Telecom
Microsoft Lumia 535: The Right Dual Sim Device

Lumia 535, the first Windows Phone handset from Microsoft that ditched Nokia branding, goes a long way, improving on the shortcomings of Lumia 530, to say the least.
……….Thumb Up: 5-inch, 960 x 540 screen; Snapdragon 200 processor; 5MP cameras front and rear; 8GB of storage; dual (microSD-Sim slots.
Thumb Down: The Microsoft Lumia 535 is found wanting in 4G LTE connectivity; its under-powered processor results in a sluggish interface. Also, the touchscreen can be unresponsive, while the screen is neither sharp nor particularly vivid…………….
Although, from the design, size, and other key features, the nice looking with replaceable covers – available in matte plastic options- orange, black, grey, green, white and cyan, doesn’t appear as a cheap phone.
Microsoft aggressively targeting the entry-level and the budget smartphone segments is particularly showing intents; to ensure the brand becomes a household name in the Nigeria’s smartphone market, just like the rested Nokia.
Definitely, Nigerian phone lovers with penchant liking for colour, unfettered look, will not be disappointed because Lumia 535 is already here and finding itself in the waiting hands of students and young people; notwithstanding, it serves every class.
We believe most cheap phones mustn’t have smaller, 4-inch or so screens, and the 5-inch Lumia 535 shows Microsoft thinks outside the box. Thus, such design aligns Lumia 535 with the much more expensive rivals. Here is our review:
Build & Design
Actually, Microsoft cannot claim to have totally ‘scratched off’ ‘Nokia Lumia’ designs with the launch of the ‘first’ Micosoft branded Lumia 535.
On close examination and though no visibility of Nokia branding, the Lumia 535 doesn’t appear to be very different from other Nokia Lumia budget phones such as Lumia 530 and 630 and all the other predecessors and the only thing that stands out is the Microsoft logo at the front and back.
The Lumia 535 looks similar to Lumia 530, complete with rounded corners and a changeable coloured back cover that wraps around the phone. The major difference is the larger size which is majorly due to the inclusion of a bigger display
Meanwhile, Microsoft is not excusable on how the case and battery sometimes ‘pop out’ when dropped; the appliances dislodge more often than not.
Nonetheless, the ‘Gorilla Glass’, as a shield, ensures the screen remains fairly sturdy and scratch-free. But Microsoft shouldn’t see that as enough protection following the manner the case and battery dislodge.
As a consolation, the 8GB of built-in storage should prove ample for lighter users. If that’s not enough then there’s a microSD card slot, too. We understand, “You don’t get 4G at this price, but you do get Bluetooth 4.0 and – unlike some cheaper phones – it has an ambient light sensor as well”.
Well, the right edge of the phone features the power and volume rocker keys, in the same colour as that of the shell and offer good tactile feedback. The top edge sports the 3.5mm headset jack while the bottom features the micro-USB port.
Display
One thing comes to mind: Nigeria youths are known for their penchant interest in watching nollywood movies and other entertainment contents. Then, Lumia 535’s 5-inch screen is on the large side and will definitely meet your fancy.
You have interests in watching YouTube, Irokotv, IbakaTv; and Microsoft was timely with the launch, because Nigerians are on the verge of digital switchover when many will begin to appreciate such contents.
In other words, browsing through your phone will be easy too.
It has a 960×540-pixel IPS LCD resolution; high-resolution photos, too, lack the crisp clarity you’ll see on screens with more pixels though. The truth remains that the 960×540-pixel resolution does result in turning it on slightly improves under sun readability.
The Windows Phone interface is perfectly clear, however, and basic apps like email and calendar, along with commonly used apps such as Twitter, Facebook and Spotify, are all easily readable.
The viewing angles are fair, nevertheless, it ought to have been improved on; they look particularly ‘washed-out’ when you view them next to more vivid displays such as the one on the slightly pricier Lumia 735.
Software
Microsoft Lumia 535, of course, comes with Windows Phone 8.1. The latest software update, codenamed Denim is therein with some Nokia-exclusive features. Importantly, Windows Phone 8 is easy on the eye, made up lots of large, bright tiles that show live information. Interestingly, one can resize these tiles and reorder them to suit your preferences, set different backgrounds and group tiles together into folders, thanks to the Denim software update.
Similarly, Windows Phone 8.1 ironed out inconsistencies and achieves feature parity with competing smartphone platforms like Android and iOS. It pretty much covers the basics and would satisfy most casual users.
Another recent feature is the notification panel that you pull down from the top of the screen, like in Android. It shows incoming notfications from your messaging apps or emails, as well as giving quick access to critical settings such as Wi-Fi and screen brightness; while update 1 brings features like Live Folders, Cortana support (alpha) for India, SMS merge and forwarding, consumer VPN and Internet Explorer improvements.
Lumia 535 promises easy usage. For instance, you can now select individual text messages to either delete them out of a messaging thread, or copy and past them into a new message to forward them.
More so, Lumia 353 is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, backed up by 1GB of RAM. Thus, it has the capacity to run most everyday tasks, including streaming movies in Netflix, but more demanding games are not handled well.
Camera
Lumia 535 posits 5-megapixel cameras both on the back and the front; measuring 1/4 inch sensor, f/2.4 aperture and 28mm focal length, with auto-focus and LED flash.
It comes with pre-loaded Bing vision, Creative Studio, Lumia Camera, Lumia Selfie camera apps.
And the inclusion of the LED flash helps the phone take pictures in the dark and front camera facilitates selfies and Skype chats.
The quality of still images shot in abundant light was great, depicting accuracy in colour reproduction and good contrast.
The video quality as captured with the phone was basically average.
Performance
Coming from ‘brilliant’ Microsoft, Lumia 535 is powered by a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 quad-core processor and 1GB RAM. It comes with 8GB internal storage and supports microSD card slots of up to 128GB for expansion.
While it is appreciable the fact the phone comes with 1GB RAM given that a number of games and apps are not optimized for 512MB devices.
On Playing Games: This could be one of the reasons that playing casual games like Temple Run and Angry Birds there is no practically any issue, but not same as playing graphics-heavy games like Asphalt 8, the frame drops.
With Windows Phone OS at work, we did not observe lag or falter while launching and switching between apps, though the apps and also did not encounter any issues while browsing the web, clicking pictures and playing videos and music.
Battery
Powered by a 1905mAh battery, Microsoft Lumia 535, with its low-power processor and low-res screen not demanding much juice, the battery shouldn’t be too heavily taxed. Indeed, Microsoft reckons you can get up to 13 hours of talktime over 3G, which isn’t too bad.
It will last you more than a full work day, basically 16 hours, even if you put the screen brightness at the highest level and use 3G data all the time. You’ll be able to make about 2-3 hours of phone calls, play some casual games and browse the web in this time period. You’ll be able to get about one and a half day backup with moderate use.
In terms of connectivity, the dual-sim handset offers 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and A-GPS.
Verdict
With plenty to offer for its cheap price, the Microsoft’s first self-branded Windows Phone handset tries to fill in the gaps.
However, there are areas where the company has made compromises. For instance, the display is not that great; the processor is also not comparable to the Lumia 630 and touch sensitivity was also problematic at times.
Essentially, Microsoft just erased ‘Nokia’ as the brand, but the inside and out features depict Nokia Lumia.
We found the positive side to include; built in battery saver; built in office, Skype one drive storage (30GB); Here maps; Xbox games; Windows10 update coming on Oct 2015; 5.0 screen; Cortana and 1GB RAM.
Also, virtually all apps available in google play are available in windows store just few apps and major apps performance speed is so good apps like What’s app; blackberry messenger; Facebook messenger; We chat and Hike messenger
But I didn’t find it funny that you need to remove battery each time to switch Sims and No compass.
Therefore, as one who desires to enjoy light gaming or video streaming on the move, a higher-end phone with 4G LTE would go for such phone as Lumia 635, nevertheless, Lumia 535 proves a good option if you need a cheap dual-SIM phone.
Telecom
MTN Mulls AI Tech to Protect Infrastructure as Cable Cuts Hit 13,000 in 18 Months

MTN Nigeria has said that there are plans to deploy an artificial intelligence (AI) technology to monitor and protect its fibre optic cables across the country.
Yahaya Ibrahim, chief technical officer (CTO), MTN, said the technology will detect vibrations, identify the cause, and alert relevant personnels.
According to Ibrahim who spoke during a session for the ongoing MTN Media Innovation Progamme, the proposed innovation comes amid concerns over the growing spate of telecoms infrastructure vandalism, which have led to multiple cable cuts, and the destruction of towers.
This, he said, would enable the company to promptly deploy agents to the site.
The system is being developed in collaboration with Huawei Technologies.
Providing data on fibre cut incidents in an email correspondence, the CTO said MTN recorded over 9,000 cable cuts in 2024.
He said 4,700 cables were destroyed as at the end of June 2025 alone, bringing the total to about 13,700 incidents in 18 months.
A breakdown of the incidents by zone showed that about 2,500 cuts occurred in northern Nigeria, 2,800 in south-west, while 3,500 were recorded in the south-east and south-south regions combined.
“If we look at the cuts per region, the Southeastern and South South states have more cuts and this is where we have the most hotspots for Fibre and site vandalism,” Ibrahim said.
“Akwa Ibom, Abia and Rivers stand out in states. While in specific locations Omoku and Egbema stand out for fibre vandalization.”
The MTN official said vandalism and road construction account for 69 percent of total cable cuts across the country.
Ibrahim said the incidents often disrupt services, with an average downtime of 15 hours recorded per month.
“Some regions are higher than others,” he said.
“All services will be down, that means no one will be able to use any services.
“We spent N17.6b in 2024 and budget for 2025 based on PO issued for maintenance and relocation is N26.3b.”
In addition to the expenditure, MTN is said to also conduct route patrol, route monitoring, and construction bypass — which involves the creation an alternative route that allows for the temporary or permanent relocation of essential resources around a construction site.
Ibrahim said the telco also invests in having a diverse route for resilience, relocation of fibre, holding stakeholder engagement, and working with communities for policing.
The technical officer confirmed that there are collaborations in place with state and federal authorities to secure fibre routes.
Telecom
NASENI and BPP Forge Nigeria First Alliance to Champion Local Goods and Services

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) on Monday, 28th July 2025, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the implementation of “Nigeria First” Policy on Procurement, projects and other related matters.
The Nigeria First Policy is an initiative of the Federal Government, aimed at promoting Nigerian-made goods, services and utilization of Local content, infrastructures and other value chain.
As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda initiative of the Government, the policy seeks to encourage local production and consumption of Nigerian goods or services, also to support Nigerian business and entrepreneurs, foster economic growth and development, reduce dependency on imported goods and to promote Nigerian culture and identity. Also, by prioritizing local content, the policy aimed to create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and increase Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony which took place at the Headquarters of Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) office in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said, with the signing of MoU and implementation of the Nigeria First Policy, 80% of challenges faced while trying to convince investors and foreign partners would have been solved, as Nigeria will cease to be dumping ground for foreign goods, while focusing on promotion of Nigerian products, goods and services.
Halilu said that with support now coming from BPP, the over 50 market ready NASENI products will be off the shelves and gain patronage of Nigerians, adding that NASENI has gained for the country over 2 billion dollars from its recent partnership activities with China alone.
“One thing that is clear when I took over the leadership of NASENI was the determination to move the Agency from just producing prototypes to commercialization of its technologies and products, this was complemented by the turn around which we did in rebranding the Agency.
“We have 50 market-ready Nigeria branded products. NASENI is building the biggest renewable energy park in Nasarawa and has entered into partnership with Abuja Technology Village to boost Technology Transfer and innovation, enhance local manufacturing capacity, transform NASENI’s research-focused installation into full production facilities, promote national brands and local production”, he further explained.
Buttressing the partnership between NASENI and BPP, he said that it is expected that the policy would have transformative impacts on Nigeria’s economy and human capital development, aligning with national goals for industrialization, youth employment, and economic diversification. “This also shows that our efforts are not in vain:”
Earlier in his speech, the Director-General of Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Dr. Adebowale Adedokun said that the MoU between BPP and NASENI offers a structured bridge between production and procurement and how to take locally made solutions off the shelves and to place them at the center of public service delivery, which aimed at aligning Government policies with national priorities as well as giving practical force to the Nigeria First Policy.
According to him, “NASENI’s innovations, from tractors to tablets, from surveillance drones to solar backup systems, will now be actively prioritized in the procurement plans by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. We are institutionalizing a framework that makes local options not just preferable, but the default option before all others.
Specifically, he said further that with the signing of the MoU, the “BPP will now integrate NASENI’s Product catalogue into the Nigeria Open Contracting Portal, NOCOPO, and therefore encouraging other MDAs to follow suit”
He noted that the “Nigeria First Policy is not an act of protectionism, but an act of patriotism grounded in performance, and it is targeted at fastracking Nigeria’s industrial revolution”. He remarked that “NASENI has invested in quality assurance. Its products are certified by national institutions such as SON and NAFDAC. This means NASENI’s offerings will now be visible, verifiable, and measurable across all MDAs. First, we are integrating NASENI’s catalogue into the Nigeria Open Contracting Portal, NOCOPO. Between January and June this year alone, NOCOPO’s enhanced price intelligence has helped Nigeria save over 173 billion naira, 155 million dollars, and 1.7 million euros.”
While calling on all MDAs to follow NASEN’s footprint in promoting Made in Nigeria products, he said that the BPP’s revised threshold is now five billion naira for goods and ten billion for works, meaning that MDAs can act faster, while they continue to strengthen post-review and audit mechanisms.
He emphasized that the role of BPP is to ensure that these standards are rewarded with access, and that MDAs no longer look outside when the best is being made inside. “For the avoidance of doubt, let me say here that we will be backing this commitment with reform actions”.
Telecom
Treepz Launches in Canada, Secures University of Toronto-Supported Program as First Corporate Travel Client

Treepz, Africa’s fast-growing corporate mobility technology company, has expanded its operations into Canada, marking a significant milestone in its global strategy. The announcement was made at Brampton City Hall, Ontario, with full support from the Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown.
The event, which featured key stakeholders and dignitaries, included the official announcement of Treepz’s partnership with the African Impact Initiative, a University of Toronto-sponsored program. Under the agreement, Treepz will provide comprehensive travel logistics—including flights, accommodation, experiences, and ground transportation—for program participants visiting four African countries: South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor Brown described the expansion as “a proud moment for Brampton,” lauding Treepz’s founders for creating a brand that has served over six million customers since its inception in Nigeria in 2019. He added that Treepz’s ability to manage mobility in Lagos, one of Africa’s busiest cities, is a testament to the strength of its operational capacity.
Onyeka Akumah, Treepz Founder and CEO, expressed gratitude to city officials and program partners, noting that the move solidifies Treepz’s role as a globally recognized African brand.
“This launch is a strong statement of intent, not just for Treepz, but for all African startups. We are proud to be serving clients in both Africa and North America,” he said.
Treepz’s entry into Canada was supported by several Canadian organisations, including the World Trade Center’s TAP program, the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance, and the BHive Program.
It follows Treepz’s participation in the Techstars Toronto Accelerator in 2021, which played a pivotal role in its expansion roadmap.
The launch signals a new era for Treepz’s operations and marks a historic moment for African-led innovation in the global travel technology space.
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