Telecom

Preparing for Expected Broadband Revolution

Published

16 years ago

July 6, 2010

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The growth in telecommunications sector of the country is expected to move from growth level to development where service providers are to consolidate on improved quality of service. Presently, over 80 percent of telephone and internet access in the country are through mobile communications facilitated by satellite and microwave technology. It has been observed by telecom experts that quality of service delivered by operators using the above mentioned technology is affected by atmospheric condition making the technology not suitable for reliable service delivery compared to optic fiber also known as terrestrial infrastructures.
A fibre optic cable is made from a glass or plastic core that carries light surrounded by glass cladding that (due to its lower refractive index) reflects “escaping” light back into the core, resulting in the light being guided along the fibre.
The greatest improvement in access to telephones has had positive impact in virtually all facets of life, including political, social and economic activities, thus resulting in an exponential growth in the subscriber lines due to the widespread of networks across the country.
Currently, the growth and potential earnings accruable from telecommunication services in Nigeria economy is comparable to other markets in the world, and the current rate of network growth across the country is impressive. Quite a number of global technology corporations are extending their operations to Nigeria with a multiplier effect on the economy and international trade between us and other countries of the world and in particular the West African sub region. The result of this is more competitive market environment and high potential for wired line network service providers.
However, it is encouraging to note that despite the current rapid development of telecommunications in Nigeria, there is still a great opportunity for further development as Nigeria being the most popular country in Africa, has an estimated addressable telecommunications market of 120 million subscriber lines, and in view of our landscape, the country remains major market for long distance network operators due to increasing demand for multi service, such as voice, data, broadband internet service, rural telephony access and unified service which provides a biggest prospect for wired line service providers.
Some telecom analysts have argued that due to the mobile nature of Nigerians, and as the demand for mobile services continues to grow, that there will be no room for wired line operators. Experience has shown that in order for predominantly mobile operators to improve on their quality of service they must invest in fibre optic backbone, and in order for them to capture multi service segment of the market, they must invest in last mile terrestrial copper infrastructure: there are two ways around this, one is to begin massive investment in this regard, or to invest and or acquire small and medium sized wired line local loop operators.
As the telecommunications industry evolves, it provides increasing opportunity for wired line networks, as operators are challenged to ensure that every city, towns, villages, hamlets, rivers and creeks in Nigeria are covered with multi services: voice, data, video and broadband internet.
Particularly in the new license regime holders are allowed to provide more than one service under the same license.

Preparing to Move forward
The absence of terrestrial infrastructure in the telecommunications industry is being felt in all service deliveries especially as the industry will soon witness an unprecedented capacity with the landing of two undersea cable Glo 1 which landed last year and MainOne expected to land in few weeks. For instance, in direct-to-home satellite television broadcasting it is a common occurrence for service to be disrupted each time it rains. More so, the hope of offering a broadband internet service cannot be realized with a fibre optic infrastructure. Its absence is responsible for narrow band service rendered in the sector.
It is against this backdrop that telecommunications giant Globacom began its fibre optic ring project across the country. So far, it has completed Abuja to Kano, Minna, Enugu, Owerri among others, even as work on other parts of the country is still ongoing.
Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (Nitel) has fibre optic ring that is not being used probably because it has not found its bearing in the industry with controversies in its privatization process, which resulted in the company’s refusal to lease out the infrastructure to other operators that requested for it to enhance their service delivery to last mile.
This however led to them embarking on similar project. Today, MTN in order to meet the fast growing high- capacity transport and connectivity needs has completed a world-class quality Metropolitan Area Fibre Networks in Ibadan, Kano, Warri and Aba. The implementation supports the rolling out 3G services. This is in addition to 3,885km of fibre optic backbone networks popularly referred to as “Blaze” network. Blaze was implemented in four phase namely: Phase 1&2: Southern and South Eastern rings with a total span of 2,422km Phase 3: Northern ring with a total span of 1,116km Phase 4: Niger Delta (completed in October 2007) with a total span of 347km.
Zain Nigeria is also expected to complete its fibre optic project that spans over 4,000km. All these are geared towards high data rate and wide bandwidth.
Projects of this sort are required by operators to deliver last mile services that are going to be available when the undersea cable infrastructure begins to sale bandwidth to operators at a cheaper cost which is the expected broadband revolution.
Going forward, there will be no longer any difference between mobile service providers or private telephone network operators (PTO) and fixed wireless operators as the technology barrier is removed with the unification of licenses, which in turn is an opportunity for hitherto mobile only operators to harness their network resources and offer bundled application.
However, there is the high risk that smaller ‘legacy’ operators with limited local loop coverage may not have a place in the market, as the bigger players begin to offer services which were mainly offered by smaller local loop operators which is now happening.
In essence, Nigeria will begin to see emergence of mega telecommunication operators that would offer unlimited services to their subscribers, with massive expansion of their network, and enormous benefit for their existing market goodwill, and a significant increase in the demand for multi-service.
A significant impact of this opportunity for the market is to streamline end-of-line service delivery to consumers.
Unification of licenses has finally resulted in genuine unification of services with providers offering attractive discount deals to end-users which will soon be the order of the day in no distant time in telecom landscape.
The market will begin to offer bundled services, as costs are driven down, the competition between wireless and wired line services would continue to grow.
The power of service bundling is becoming manifest, as the market grows and it offers major prospects for wired line service providers.
What this combination means is that the next few years may see wireless ‘only’ providers emerging as largely long distance wholesale carrier providers, and landline telecom companies would remain largely as retail terrestrial and local loop entities.
In many cases, wireless carriers are saddled with high cost of frequency and bandwidth channels, as such ability to offer consumer friendly rates for multi-service at high quality.
Mr. Gbeng Adebayo, Chief Executive Officer, Communications Network Support Services, said wired line Telcos have introduced very proficient retails rates in the market. “The cost per new customer for a typical wired line subscriber is relatively low and with excellent quality of service. In addition, wired line operators are able to offer multi-service such as broadband internet, high speed data communication and video communication at a very affordable rate without compromise on quality of services,” he said.
Most importantly, because of the fixing nature of infrastructure, the wire line Telco has an ongoing long term relationship with their customers; therefore their customer loyalty is much higher than that of mobile operators.
Market research has shown that in the urban areas, a large number of residential consumers have a higher retention of their fixed lines which offers value added services such as the internet and data connection than their mobile lines.
The Internet today is the largest single network in the world and it will continue to remain for a long time to come as well as a major source of income for wired line operators as the mobile operators continue to battle with high bandwidth charges.
The challenges for wired network operators in Nigeria range from the difficulty in infrastructure deployment multiplicity of right of way approval processes, non willingness of operators to co share underground ducts and exchange of dark fibre, as well as willful and unwilful damage to cable network infrastructure.
However, the major advantage lies in the size of the market, the need to grow the national fibre optic transmission backbone and the increasing demand for bundled multi-service: voice, data communications and broadband internet services which today can be delivered at affordable rates and best quality by fixed network operators.
As the industry prepares for broadband revolution orchestrated by both developments in the sector which is moving away from voice services to value added as will as the expected availability of the much needed bandwidth capacity stakeholders in the industry should collectively address issues relating to making broadband services available to end users.

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Telecom

ntel Plays Down Calls and Data Services, Moves to BET Agenda

Published

23 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Ebere Melum-Nwogbo

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ntel, has officially moved away from its traditional voice and data business, unveiling a major transformation that will see it focus on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and technology-driven services.

ntel Plays Down Calls and Data Services, Moves to BET Agenda

As part of the consolidation process, ntel unveiled The Next Frontier, a transformation agenda planned to see the firm transform into an integrated digital infrastructure, connectivity and real estate enterprise.

Its new focus is a now BET Agenda – anchored on three growth pillars, Beam, Eden, and Titan and the drivers said that the strategy reflected ntel’s commitment to creating new opportunities through technology innovation, infrastructure development, and strategic asset optimisation.

The launch comes as ntel continues its journey towards regaining spectrum assets, while actively leveraging strategic partnerships to redefine innovation in the telecommunications industry and unlock new pathways for growth.

Built on the company’s BET Agenda – anchored on three growth pillars, Beam, Eden, and Titan – the strategy reflected ntel’s commitment to creating new opportunities through technology innovation, infrastructure development, and strategic asset optimisation.

The company also showcased a portfolio of initiatives designed to strengthen its position as a future-focused infrastructure platform.

Under Beam, ntel announced the launch of WakaGo, a global e-SIM solution that delivers seamless connectivity for international travellers, alongside AirFibre, a high-speed fixed wireless broadband service designed to provide reliable internet access for businesses.

Under Titan, the company highlighted its growing infrastructure business focused on tower development, fibre connectivity, duct infrastructure, colocation services, and infrastructure sharing solutions that enable operators, enterprises, and technology providers to expand efficiently and sustainably.

A major highlight of the launch was Eden, ntel’s real estate development platform, which is transforming NatCom’s extensive property portfolio into high-value commercial and residential developments.

To further push its transformation, the company unveiled three flagship projects. They are Eden Place, a premium multi-storey commercial development in Lagos’ prime business district.

There is also Nova Place, a modern commercial development strategically located within Port Harcourt’s growing technology and business hub.

Terenna Court, a premium multi-storey residential apartment development in Abuja.

Together, these projects demonstrate ntel’s ambition to unlock the full potential of its real estate assets through strategic partnerships, innovative design, and long-term value creation.

Speaking at the unveiling of The Next Frontier, Soji Maurice-Diya, managing director/chief executive officer, NatCom Development and Investment Limited (trading as ntel), described the initiative as far more than a business transformation strategy.

According to him, it represents the company’s commitment to building an integrated ecosystem that connects people, empowers businesses, drives digital inclusion, and creates sustainable economic value for Nigeria.

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Telecom

Airtel Delivers Free Employability Training to Young Nigerians @ World Youth Skills Day

Published

23 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Nigeria’s future workforce with a high-impact virtual masterclass designed to equip young people with the practical skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

The Initiative, held to commemorate World Youth Skills Day 2026, themed “Skills for a Shared Future – The NextGen Advantage,” presented a platform on which experienced Airtel professionals provided mentorship and coaching to undergraduates, interns, and recent graduates for the current realities of formal work environments.

Organised on the auspices of the Airtel Employee Volunteer Programme (EVP), by which staff donate their time and expertise towards social programmes, the 90-minute virtual masterclass, which was attended by over 400 undergraduates and young professionals, extended the reach of the Foundation’s education and youth development programmes.

Speaking on the initiative, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said investing in young people remains one of the most impactful ways to build Nigeria’s future economy.

He said, “The future of work is changing faster than ever before, and success will increasingly belong to those who are equipped with the right skills, the right mindset, and the confidence to adapt. As an organisation, we believe that empowering young people with practical digital and professional capabilities is an investment in Nigeria’s future competitiveness.

Through our Employee Volunteer Programme, our people are sharing not just knowledge, but real industry experience to help shape careers, unlock opportunities, and prepare the next generation to lead in a digital world.”

Unlike traditional career seminars, the masterclass adopted an interactive learning model that offered participants the option to select specialised breakout sessions aligned with personal interests and career aspirations.

In his keynote remarks titled The Next Gen Advantage, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, noted that the future will be shaped by the skills to transform great ideas into impactful solutions.

He summed up the pathway to a future-ready career into five actions, namely learning continuously, solving problems, building a digital reputation, embracing Artificial Intelligence, and developing human skills.

“Technical knowledge remains important, but employers today are equally looking for adaptability, collaboration, communication, digital confidence, and the ability to learn continuously,” he said.

In the first general session titled Your Network is Your Net Worth, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias, Director, Human Resources and Administration, Airtel Nigeria, charged attendees to build character. The second general session themed Your Money, Your Future, delivered tips on budgeting and financial discipline was facilitated by Olakunbi Osigbesan, Head, Treasure, Smartcash PSB.

Following the general sessions were five breakout rooms, in which attendees were offered curated guides designed to develop contemporary workplace competencies.

The first session, Digital Transformation and Growth, led by Oyebowale Akideinde, General Manager, Digital and Innovation, Airtel Nigeria, presented a mechanism to leverage digital platforms for visibility and opportunity creation.

The CV Clinic and Interview Masterclass, which was led by Chidera Okoye, HR Outsourcing Lead, Airtel Nigeria, discussed practical recruitment strategies, including applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly CVs, and the STAR interview framework.

A third session on Communication and Personal Branding, delivered by Sam Adeoye, Head, Public Relations, Airtel Nigeria, focused on value presentation, executive communication, and earned visibility, built on “V.I.R.A.L.”, a mnemonic device created for the attendees by the facilitator.

The programme also featured a dedicated session titled AI as Your Superpower, presented by Ezenwa Agbanusi, IT Governance Executive at Airtel Nigeria, in which participants discussed prompt engineering and AI-powered tools for enhanced learning, creativity, and workplace performance.

Corporate Social Responsibility Lead at Airtel Nigeria, Victoria Ndu, led the fifth breakout room on Emotional Intelligence, with a guide on building a high emotional intelligence quotient (EQ) for improved workplace and business performance.

By connecting future professionals directly with industry experts, the company continues to support the development of a workforce equipped to participate meaningfully in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy and contribute to shared prosperity.

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Telecom

Uber Agrees €12.7bn Takeover of Delivery Hero in Global Food Delivery Deal

Published

23 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Ugo Onwuaso

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U.S. ride-hailing giant Uber has agreed to acquire German food delivery company Delivery Hero in a deal valued at €12.7 billion ($14.6 billion), marking one of the largest transactions in the global food delivery industry.

Uber

The companies announced the agreement on Thursday, with Uber offering €41.50 per share for Delivery Hero, a Berlin-based company that has grown into one of the world’s largest online food delivery platforms.

Despite the announcement, Delivery Hero’s shares declined by 0.5 per cent in Frankfurt trading to €37.90.

Founded in 2011, Delivery Hero operates in more than 60 markets across Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

The company has expanded beyond traditional restaurant delivery services into quick commerce, providing rapid delivery of groceries and other consumer goods.

Under the agreement, Uber will acquire Delivery Hero’s operations in 50 markets globally.

As part of the transaction, U.S.-based investment firm SSW Partners will acquire Delivery Hero’s businesses in 14 additional markets where the German company and Uber currently compete. The transaction is valued at approximately €1.4 billion.

Delivery Hero Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, Niklas Östberg, said the partnership would strengthen the company’s long-term growth by combining its local market expertise with Uber’s global technology and delivery platform.

“Uber’s global mobility and delivery platform and our shared commitment to innovation make this the right partnership to build on Delivery Hero’s strengths in local food delivery and quick commerce,” Östberg said.

Uber Chief Executive Officer, Dara Khosrowshahi, said the acquisition would expand the company’s delivery operations while creating new opportunities for merchants, consumers and delivery workers.

“A merger would extend affordable, reliable delivery to many millions more people in some of the world’s most dynamic economies, while creating more opportunities for merchants and couriers,” he said.

Delivery Hero’s management has unanimously recommended that shareholders approve the offer.

The companies said the transaction remains subject to shareholder approval and regulatory approvals, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

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