Connect with us

Telecom

IPv6: Firms Seek Concessions on Equipment Type Approval

Published

on

Ipv6.jpg
Kindly share this post

To speed up migration of networks to the Internet Protocol Version six (IPv6), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) should be considerate on equipment type approval charges, said information and communication technology (ICT) experts in Lagos.

The experts who gathered at a recent three-day workshop organised by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) for network engineers, said that the present economic realities are taking tolls on service providers hence the call for NCC to protect local business too.

Although, the speakers could not determine the cost implications of migration from IPv4 to v6, they however expect a huge financial burden as hybrid of equipment currently used must be replaced to effect swift migration.

“With regards to IPv6 migration, what e-Stream expects, as a service provider in the industry, is for the NCC as a regulator, to be lenient on type approval fees”, Mr. Ogungboye Muyiwa, managing director and chief executive officer, eStream Networks.

Mr. Muyiwa lamented that smaller indigenous operators shall be largely affected due to the persistent foreign exchange challenge faced by the industry.

He said, “Truly, right now there are equipment that are IPv6 compatible, but to a large extent some are not compatible. We have to change all these ones. There is no way NCC will not come up with different kinds of approval fees. Usually, the fees aren’t favourable to the (small) local players.

“Local players do not have deep pockets like the foreign investors. I expect the Nigerian Government through the NCC, to support the local players. We can’t continue relying on dollar which is obviously too expensive. I can’t compete with MTN, particularly, at the present circumstances. If they charge MTN $1million, they will easily pay. But if they charge me (eStream) such amount, invariably, they want us to wind up. If all of us fold-up, who will then continue to run ‘Nigerian Businesses’?

Mr. Teniola Olusola, president of ATCON also said it has become obvious that local businesses, like their foreign counterparts, need cover from the government.

He regretted that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s position on the 41 blacklisted items from accessing forex has not been reversed.

“The CBN’s position on the 41 items hasn’t changed. The pronouncement made about two years ago is still in effect. As far as the 41 items are concerned, you cannot access CBN’s forex mechanism. It doesn’t mean you can’t get dollars, but it pushes you to the parallel market.

“It is very important to support the local people. If not, the local content in ICT campaign would become a mirage”, he said.

On his part, Mr. Abba Brice, AFRINIC representative said that while Companies are worried about securing compatible equipment, they should not lose focus on trainings for requisite skill-sets to drive the new era.

According to him, the success of adopting IPv6 depends on competent engineers to manage the networks.

According to him, AFRINIC understands the migration is capital intensive, but as more and more businesses are supporting VoIP, telework (i.e. videoconferences) and mobile work policies, removing dependency on network address translation (NAT) can dramatically increase network simplicity.

To Mr. Ayotunde Coker, managing director of Rack Centre, the prevalence of cyberthreats portents that the industry must urgently migrate to IPv6.

This, Mr. Coker said, allows companies to keep IP addresses public, but still secure when transmitting between private networks.

Reacting to the operators’ concerns, Professor Umar Danbatta, the executive  vice chairman of NCC, said that The Commission has commenced the development of the Internet Industry Code of Practice document that will guide the Commission and the Internet Industry.

Prof. Danbatta who spoke through Engineer Haru Alhassan, the Commission’s director, New Media and Information Security, reiterated that the proposed Internet Code of Practice will lead ultimately to the establishment of shared principles, Norms, Rules that shape the use of the Internet in the Country.


Kindly share this post

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.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Comments

Telecom

NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

This directive was  contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.

The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.

In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.

Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”

The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.

Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.

The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.

The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.

The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.

Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.

Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.

Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.

The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.

The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.

“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.

Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.

The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.

GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.

These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.

More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.

As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.

Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending