Telecom
Telcos Claim Voicemail Does not require Regulation

Telecommunications operators in the country under the aegis of Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) have insisted that the voicemail service on mobile telephone lines does not require policy or regulatory intervention from the federal government or its agencies.

Mr Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON
ALTON assertion followed an order issued by Dr Isa Pantami, minister of Communications and Digital Economy to the telcos to deactivate voicemail services on all existing phone lines in the country.
The minister directed the sector regulator, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), to ensure that the service providers complied with the order.
The minister claimed that Mobile Network Operators were using the automatic activation of the voicemail service on their platforms to exploit Nigerians.
About two months since the directive was issued, there is no indication that the telcos complied with the order.
Mr Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON, said that the voicemail service was a “basic system feature” that did not require the intervention of the government.
“Voicemail is a value added service offered to all willing subscribers and those who do not want the service can always opt out of voicemail services.
“It is a basic system feature and not one of those services requiring policy or regulatory intervention,” he said.
While ordering the deactivation of the voicemail on mobile phone lines, Pantami had alleged that the telcos were compelling Nigerian subscribers to use the service by default.
According to him, it was worrisome and totally unacceptable that subscribers were incurring financial charges for a service they were compelled to use.
The minister had equally directed the NCC to compel the telcos to stop “illegal deduction” of subscribers’ data, and reduce the cost of data in the country.
The telcos had denied reports that they were engaging in illegal deductions, arguing that updates, downloads and some other activities on smartphones were responsible for unaccounted depletion of data.
Adebayo insisted that the telcos were not guilty of illegal deductions, as alleged by the minister.
“There are no such things as illegal deduction by any operator,” he said.
In response to the order to slash the cost of data, the telcos had argued that the price of data was determined by market forces, including cost of operations.
Asked whether the NCC had asked the operators to reduce the cost of data, Adebayo said, “There are regulatory procedures and framework for price variation and we will continue to comply will all such provisions as may be directed by the NCC, our regulator, from time to time.”
Adebayo, in the same vein, outlined the telcos’ demands on the Federal Government in the New Year.
Top on the list of demands was the classification of telecommunications infrastructure as critical national infrastructure, a development which would ensure that the facilities are protected by the government as national assets.
“We want the government to classify telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure and accord telecom cell sites, fibre optics cables and all supporting infrastructure the same level of protection being provided for critical economy infrastructure such as the oil pipelines and railway tracks,” Adebayo said.
Pantami had recently disclosed that the government was working on an Executive Order which would designate telecoms infrastructure as CNI.
Other issues ALTON is asking the Federal Government to resolve include “multiple taxation and multiple regulation” of telecom services.
ALTON had called for the amendment of Tax Order of 2015 to reduce multiple taxation.
Apart from the statutory taxes levied on operators, telcos pay Annual Operating Levy of certain percentage of earnings to the NCC and are also charged various rates by some other agencies of the federal, state and local governments.
“Illegal closure of telecom sites in the name of tax and revenue collection is an aberration that must be met with severe sanctions,” Adebayo added.
The ALTON chairman urged the communications minister, ensure that all the stakeholders in the sector work together to move the industry forward.
Telecom
Stakeholders to Brainstorm on Implementation of CNII Bill & Sustainability @ALTON/NITRA Forum

As the telecom industry grapples with the challenge of how to secure its infrastructure and ensure that investments in the telecoms space are protected, following the recent Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) status granted it by the Federal Government, the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) has called for an all-stakeholder approach.
NITRA, the umbrella Association for technology reporters in Nigeria, in a statement announcing a joint-industry forum, being organized in collaboration with the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), noted that mere declaration of the CNII order cannot solely guarantee infrastructure safety except certain internal and standardisation issues are first resolved by operators, further disclosed that the forum will bring stakeholders together to address pertinent issues and questions begging for answers.
Scheduled to hold at CitiHeight Hotel, Ikeja on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, the event, tagged “Industry Sustainability And CNII Conference 2025 – Way Forward” will gather stakeholders to discuss the practical way forward, noting that passage of the Bill along will not achieve desired results.
According to the organisers, questions that stakeholders will provide answers to at the event include:
Ø How do we ensure that this law is implemented to the letter?
Ø Are there areas worth looking into once more, or is the Bill perfect as it is?
Ø What are the roles of each stakeholder in the industry – Federal, States, Operators, Consumers, and other actors?
Ø Are individual telecom companies and service providers keying into the CNNI provisions, and how?
Ø What are the roles of regulators in ensuring public compliance to the Bill?
Ø How do we ensure security?
Ø What is the place of collaboration?
Ø Publicity: how much of the CNII provisions are the public aware of?
Ø How can we sustain the growth and development of telecommunications in Nigeria?
The Panel Discussion sessions will look into some of the questions arising from industry sustainability and CNII implementation.
Expected at the event are the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, network operators, security agencies, regulators, the media, infrastructure companies and decision makers in private and public firms, among other guests.
According to a statement from NITRA, “It is a known fact that the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) is crucial to the survivability of a nation, and that the destruction or disruption of these systems and communication networks would significantly affect the economic strength, image, defense and security, government capabilities to function, and public health and safety.”
Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, had in a forum stressed the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and tech-upgraded installation to prevent vandalism and theft.
He highlighted the widespread issue of stolen manhole covers, fibre cables and poles; community resistance to infrastructure projects; unauthorised installation of infrastructure without government approval; malicious destruction of telecom infrastructure; among other challenges to be curbed.
Chairman of NITRA, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, spoke of the importance of the Industry Sustainability and CNII Conference, noting that industry stakeholders need to come around a table to broker an understanding on how to secure telecom infrastructure, standing on FG’s proclamation of CNII.
He noted that with the CNII Bill in place, stakeholders will have to formulate measures to take to implement the provisions of the Bill and enforce compliance. These he disclosed, will be the outcome of the forum to be held in Lagos.
According to the General Secretary of NITRA, Mr. Chidiebere Nwankwo, the forum, which will have other industry Associations also make their inputs, will afford the public opportunity to share their thoughts, especially as it regards the security of infrastructure in their localities.
Telecom
Starlink Resumes Customer Activations Across Nigeria

Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has restarted fresh activations for Nigerian customers, following months of regulatory suspension and subsequent infrastructure upgrades.
The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) had halted new residential orders in November 2024 pending regulatory approvals, leaving thousands of potential users unable to complete purchases and onboarding.
According to a statement, the company has now expanded its network capacity and resumed full activation services, particularly targeting high-demand zones such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
“This is a significant stride towards bridging the digital divide and revolutionising connectivity across the nation,” a leading internet service provider said in an official communication to Saturday PUNCH.
In support of the rollout, Konga—Starlink’s largest authorised distributor in Nigeria—announced that it is offering free nationwide delivery of Starlink kits. Customers can order online or walk into any retail outlet in key cities including Asaba, Owerri, Uyo, Warri, Ibadan, and Kano.
Industry analysts say the resumption of Starlink activations is a boost to Nigeria’s efforts in expanding access to fast, stable internet—especially in areas where traditional infrastructure is either unreliable or unavailable.
The upgraded system is expected to deliver enhanced bandwidth, improved speeds, and greater reliability for residential and commercial users, further supporting remote work, e-learning, and digital innovation across the country.
Telecom
V-Malaysia 2025: QNET Strengthens Global Network with Landmark 5-Day Event

QNET, leading global wellness and lifestyle direct-selling company, has successfully concluded V-Malaysia 2025, its flagship annual convention, at the Penang SPICE Convention Centre in Malaysia. Held from 21–25 June, the five-day event drew over 8,000 participants from more than 30 countries, including Nigeria, reinforcing the company’s global reach and strong foothold in the African market.
For over a decade, QNET has chosen Penang as the destination for this transformative event, which blends business networking, entrepreneurial development, and immersive personal growth experiences.
The 2025 edition underscores the continued collaboration between QNET, its event partner V Global Management (The V), Tourism Malaysia, the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), and its state-level affiliate, Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).
In Nigeria, QNET has steadily gained recognition as a key player in the direct selling and wellness space, empowering thousands of Nigerians with entrepreneurial opportunities, health-conscious products, and financial education.
Through its innovative business model, QNET has fostered a growing community of independent distributors across states like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Events such as V-Malaysia provide distributors a platform to connect with the global QNET network, learn from top leaders, and gain exposure to cutting-edge tools and products that can be leveraged in their local businesses.
V-Malaysia has evolved into a premier platform for business networking, entrepreneurial development, and cross-cultural collaboration. The synergy between QNET and The V — an internationally recognised organisation specialising in large-scale training and events has been pivotal in building the convention’s global draw.
YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACH), emphasised the regional impact of V-Malaysia: “Penang’s vibrant tourism and business events ecosystem continues to attract top-tier events like QNET’s V-Malaysia.
In 2024 alone, Penang recorded an estimated RM1.29 billion in economic impact from such events – a testament to their significance. QNET’s long-term commitment brings not only economic value but also strengthens Penang’s global reputation.”
Trevor Kuna, Chief Marketing Officer of QNET, added: “For QNET, Penang is more than just a venue; it’s a home for inspiration, collaboration, and transformation.
“Our strong base in Nigeria and across Africa makes this event especially meaningful, as we bring together entrepreneurs from across the continent to share ideas and build cross-border relationships that accelerate personal and economic growth.”
The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), a government agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and parent body of PCEB, plays a pivotal role in Malaysia’s business events ecosystem. In 2023 alone, MyCEB facilitated 248 business events, brought in over 180,700 international delegates, and generated about RM 2.8 billion in economic impact.
For V-Malaysia 2025, MyCEB’s expertise in destination marketing, strategic facilitation, and coordination between federal and state levels (through PCEB) has been instrumental in elevating Penang’s standing as a premier MICE hub.
Complementing this effort is Tourism Malaysia, whose targeted incentives and logistical backing helped deliver V-Malaysia 2025 as a high-impact global event. Their support underscores the government’s broader commitment to positioning Malaysia as a top-tier host for international conferences and high-impact corporate events.
As part of the event’s activities, QNET also unveiled new wellness innovations, including Harmoniq, a bio-signaling patch designed to enhance energy and well-being, and QWIK, a line of oral health and nutrition strips — products set to expand into markets like Nigeria in the coming year.
V-Malaysia 2025 is not just a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship; it is a dynamic platform that exemplifies how global vision and local action, especially across Africa, can reshape the future of direct selling. For more information about V-Malaysia 2025, please visit QNET’s official website.
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