Telecom
Spectranet Vision Aligns with NCC’s Broadband Agenda- Venn
Spectranet, the first Internet Service Provider (ISP) to launch 4G LTE internet service in Nigeria, said that the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) plan to facilitate and support availability of broadband services by promoting deployment of universally available, fast and reliable network infrastructure falls in line with its value proposition in the market.
David Venn, chief executive officer of Spectranet, made the remark during an interactive session with journlaists in Lagos.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, few months after assuming office as the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC released a pointed roadmap to excite the telecommunications industry and attract fresh local and international investment to the sector of which need for broadband growth was number one.
Venn said that upon its Launch of 4G LTE in the market, Spectranet has been committed to giving our esteemed customers a world class internet experience.
He said that the service currently available across Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and Port Harcourt is geared towards providing fast, reliable and affordable broadband Internet services to homes and businesses.
The Spectranet Boss added that adequate measures are been put in place to curb incessant network congestion that has bedeviled the industry in the past, with the location of basic infrastructure to the consumers.
He sounded optimistic about the future of data/internet services market in the country following the growing innovations in the e-commerce, social media and other technological expansions.
Venn, however, urged the government to urgently reduce the foreign exchange infractions in the market to encourage more investments.
“Our journey started about a year ago, when we decided to up the game. We did some research and found that most people have not really know about the brand- Spectranet. But, twelve months later, the game has changed; people have not only heard about us, they talk and refer others to use our broadband service.
“We actually believe that the EVC of NCC Professor Umar Danbatta was right in his eight-point agenda for the industry of which broadband penetration is prioritized. We are aligning with NCC by ensuring improved quality of service, innovative products and best use of spectrum to engender economic growth. Essentially, we are empowering the customers. Therefore, we are in same sink with the Government in this regard.
“We want to shape the way businesses leverage the internet for growth through efficient pricing and deployment of infrastructure. Today, the entertainment industry, e-commerce, sports, media, online gaming, among others, have seen huge user base because of the broadband penetration.
“Our focus is to serve homes and offices, which is why when you ask “What matters to you”, as Spectranet would say, “It is broadband”.
“The internet has evolved rapidly following the advent of the video tools. For instance, on Facebook, immediately you sign-in you start viewing the video without clicking on it. Six months ago, it was not so. Netflix has entered the Nigerian market and they are going to be “bullish”, giving Satellite television or stations a run for their money. This calls for more broadband availability. Therefore, we are putting the power in the hands of the consumers through broadband provisioning to watch the videos at their convenience. There is a lot more happening now with online videos, even on YouTube, but a year ago these where not possible; Nigerians were not getting the satisfaction.
“So, recently, we have optimized our network for videos, removing the bottlenecks and offering special services like the “cash video”. We are now in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt with plans to launch in other cities in 2016; it is our year of growth.
“There is a jinx we want to break, which is starting well, but when the subscribers base increase, network congestion becomes a big issue. As professionals, we are determined to provide capacity to the subscriber with ease. Such ways is by building base stations that will be about 500 meters closer to each subscriber. At the moment we have over 300 base stations in Lagos, and where we are not able to have one at the moment we partner with IHS and others offering tower services.
“Part of the reasons we are excited about the market is that in the next two to three years, data will rule the game, because voice may be offered for free. It is already happening with the Short Message System (SMS) since the advent of WhatsApp. Some countries are trying to ban WhatsApp because the local operators are complaining, but it is something that has to be. We believe that data is the future and will be offered as a total package, where is you buy data you are guaranteed of voice and SMS free!”
On the effect of the present economic situation of the country, he said, “as a firm locally driven, they expect the Government to find lasting solutions to some economic situations like the foreign exchange”.
According to him, “If we launched when the dollar was exchanging at N160, now it is officially at N200, but not enough. How do we even pay for equipment we bought them with dollar bought at the exchange rate of N300? So, it is a situation everybody is facing and we believe in the capability of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Government to find solution to that”.
He said that with affordable plans: Easy lifestyle Connect, Family Connect or Smart Connect, Spectranet’s core values anchor on integrity, superior customer service and innovation make them the preferred brand.
Samsung Electronics plans to double this year the number of its mobile devices with “Galaxy AI” features largely powered by Google’s Gemini, its co-CEO said, which would give the U.S. firm an edge over rivals as the global race in artificial intelligence heats up.
The South Korean company, which had rolled out Gemini-backed AI features to about 400 million mobile products, including smartphones and tablets, by last year, plans to boost that figure to 800 million in 2026.
“We will apply AI to all products, all functions, and all services as quickly as possible,” T M Roh told Reuters in his first interview since becoming Samsung Electronics co-CEO in November.
The plan by the world’s largest backer of Google’s Android mobile platform is set to give a major boost to its developer Google, which is locked in a race with OpenAI and others to attract more consumer users to their AI model.
Samsung seeks to reclaim its lost crown from Apple in the smartphone market and fend off competition from Chinese rivals not only in mobile telephones, but televisions and home appliances, all overseen by Roh.
It will offer integrated AI services across consumer products to widen its lead over Apple in such features, though the latter was set to be the top smartphone maker last year, according to market researcher Counterpoint.
AI Race
Alphabet’s Google launched the latest version of Gemini in November, highlighting Gemini 3’s lead on several popular industry measures of AI model performance.
In response to Gemini 3, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly issued an internal “code red,” pausing non-core projects and redirecting teams to accelerate development. The ChatGPT maker launched its GPT-5.2 AI model a few weeks later.
Roh expects the adoption of AI to accelerate, as Samsung’s surveys on awareness of its Galaxy AI brand jumped to a level of 80% from about 30% in just one year.
“Even though the AI technology might seem a bit doubtful right now, within six months to a year, these technologies will become more widespread,” he said.
MENXTT NG, a leading technology distributor, has announced plans to bundle Bitdefender Antivirus software with all laptops sold in Nigeria starting 2026, aiming to enhance cybersecurity for consumers and businesses.
MENXTT NG
As an authorised reseller of Bitdefender, the company said the initiative would ensure devices meet global security standards right from purchase, addressing rising cyber threats in personal, educational, and corporate sectors.
Bitdefender, a globally recognised antivirus solution, offers advanced threat detection against viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, and phishing; lightweight performance without impacting device speed; multi-layered ransomware protection; safe browsing features; and certifications from independent testing bodies.
Anthony Emeka Nwosu, Co-Founder of MENXTT NG, stated: “At MENXTT NG, we pride ourselves on offering some of the best laptops, smartphones, and gadgets in the market.
“These devices power businesses, education, and daily life, and it is only right that they are properly protected. By partnering with Bitdefender, we are ensuring our customers enjoy world-class security alongside world-class devices.”
The move, according to industry analysts, positions MENXTT NG as a solutions provider in Nigeria’s tech market, bridging global best practices with local needs amid accelerating digital adoption.
MENXTT NG described the bundling as part of its strategy to deliver complete technology solutions and build customer trust.
For enquiries: +234 814 090 2614; www.menxtt.cm.ng; [email protected].
MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with ONErpm and Ultima Studios, has announced Ayodeji Benson, popularly known as Ayo Benzi, as the winner of the maiden edition of the Next Afrobeats Star reality show.
L-R: Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria; Ayodeji Benson, Winner, Next Afrobeats Star Reality Show (Season 1) and Emamoke Ogoro, General Manager, Brand and Communication, MTN Nigeria, at the grand finale of the Next Afrobeats Star Reality Show (Season 1), held at the Ultima Studios, Lekki, Lagos on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
The grand finale, held on Sunday night at Ultima Studios in Lekki, Lagos, marked the climax of a nationwide talent search that began in September with over 15,000 aspiring musicians.
After weeks of auditions, mentorship, and rigorous training, five finalists – Ayo Benzi, Dave Cash, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker, and Lucky Yay – battled for the top prize in a high-energy showcase of performance and artistry.
At the end of the electrifying contest, Ayo Benzi emerged victorious, securing a ₦150 million music deal. Dave Cash was named first runner-up with ₦100 million, while Kaeko, Somto O’Laker, and Lucky Yay received ₦75 million, ₦50 million, and ₦25 million respectively.
Throughout the season, contestants were mentored by leading Afrobeats producers Sarz, Puffy Tee, P Prime, and Andre Vibez. Benzi, who was part of Puffy Tee’s team, credited the mentorship programme for sharpening his craft and stage presence.
Speaking at the event, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and cultural expression.
“The Next Afrobeats Star platform is about creating real opportunities for young Nigerians and giving their talent the structure, visibility, and support it deserves.
“Afrobeats continues to place Nigeria on the global cultural map, and MTN is proud to be enabling the next generation of artists who will take this sound even further,” she said.
She added that the finale was not just a competition but a celebration of growth and readiness for the global stage.
In his acceptance speech, Ayo Benzi described the victory as a defining moment in his career.
“A big thank you to MTN. From the audition days, the treatment MTN has given us has been amazing. God bless the brand,” he said.
The finale also featured guest performances by Afrobeats stars Iyanya and Bella Shmurda, adding glamour to the night and reinforcing the show’s connection to the wider music ecosystem.
With the successful conclusion of the season, MTN Nigeria and its partners reaffirmed their role in championing youth ambition, supporting creative industries, and shaping the future of Nigerian music through platforms that turn potential into opportunity.
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