Telecom
‘Right of Way’ Issues Frustrate Broadband Penetration
Stakeholders in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector have listed several obstacles frustrating broadband penetration in the country and chief among them is the difficulties in obtaining ‘right of way’ required for infrastructure deployment.
Because of the challenges; bandwidth a major ingredient for telecommunications service delivery especially for data and video has been elusive to Nigerians due to high cost.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the umbrella body of operators in the telecom space, said that granting multiple operational licenses to operators to provide metro and national fibre infrastructure does not guarantee investment in that regard, but implementation of well articulated policies that will encourage operators to invest their money.
He said government must go beyond granting of licenses to eliminating those barriers such as bottlenecks in securing ‘right of way’, impediments to smooth network operations- where operators are forced to pay levies that are not legalized, and vandalisation.
Adebayo, explained that broadband services are anchored on availability of bandwidth, and that with excess capacity of it at our shore, investment need to be encouraged to distribute this capacity to various geographical areas of the country for broadband revolution to be experienced as is the case with voice service.
He added that operators that secured licenses to roll out broadband services with big money are yet to invest in provision of infrastructure because of clumsy process of securing ‘right of way’ from various government agencies.
‘Right of way’ is a legal instrument allowing operators to deploy infrastructure on federal or state roads at a fee.
He added that unless these barriers are addressed it may be difficult for operators to invest in infrastructure that will enable provision of broadband.
Mohammed Rudman, managing director, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, said operators face difficulty in obtaining a ‘Right of Way’ permit.
Rudman said that right of way which is a government permit to dig and lay fibre infrastructure for transmission of bandwidth and likes is too expensive.
He explained the current variations in the cost of bandwidth in the country as where the commodity lands at the country’s shore for $150 per megabyte base on 155Mbps while the undersea cable operators sell to Tier 2 operators who are telcos and ISP at $300 who in turn sell to distributors for between $1000 and $2000 per megabyte.
According to him, broadband is still at rooftops because of frequent fibre cuts due to sabotage and other projects such as road construction.
Telecom
MoMo PSB, LSSBI Advisory Partner for Seamless Tax Payments
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.
Read Also: MTN Nigeria takes full control of MoMo bank for $4.6m
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.
Telecom
Glo Introduces Instalment Payment Scheme for Purchase of Smartphones
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.
Telecom
Here’s Your Last Chance to Secure Discounted Starlink Kits @ Konga
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.
Read Also: Konga Announces Starlink Week: An Opportunity To Own High Speed Internet Kit
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.
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