Telecom
NCC Accelerates Broadband Deployment with New Measures

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has outlined measures to accelerate nationwide fibre penetration; non-discriminatory and open access; optimized deployment strategy; and co-operation of existing operators.
The Commission said that in order to achieve the nation’s economic transformation blueprint crystallized vision 20:2020, need has risen for a long term widespread deployment of a robust nationwide comprehensive backbone and metropolitan fibre infrastructure hence it mulls a typical Nationwide Broadband Network (NBN) deployment to drive broadband growth.
Mrs. Omobola Johnson, minister of Communication Technology, extolled the measure, stressing that a robust national broadband policy is a sure means of sustaining investments and ensure greater penetration of broadband in the country.
She said that they are her Ministry is working harmonise and reduced Right of Way (ROW) cost charges across states through the National Economic Council and the Presidency.
“We have made enough impact as an industry, in the last 10 years, but if we can deliver broadband it will spur greater growth in areas like e-commerce, agriculture, health; in fact, every sector of the economy will feel the impact. And that is why our broadband plan is very clear.
Highlighting on the backgrounds of the new model, Dr. Eugene Juwah, executive vice chairman of NCC, said that the Commission is committed to putting in place a new broadband deployment environment through an ‘Open Access Model’ in line with the National Broadband Plan.
“The ‘Open Access Model’ has been examined as the model for optic fibre transmission network deployment to bridge the current gap and deliver fast and reliable broadband services to households and businesses. The model is also envisaged to address the challenges of congested and unplanned towns, the challenges around infrastructure sharing and other issues such as high cost of Right of Way,” he said.
Under the new model, a typical NBN network and services infrastructure shall be segregated into three main layers including Passive Infrastructure layer comprising those responsible for the design, build and operation of the passive NBN infrastructure (e.g. rollout of fibre, maintenance of ducts, handholes and manholes).
Others are Wholesale layer who are involved in the design, build and operation of the active NBN infrastructure (e.g. terminal equipment, optic fibre electronics, routers, switches, data centers). And Retail Service Providers (RSP) that purchase bandwidth connectivity from wholesale operator (s) and compete with each others in providing competitive and innovative services to end-users.
The proposed industry structure, thus consists of InfraCos (Layer 1B and Layer 2); Licensed InfraCo(s) that are geographically focused.
Juwah explained that InfraCos would provide wholesale Layer 2 transmission services on a non- discriminatory, open access, price regulated basis, among other functions.
Mr. Lanre Ajayi, president, Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), said that the model is a welcome development, although the Association members would debate on the nitty-gritty of the implementations plans.
Telecom
MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

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

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
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.
Telecom
Airtel Africa Foundation Opens Undergraduate Scholarship Portal in Nigeria

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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