hold a minimum of five credits in WAEC, including English and Mathematics, in a single sitting. Required documents include Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results, university admission letter, West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, student identity card, and academic transcript or university results.

The Foundation encourages qualified students across the listed institutions to apply and position themselves for a stronger start in the technology sector. Applications can be submitted at candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/airtelfellowship2025.

 


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