Telecom

Nokia, Ericsson Halt New Business in Russia

Published

2 years ago

April 13, 2022

Kindly share this post

Nokia has announced its exit from Russia, while rival Ericsson is putting its business there on hold indefinitely, throwing into doubt the country’s ability to build super-fast 5G networks.

The Finnish telecom company announced on Tuesday that staying in Russia would “not be possible” given President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing assault on Ukraine.

“Over the last weeks we have suspended deliveries, stopped new business and are moving our limited R&D activities out of Russia,” Nokia said in a statement. “We can now announce we will exit the Russian market.”

That leaves China’s Huawei as the only top 3 global provider of 5G networks still active in the country.

Western governments have imposed several rounds of punishing sanctions on Russia since the invasion, including restrictions on imports of advanced technology into the country.

But they have emphasized the need, on humanitarian grounds, to maintain functioning telecoms networks to enable Russians to access information from abroad.

Nokia said it would “aim to provide the necessary support to maintain the networks” and was applying for licenses to ensure compliance with sanctions.

Ericsson, meanwhile, said that it would suspend its business in the country indefinitely and place its workers on paid leave. It had already halted all deliveries to customers in Russia in late February.

Western companies have quit their Russian businesses in droves following the start of the invasion in late February. Russia now faces the onerous task of building homegrown alternatives to Western products and services, possibly with the help of Chinese suppliers.

This task could extend to its next generation internet. Nokia and Ericsson are two of the world’s biggest providers of 5G mobile networks — the ultra-fast internet that will underpin a raft of future technologies.

Over the past four years, the companies have launched the highest number of commercial and trial 5G networks globally Ericsson launched 216, and Nokia 200 according to Kagan, a data provider owned by S&P Global Market Intelligence. China’s Huawei came in third, with 75 launches.

All three vendors are important to Russia: Huawei and another Chinese company, ZTE (ZTCOF), provide between 40% and 60% of Russia’s wireless network equipment, while Nokia and Ericsson supply the rest, the Financial Times reported, citing data from telecoms research firm Dell’Oro Group.

In November, Nokia said it was entering into a joint venture with Yadro, a Russian data storage developer, to build 4G and 5G telecoms base stations in Russia. That project has now been scrapped, a Nokia spokesperson confirmed to CNN Business.

Recent reports suggest Huawei which supplies 5G networks to Russia’s largest mobile operator MTS — could follow its European rivals in halting new business.

Forbes reported on Tuesday that Huawei has forced some of its office workers in Russia to take a month-long vacation after it suspended new orders, citing three sources close to the matter. The company fears it will fall foul of Western sanctions if it does business in the country, a source told the publication.

But Huawei, which continues to fight for survival after US sanctions severely curtailed its access to key technology, has stayed silent so far, except to call for peace in Ukraine.

Asked about sanctions on Russia at an earnings conference in March, Huawei Rotating Chairman Guo Ping said: “Just like every one of you, we hope to see a ceasefire and end of the war as soon as possible. And we believe that wise leadership will soon put this crisis to an end, and restore normal life.”

Kindly share this post

Telecom

MoMo PSB, LSSBI Advisory Partner for Seamless Tax Payments

Published

1 day ago

August 31, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

Kindly share this post

MoMo PSB has announced a partnership with Leadership Strategy Sustainability Business Innovation (LSSBI) Advisory to enhance financial inclusion and streamline tax payments in Ekiti, Nasarawa, and Rivers states.

This collaboration introduces MoMo as the official payment platform for taxpayers, enabling easy and convenient payments via the USSD code *5229#.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek report that the partnership aims to boost compliance, drive revenue development, and promote financial autonomy for marginalised communities. Key stakeholders highlighted the significance of this collaboration in closing the financial gap and promoting economic growth.

With this initiative, MoMo PSB reaffirms its commitment to providing accessible and user-friendly financial services to all Nigerians, particularly the unbanked and underbanked populations.

The launch of the USSD code *5229# demonstrates MoMo PSB’s dedication to expanding financial inclusion and promoting digital payments.

Ekiti State officials lauded the partnership, commenting on the convenience of using the MoMo payment platform, while emphasising its potential to increase tax compliance and benefit local communities.

The collaboration is part of a broader initiative to empower citizens with financial autonomy, encourage saving, and promote responsible money management.

As the rollout begins in Ekiti, Rivers, and Nasarawa, MoMo PSB and LSSBI Advisory aim to expand the initiative nationwide, encouraging other states and private sector partners to explore similar collaborations, leveraging technology to improve access to financial services. This partnership marks a new era in tax payment solutions, prioritising efficiency, inclusivity, and financial empowerment for all Nigerians.

MoMo PSB, established in May 2022 as the fintech division of MTN, continues to focus on delivering user-friendly, accessible, and affordable financial services to both new and existing customers across Nigeria.

Kindly share this post

Telecom

Glo Introduces Instalment Payment Scheme for Purchase of Smartphones

Published

2 days ago

August 30, 2024

Chike Onwuegbuchi

Kindly share this post

Globacom has unveiled a new device acquisition scheme to enable Nigerians own smartphones and pay conveniently over several months. The scheme is dubbed: “Buy Now, Pay Small Small” and is available in Gloworld shops across the country.

The scheme aims to bridge the digital divide by enabling individuals and businesses have access to the latest smartphones and devices more conveniently. This, Globacom claims, will make customers more connected and more productive.

A press statement released by Globacom explained that it is offering flexible payment options to its customers so they can acquire devices of their choice and spread the cost of these new devices over several months through instalment payments that is manageable for them.

The scheme has a wide range of smartphones and other smart devices from top brands that customers can chose from.

This device financing is available to all new and existing Glo customers who can avail the benefits of the programme when purchasing new devices from Gloworld stores across Nigeria.

Moreover, customers can choose from various payment plans to suit their budget, with tenures of up to six months and special interest rates on all flagship devices.

Globacom said customers who purchase devices under the programme will also be given a data bonus of 18GB for six months, adding that it is focused on customer satisfaction, through ensuring a convenient system of smartphone acquisition for Nigerians.

Kindly share this post

Telecom

Here’s Your Last Chance to Secure Discounted Starlink Kits @ Konga

Published

2 days ago

August 30, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

Kindly share this post

Starlink Week at Konga, an exceptional opportunity to acquire reliable satellite internet at a significantly discounted price, ends tomorrow, Saturday, August 31, 2024.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that customers now have chance to secure a Starlink kit at an exceptional price and experience the transformative power of high-speed internet.

Throughout the week, Konga has been dedicated to making Starlink’s cutting-edge technology more accessible to Nigerians.

The e-commerce giant offered Starlink kits and accessories at reduced prices, along with perks that have made this offer hard to resist.

In addition to the unmatched prices, Konga included free nationwide delivery to ensure that customers from every corner of Nigeria benefited from this offer.

Konga also provided free same-day delivery in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, ensuring that customers can start enjoying their Starlink experience almost immediately.

As Starlink Week draws to a close, this is the final call for those who still need to take advantage of this limited-time offer.

The discounted prices, combined with the exceptional delivery options, represent a rare opportunity to invest in a technology that has revolutionized internet accessibility across the globe.

Konga’s Starlink Week has been more than just a promotional event; it has been a gateway to connectivity, offering Nigerians a reliable solution to their internet needs.

Starlink provides the service you need to stay connected wherever you are in Nigeria.

Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity. Visit Konga.com today or walk into any of Konga’s retail stores to secure your Starlink kit before the campaign ends.

Kindly share this post