Telecom
OPPO Launches 2023 Inspiration Challenge, Investing USD $440,000 to Call for Innovative Technical Solutions

OPPO Research Institute, together with global partners Qualcomm Technologies, GSMA 5G IN, Amazon Web Services and LinkedIn, announced the launch of 2023 OPPO Inspiration Challenge on the World Smile Day. Based on the brand proposition of “Inspiration Ahead”, OPPO and its global technology ecosystem partners aim to bring new and innovative solutions to life by providing funding, support and partnership opportunities. By working together, OPPO hopes these innovations can create a positive impact, and encourage greater awareness of the issues that affect global communities.
OPPO and partners pledge funding and technical support for innovative proposals
“OPPO believes deeply in the idea of ‘Virtuous Innovation’. As we continue to explore new technology, we remain dedicated to doing so in a way that puts people first.” said Head of the OPPO Research Institute. “With the global issues like public health, accessible technology and environmental protection being the key concerns, we could not rely on our own efforts to provide solutions. We have therefore initiated the Inspiration Challenge to empower likeminded innovators to tackle these big issues together with us using the power of technology and create a better world for all.”
Applications for the 2023 OPPO Inspiration Challenge will start from May 8 to June 30, with three regional demo events set to take place in Bangkok, Boston and Shenzhen at early August. Finalists from each regional demo event will be invited to join the Inspiration Challenge Acceleration Camp and meet with OPPO executives and technical experts to revise their proposals before the global final demo event at the end of August.
All the proposals for OPPO Inspiration Challenge this year will be evaluated based on the four criteria of Feasibility, Technological Innovation, Long-term Potential, and Social Values. A total of 15 qualified proposals from regional demo events will be selected as global finalists and top 5 winning proposals will be selected in the global final demo event, each being awarded a grant of USD $50,000 (approximately 350,000 RMB, tax included).
Further partnership opportunities are open to the top 45 proposals worldwide – made up of the top 15 proposals in each regional challenge – including, but not limited to:
- Productization and commercialization opportunities: an incubation fund totaling US$190,000 (approximately RMB 1.25 million, tax included), will be set up to co-develop solutions for implementation.
- Strategic partnership and investment opportunities.
- Opportunities to showcase at global technology events.
- Opportunity to receive cloud resources and technical support from Amazon Web Services.
OPPO to collaborate with technology professionals worldwide to create a better future
During the OPPO Inspiration Challenge last year, 536 proposals were collected from innovators around the world aimed at tackling key challenges in ‘Accessible Technology’ and ‘Digital Health’. OPPO has since worked with 18 of these teams to further implement their proposals and has brought some of them to global platforms such as OPPO INNO DAY 2022 and MWC 2023.
As health, accessibility, and environmental protection being the key focuses for society, it’s important to drive progress in these key areas through innovative technology. 2023 OPPO Inspiration Challenge will focus on the two categories of ‘Inspiration for People’ and ‘Inspiration for the Planet’, supporting technology professionals around the world to develop innovative solutions in these two areas.
- Inspiration for People: Innovative Solutions for Digital Health and Accessible Technology
This category is a call for technologies, products and services related to digital health and accessible technology. It includes health algorithms; hardware sensor innovations i.e. the integration of new and advanced sensors into daily health monitoring devices; innovative products for digital health monitoring; accessibility assistive technologies; and technology designed for the elderly. The primary focus of this category is to make technology accessible and beneficial to everyone.
- Inspiration for the Planet: Innovative Solutions for Environmental Protection and Low-Carbon Development
Aligned with OPPO’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations by 2050, this category calls for innovative solutions related to environmental protection and low-carbon development as applied to consumer electronics. It includes renewable energy; sustainable materials and packaging; green production processes; recycling of electronic products; and carbon emission digital management. The primary focus of this category is to minimize the environmental impact of electronic product manufacturing or usage, and to promote sustainable development through technology.
Global applications for the 2023 OPPO Inspiration Challenge will be open from May 8 to June 30. To learn more about the program or register, please visit the official webpage at: https://www.oppo.com/en/proposal/.
Telecom
Operators Seek Action Over Persistent Vandalization of Telecommunications Infrastructure Across Nigeria

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has expressed deep concern over the increasing wave of vandalization and theft of telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
According to a statement signed by Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, ALTON, “since the Federal Government’s decisive interventions earlier this year to support industry sustainability, our members have committed unprecedented levels of investment in network optimization and capacity upgrades. New systems are being deployed, transmission equipment modernized, power systems overhauled, and thousands of kilometers of fiber optic networks currently being laid and expanded.
“Our industry has not seen this scale of investment in recent years. We are working round the clock to improve the quality of service nationwide and we cannot afford these setbacks.
“Unfortunately, between May and July, 2025, multiple incidents of vandalism were recorded across cell sites in Rivers, Ogun, Osun, Imo, Kogi, Ekiti, Lagos, Federal Capital Territory Abuja and many other states.
“These acts of sabotage have significantly disrupted network services, causing widespread connectivity blackouts leading to degradation of services and severely impacting millions of subscribers”.
He noted that, the affected infrastructure, primarily belong to ALTON members, as well as other network operators and those who depend on operators for connectivity.
He said identified critical components targeted to include; power cables, rectifiers, fiber optic cables, feeder cables, diesel generators, batteries, and solar systems are vandalized and stolen from active sites.
“These are not mere materials, but they are the backbone of our digital economy, security systems, and national communications grid.
“We are alarmed at the frequency, intensity, and geographical spread of these incidents. States such as Delta, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Lagos, Kogi, FCT, Kaduna, Niger, Osun, Kwara and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have recorded the highest number of attacks on telecom infrastructure. These attacks have led to prolonged downtimes, network congestion, widespread blackouts, and degradation of service quality.
The public he said, must be reminded that telecommunications infrastructure is classified as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) under the National Security framework. This classification is backed by Federal Government Gazette No. 133, Volume 108, dated 17th March 2021. Vandalism, sabotage, or illegal possession of these assets is a serious criminal offense with grave consequences.
ALTON expressed concerned about the rising market for stolen telecom equipment, such as:
– Power Cables, Power rectifiers, which are stolen from base station and sold into open markets
– Batteries which are stolen from base stations and sold for home and office inverters.
– Solar panels that are stripped from telecom sites and resold to unsuspecting households.
– Diesel fuel being siphoned from sites and traded on the grey market.
“We urge the public to be vigilant and refrain from purchasing suspicious items. If you buy stolen telecom equipment, you are not just complicit you are part of the crime.
We appeal to every Nigerian to please join us in the fight against the vandalization of telecom infrastructure.
“These assets serve us all, they enable our banking systems, security infrastructure, emergency response, education, health services, and the very platforms that power daily communication. An attack on telecom infrastructure is an attack on our economy and our security.
“A second, recurring and deeply worrying issue is the widespread damage to underground fiber optic cables caused by road construction and related civil infrastructure projects along major highways and urban roads. These activities have led to significant service outages and financial losses,” he added.
ALTON called on: – the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Inspector General of Police, the Director General, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
to immediately deploy the necessary resources to protect telecommunications infrastructure and prevent a total breakdown of communications across the country.
“We commend the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for its proactive efforts in safeguarding national telecom infrastructure, particularly through the creation of a dedicated reporting portal.
“This initiative empowers citizens to play an active role in protecting critical assets by reporting incidents of vandalism or suspicious activity via protect@ncc.gov.ng or by dialing 622.
“Such forward-thinking measures are vital to ensuring the resilience and security of our communications network. This is a desperate and urgent hour. The industry cannot fight this battle alone. We need coordinated national action by the security agencies, the government at all levels, regulators, the media, civil society, and the public. Our national security, economic stability, and digital future depend on it,” the statement noted.
Telecom
MTN’s $150m Data Hub Gets Government Nod for Advancing Digital Economy

At the unveiling of MTN Nigeria’s Dabengwa Data Centre and Cloud Launch in Ikeja, Lagos, recently, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, described the facility as an investment aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to grow Nigeria’s digital economy.
Tijani, who graced the event, commended MTN Nigeria for its continued investment in the country, noting that the new data centre – estimated to cost around $150 million – is the kind of technological infrastructure that supports the $1 trillion economy the current administration aims to build.
“An investment like this, the one we are here to launch, offers a platform for our young people to thrive,” Tijani said. He continued: “Enterprise-grade infrastructure like this, on our soil, gives startups, developers, and digital creators the ability to build and scale from Nigeria to the world. With this facility, MTN is reinforcing its position as Nigeria’s digital backbone.
The data centre, named after the late Sifiso Dabengwa, a former CEO of MTN Nigeria and later Group Chief Operating Officer before his passing in September last year is being hailed as Nigeria’s largest prefabricated modular data centre It will deliver 4.5 MW in phase 1, with an additional 4.5 MW to be delivered in phase 2, which is expected to be completed soon.
According to the Minister, the MTN Data Centre will contribute to growing Nigeria’s economy by “unlocking productivity, hiring enterprise, and driving diversification through technological innovation and inclusion.”
“For this reason, if you don’t mind,” he added, “let’s rise and give a round of applause to MTN for their consistent commitment to Nigeria. The administration of President Bola Tinubu recognises that we cannot build a modern, diversified economy without modern infrastructure – both physical and digital.”
In his welcome address, Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, thanked the Federal Government for its continued support and reiterated the company’s commitment to long-term investment in the country.
“We are committed to building locally managed, globally competitive digital platforms that will enable businesses to scale faster and engage more people in wide-ranging research and development.
“At MTN, we believe everyone, particularly Nigerians and Africans, deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life. We continue to push boundaries to make the humanly impossible, conceivable, feasible, and ultimately possible,” he said.
The unveiling ceremony drew other stakeholders, policymakers, and members of the public sector, all of whom applauded MTN’s bold move, not just as a telecom giant, but as a leader in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, providing a platform to accelerate digital transformation and innovation.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), represented by Engr. Babagaba Digima, Deputy Director, New Media and Information Security Department, said: “Today marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and technological independence. The infrastructure we celebrate today embodies our collective vision of a digitally empowered Nigeria.”
Commending MTN’s leadership in digital innovation, Engr. Digima noted, “The Commission remains committed to creating an environment that supports innovation while ensuring the highest standards of cybersecurity, data protection, and robust internet infrastructure. We will continue to work closely with operators to ensure that the deployment of critical infrastructure meets the high standards our digital economy deserves.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represented by Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the State Government, said the Dabengwa Sifiso Data Centre “not only signifies MTN’s unwavering commitment to investing in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure but also reinforces the strategic importance of Lagos as a technology and innovation hub for the nation.”
“As we all know, data is the new oil, and cloud technology is the engine that drives it. With its Tier III facilities, MTN is raising the bar for secure, scalable, and efficient enterprise services, critical enablers for businesses, public services, and national as well as multinational corporations alike,” she said.
With its bold investment in infrastructure, MTN Nigeria is not only shaping the future of connectivity but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive and innovation-driven economy, one where Nigerian talent and ideas can thrive on the global stage.
Telecom
Critical Telecom Infrastructure Under Siege as Vandalism and Theft Rise – ALTON

Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has decried the alarming rate of vandalism and theft of telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
The association, in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Sir Damian Udeh, expressed deep concern over the increasing wave of sabotage in view of the disruptive impacts on network services, causing widespread connectivity blackouts and impacting millions of subscribers.
According to the group, the affected infrastructure does not totally belong to its members but to other mobile network operators (MNOs) and those who depend on them for connectivity.
It clarified: “Critical components such as power cables, rectifiers, fiber optic cables, diesel generators, batteries, and solar systems are vandalized and stolen from active sites.”
ALTON lamented that these acts of sabotage had led to prolonged downtimes, network congestion, widespread blackouts, and degradation of service quality.
The association listed the states with high frequency and intensity of attacks on telecom infrastructure as including Delta, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Lagos, Kogi, FCT, Kaduna, Niger, Osun, Kwara, and Abuja recording the highest number of
It reminded the public that telecommunications infrastructure had been classified as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) under the National Security framework and that vandalism remained a serious criminal offence with grave consequences for those engaging in the despicable acts.
ALTON, therefore, urged the public to recognize the severity of these incidents and the impact on the digital economy, security systems, national communications grid and the negative implications for national development.
It assured the public of its working tirelessly to improve the quality of service nationwide and called for urgent action by the governments, security agencies and the public to prevent the collapse of the nation’s telecommunications industry.
- News2 days ago
HCSF Describes Galaxy Backbone as a Strategic Partner in Civil Service Digitalization Reforms
- General News2 days ago
Mayor of London Commits to Deepening UK-Nigeria Ties in Tech, Creatives and Trade
- E-Financial2 days ago
PalmPay Named Among CNBC and Statista’s World Top 300 Fintech Companies 2025
- Telecom1 day ago
Operators Seek Action Over Persistent Vandalization of Telecommunications Infrastructure Across Nigeria
- E-Financial2 days ago
Fidelity Bank Champions Education in Nasarawa with CSR Project
- General News1 day ago
FirstBank Celebrates ₦1 Trillion Milestone in Instant Loans via AI-Powered Platforms
- Telecom1 day ago
MTN’s $150m Data Hub Gets Government Nod for Advancing Digital Economy
- Telecom1 day ago
Critical Telecom Infrastructure Under Siege as Vandalism and Theft Rise – ALTON