Telecom
More Consumers Consider Access to Phone on Wheels Vital
There is impending doom for road users as fifty percent of consumers consider it vital to access phone while driving, according to a new survey.
The International Data Corporation (IDC) announced this at the weekend, in its Manufacturing Insights the initial results from a consumer survey: “Methods and Practices: Connected Vehicles and Consumer Connectivity Preferences”.
The survey, developed over the past six months with input from key industry stakeholders, was designed to assess the current situation and potential challenges associated with connected vehicle technology adoption.
According to the results, almost 50% of consumers consider it vital to have access to a phone in the vehicle and about 40% consider it vital to access apps such as navigation and music while in the vehicle.
And, while only about one-quarter of all consumers consider it vital to utilize the phone for business when in the vehicle, almost half of the baby boomer population (consumers between the ages of 45 and 65) consider it vital to access the phone in the vehicle for business and applications, signifying that this group has a strong connected identity beyond personal use.
This is a significant finding for connected vehicle stakeholders, especially automakers, because baby boomers continue to have the majority of “buying power” today for large investments such as homes and vehicles, IDC said.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) declared a grim half-year report that no fewer than 2,422 persons died while 11, 961 were injured in 3,708 road accidents between January and June 2013.
The figure is the in the past three years, comparatively. In the 2011 half-year report, 2,218 people lost their lives, while in the same period last year, it was a casualty of 1,926 — a 21.6 percent reduction that has now jumped to the latest frightening record of 2,422.
These statistics on road fatalities in Nigeria are alarming, even more so as FRSC cannot capture the entire number of persons who lost their lives to accidents on our roads.
However, IDC said that investments in connected vehicle capabilities and accompanying services, intended to provide the driver with an array of benefits, many of which focus on increased safety, are ongoing by automakers and a host of other ecosystem players.
In spite this, the Manufacturing Insights asserts that an insufficient amount of consumer research has been performed by these stakeholders to focus these investments, and because of this, a number of development efforts made thus far may suffer from low adoption.
The results of IDC Manufacturing Insights’ new study can help automakers, suppliers and other third parties develop a more thorough understanding of consumer wants and concerns with relation to this evolving vehicle technology and what it enables, and as a result, fine tune their development efforts.
Additional study findings include: Three-quarters of respondents prefer to access in-vehicle services through their existing mobile device, maintaining their “digital identity”.
The majority of consumers (two-thirds) would prefer their existing mobile service provider for emergency and other in-vehicle services, if given a choice.
Thirty-five percent of consumers believe connected and emergency services should be included free with the vehicle, but 50% of consumers find $24-60 per year a reasonable price range to pay for the services.
Commenting on the Insight, Sheila Brennan, program manager for IDC Manufacturing Insights’ Connected Vehicle Strategies research, said, “According to our study, most consumers find it vital to access the phone in the vehicle but also want to maintain their “digital identity” by connecting their current device to the vehicle.
“Therefore, automakers that have a strategy to provide consumers the ability to access their current device’s service through the vehicle, but also gain access to any OEM unique embedded services that come with the vehicle, will gain an advantage in the connected vehicle market.”
The report is the first in a series that will showcase the study results, and examines key characteristics of the study population, including current vehicle age and condition, technology currently owned, daily commute distance, and new vehicle purchasing intent.
According to the report, all future vehicles will likely have innovative technologies that include built-in dashboard “infotainment” systems, allowing for hands-free communication and access to a wide range of “applications” that initiate services, access information and music, provide navigation and so forth. However, despite the need for and consumer interest in connected vehicle functionality, IDC Manufacturing Insights predicts adoption, via new vehicle model purchases, will continue to be slow.
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has secured regulatory approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to lease frequency spectrum from T2 Mobile Limited (formerly 9Mobile), marking a strategic shift in its network expansion plans.
Effective October 1, 2025, MTN will lease 5MHz in the 900MHz band and 15MHz in the 1800MHz band from T2 Mobile for a period of three years.
This move supports MTN’s national roaming agreement with T2, enabling shared infrastructure to manage growing network traffic and improve service delivery
According to MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola, the agreement aligns with the company’s Ambition 2025 strategy, which emphasizes cost-effective, sustainable growth, industry collaboration, and digital inclusion.
In a related development, MTN Nigeria has announced it will not renew its current spectrum lease with Natcom Development and Investment Ltd (Ntel). That lease—covering 5MHz in the 900MHz band and 10MHz in the 1800MHz band across 17 states—is set to expire on November 29, 2025.
MTN reaffirmed its commitment to investing in infrastructure and strategic partnerships to deliver high-quality, innovative telecom services across Nigeria.
Telecom
MTN Foundation Opens Applications for Phase 2 of SAIL Teachers’ Fellowship to Train 5,000 Nigerian Educators in Digital Skills
MTN Foundation, in partnership with SAIL Innovation Lab and Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), has announced the commencement of the second phase of the MTN SAIL Teachers Fellowship Programme with a call for applications.
The initiative aims to equip 5,000 public school teachers across Nigeria with cutting-edge digital skills, innovative teaching methods, and leadership capacity to transform the learning experience in public schools.
The call for applications, open until 19th October 2025 is part of the MTN Foundation’s continued commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector and empowering educators with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
In addition, participants will gain access to the MTN Skills Academy, an online learning platform offering free, self-paced courses on coding, data analytics, digital marketing and other in-demand skills.
This ensures teachers can continue their professional development long after the training period, equipping them with the tools to prepare students for the opportunities of the digital economy.
Speaking on the launch of Phase 2, Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation, said: “Teachers are the backbone of our education system. By empowering them with digital competencies and innovative teaching methods, we are directly investing in the future of our youths.
This Fellowship Programme is designed to ensure that our educators are not just keeping pace with global best practices but are actively shaping the next generation of innovators and leaders.”
Participants in the programme will undergo intensive training on topics such as technology integration in the classroom, modern pedagogical techniques, digital tools, and personal leadership.
The training will be delivered by experienced facilitators and education experts to ensure a blend of practical knowledge and peer-driven learning.
The MTN SAIL Teachers Fellowship Programme, initiated in 2024, is a part of the Foundation’s broader mission to catalyse sustainable development initiatives that make measurable impact in the areas of education, health, and economic empowerment.
Since its inception, MTN Foundation has reached millions of Nigerians through various programmes, reaffirming its role as a catalyst for positive change.
Interested teachers can learn more and apply via https://bit.ly/STFP2025 as applications are expected to close on October 19, 2025.
Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce group, has continued to record remarkable feedback from shoppers as its ongoing Category Month Campaign builds momentum. Since its kick-off in early September, the initiative has spotlighted key product categories each week, delivering unbeatable deals and heightened excitement across Nigeria’s digital retail space.
The campaign debuted with Home and Kitchen products in the first week of launch, offering households the chance to upgrade essentials at discounted prices.
This was followed by Electronics Week, which drew an overwhelming response from tech-savvy shoppers eager to secure top-quality gadgets at market-leading prices.
This week, attention has shifted to Beauty, Health and Personal Care, as well as Fashion, promising even more compelling offers for style enthusiasts and wellness-focused consumers.
According to industry observers, shoppers have embraced the campaign for clear reasons: convenience, affordability, and trust. By focusing on one category per week, Konga ensures a curated shopping experience where customers enjoy depth, variety, and verified quality across product lines. Strategic partnerships with global brands further guarantee authenticity, while Konga’s reliable logistics network continues to deliver purchases swiftly and securely.
In addition, Konga’s Category Month is strategically driving value for both buyers and sellers. For shoppers, it translates into savings and access to exclusive bundles. For merchants, it unlocks visibility to wider audiences and boosts sales volumes in a competitive marketplace.
Beyond the campaign, Konga has also reinforced its reputation as a socially responsible brand through the Computerise Nigeria Initiative, launched recently in partnership with Zinox and KongaCares.
The initiative aims to put one million laptops into the hands of young Nigerian students, bridging the digital divide and equipping the next generation for a knowledge-driven economy.
Konga is calling on well-meaning Nigerians, NGOs, religious institutions, and corporate bodies to support this noble effort, which has the potential to transform education and empower millions of youths across the country.
With Category Month and social impact initiatives like Computerise Nigeria, Konga is not only redefining retail in Nigeria but also cementing its role as a catalyst for digital inclusion and economic growth.
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