Telecom
More Than Ever, Connectivity is Key says Ekholm
Börje Ekholm, President and CEO, Ericsson, has highlighted the importance of connectivity during times of crisis and the opportunity we now have to rethink the role of networks in the future.
Speaking from his home over a videoconference link, Ekholm delivered a keynote speech that kicked off a new series of online events, the Ericsson UnBoxed Office.
“Our absolute highest priority remains the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees, our customers and our partners,” said Ekholm reflecting on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. “We are working hard to do what we can to contribute to the efforts to contain and slow down the pandemic.”
Ekholm stressed the importance of strong and reliable communications networks in the current environment and on staying close to customers and providing them with the best possible connectivity and network quality.
“Even when a country goes into lockdown, our engineers are still active in order to keep the networks up and running,” he says.
Ekholm provided a few examples of where Ericsson engineers have been on the front-line providing support for essential services including connectivity for hospitals in Wuhan, China and contributing to an AI data challenge with the US government.
He also highlighted the transformative changes that have been going on in the networks over the past 2 months. That shift has seen traffic move rapidly from business areas to residential areas over just a matter of days. In many networks, traffic has increased upwards of 20 percent.
Even with stay at home orders in place over much of the globe, Ericsson was able to move employees who operate customer networks from our global Network Operation Centers to home with zero impact on performance levels.
Ericsson made the transition to remote work globally already at the beginning of March and now has 85,000 employees routinely working from home.
The importance of network quality
“More than ever, connectivity is key. With the spread of COVID-19, fixed and mobile telecommunications networks have become an even bigger part of the critical infrastructure, showing the importance of quality in the connectivity,” says Ekholm.
In a recent study based on 4G life cycle data from more than thirty countries, Ericsson analyzed the correlation between network quality and financial performance. The conclusion: network quality is a powerful way to drive lower churn rate and increase the average revenue per user (ARPU).
“When we looked across all service providers, not just leaders, network quality correlated with increased ARPU and reduced churn. Put simply, investing in network quality keeps subscribers happy.”
5G offers service providers an opportunity to gain first-mover advantage and create a significant network performance gap with the competition.
“We are already seeing early signs of service providers monetizing the 5G opportunity, with positive ARPU trends and growing revenues in pioneering 5G markets,” says Ekholm.
The future of 5G
Given the importance of connectivity, and 5G in particular as critical national infrastructure, Ekholm believes that it is in the public interest to ensure that pervasive, high quality, affordable and secure networks are available when and wherever they may be required.
“5G will unlock the potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and will be the cornerstone upon which a country’s relative competitiveness is built. While 4G gave us the app economy, 5G will be the greatest open innovation platform ever,” he says.
Ekholm adds that 5G will drive exponential public and private sector value including efficiencies in public services and new and more effective modes of delivery, for example in healthcare, education, transport and disaster control.
“It is vital that public policy supports a narrowing of the digital divide. Governments should ensure that every citizen and business will enjoy the benefits of the 5G era equally.”
This includes, according to Ekholm, countries developing a common and holistic policy that maximizes investment incentives for the private sector. It also includes making sufficient 5G spectrum available as soon as possible and optimizing spectrum assignments to deliver expansive 5G connectivity.
“In this time of crisis, we are prouder than ever of our people, the ones who are helping us connect the world. We have the best people in the industry, and I know I speak for all Ericsson employees when I say that we are, and will continue to be, a significant company on the world stage.”
Airtel Nigeria launches a new Smartphone Financing Programme to aggressively bridge the digital divide. The innovation provides existing Airtel customers with a flexible and convenient payment plan to own 4G smartphones and drive wider digital inclusion.
Through this innovation, Airtel will finance new smartphones via its exclusive retail network, helping customers currently using 2G and 3G devices upgrade seamlessly to 4G connectivity. The programme will kick off with the Itel A50 smartphone, a reliable, high-performing device designed to deliver a superior mobile experience for customers across Nigeria.
Speaking on the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, said the initiative reflects Airtel’s deep commitment to empowering Nigerians with all they need to thrive in a connected world.
He said, “Connectivity is opportunity, and smartphones are the key that unlocks it. Through the Airtel Smartphone Financing Programme, we are enabling more Nigerians to access 4G technologies, experience the full benefits of digital inclusion without financial strain, and transform the way they learn, work, and live. This initiative goes beyond providing devices; it is about empowerment, progress, and building a truly connected future.”
To be eligible, customers must be Airtel subscribers and are advised to check their financing status by dialling *492# USSD code. Once approved, the final onboarding is completed at any Airtel-owned shop. Upon making the initial down payment of ₦19,000 or ₦21,000, customers will receive their smartphone and immediately gain access to fast 4G internet.
All payments, including the down payment and subsequent weekly instalments, will be made exclusively through SmartCash, Airtel’s secure mobile money subsidiary.
Also speaking on the innovation, Ismail Adeshina, Director of Marketing, emphasised the role of partnerships and technology in driving the initiative.
“Our mission is to democratise access to technology by removing financial barriers. With this programme, customers can now afford quality smartphones without the burden of full upfront payment. By leveraging SmartCash and intelligent scoring systems, we are creating a sustainable model for inclusive digital growth,” Adeshina added.
To qualify, customers must be active on the Airtel network for at least three months, have a registered SmartCash account, a valid form of identification such as NIN, Voter’s Card, or Driver’s Licence, and provide consent for data processing by Intelligra for eligibility verification.
The Airtel Smartphone Financing Programme aligns with Airtel Nigeria’s broader goal of advancing financial inclusion, digital empowerment, and innovation across the country.
Six students have qualified for the grand finale of the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee following a keenly contested regional final held in Abuja.
The finalists — Samuel Babalola, Ojoma Gabriel Sylver, Favour Shuwa, Henry Elebiga Goodness, Levi Kelechi Ebisike, and Mary Chukwudi — will represent the North-Central, North-East, and North-West zones at the national competition scheduled to hold in Lagos.
The event, which drew participation from schools across the region, showcased the linguistic abilities of young Nigerians. The winners were selected based on their accurate spelling of complex vocabulary.
Temilolu Salako, Senior Manager, Segment Marketing (Youth, Women & Teen) at MTN Nigeria, said the company remains committed to empowering young people through education and technology.
“At MTN, we believe in the power of connectivity and technology to transform lives and build a brighter future,” Salako said.
One of the finalists, Mary Chukwudi, expressed excitement over her qualification, saying she had declared her intention to win before the competition began.
“I’m so happy. I’m proud of myself and can’t wait to go to Lagos for the grand finale,” she said.
The overall winner of the national competition will receive a ₦5 million educational grant, a laptop, a smartphone, and the opportunity to serve as MTN CEO for one day.
In addition, the champion’s school will benefit from a ₦10 million flagship project, including a modern ICT laboratory.
The MTN mPulse Spelling Bee is part of the company’s youth development initiative aimed at promoting academic excellence and leadership among Nigerian students.
The 14th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) concluded in Lagos with a dazzling Globe Awards ceremony that celebrated African cinematic excellence and honoured the continent’s digital transformation.
Held at the Landmark Centre, the event drew top government officials, industry leaders, and Nollywood stars, underscoring the growing synergy between Nigeria’s creative economy and national development.
The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, represented Vice President Kashim Shettima at the ceremony.
In a symbolic moment, she received the newly instituted Herbert Wigwe Award for Excellence on behalf of the Vice President.
The award, named after the late business magnate and philanthropist, was also presented to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, accepted by his deputy, Monday Onyeme. International actor and filmmaker David Oyelowo was among the celebrated honourees.
A tribute film commemorating Wigwe’s legacy was screened, drawing emotional responses from attendees and reinforcing the festival’s commitment to honouring visionary leadership.
MTN Nigeria’s Chief Digital Officer, A’isha Umar Mumuni, in her opening remarks, described the event as a beacon of Africa’s cultural and digital renaissance. “Tonight, as we stand together, we celebrate the beauty of a bold new digital world,” she said.
The red carpet featured Nollywood luminaries including Ini Edo, Rita Dominic, Omowunmi Dada, Osas Ighodaro, and Kunle Remi, whose fashion statements lit up social media. Comedian and actor Bovi hosted the evening, balancing glamour with heartfelt tributes and technical awards.
The ceremony concluded with a high-energy performance by music star Flavour, blending film and music in a celebration of Africa’s cultural vibrancy.
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