Telecom
Why First Generation Telecom Investors Hold Back on Colocation- ATCON

Following growing number of industry calls in favour of colocation as the panacea to overcoming infrastructure deficit among telecoms operators, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) have suggested why the first generation of investors might be foot-dragging on the approach.
According to Mr. Olusola Teniola, ATCON’s President, the appetite for infrastructure sharing is there but not without few bottlenecks.
He lamented the unavailable of enough infrastructures which has remained a recurring issue and clog on the wheels of services delivery in the industry.
Mr. Teniola who was speaking ATCON’s AGM recently, also agreed that some of the terms and conditions under colocation agreements should be reviewed, but ultimately favourable operating environment must be put in place to encourage infrastructure deployment.
“We have always said that the number of base stations are not enough for the country’s population and for the coverage needed. We have been projecting about 50,000 base stations are needed, and we have heard the Exective Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) even targeting 70,000.
“It means the numbers are improving, because as at 2012, the industry was targeting 50,000. And we are on less than 25,000 which is a far cry from the expected infrastructure. With that limited infrastructure, it is difficult to have pure co-location or infrastructure sharing regime. First, there is need for more infrastructure.
“Secondly, some of the terms and conditions should be reviewed, but that is not the ultimate issue here. The appetite for infrastructure sharing is there. For instance, if we need to operate in a certain State and there is only a functional tower/base station, what we need is to deploy more. That requires investment and invariably, forex. If you are not allowing that happen, what then are we going to share.
“There is maximum capacity we need to increase (infrastructure) sharing. Ensuring the enabling environment, allowing operators to import equipment will help address some of the issues in the industry at the moment”.
Mr. Teniola said that it makes economic sense to share infrastructure (co-locate). “In some quarters, there are questions as why telcos are not expanding as should, but our argument is that we need some balance from the Government to make this happen.
“When we look at the map of Nigeria and the tele-density, there are about 235 identified market gaps. Government, through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) is trying to close those gaps. Our members contribute to the fund too. Even in other climes, there are always issues of un-served and underserved.
“Obviously, those areas that are deemed as security risks need to be liberated for our members to deploy infrastructure for improved services. We have seen cases of not only property been destroyed but lives were lost.
“During Boko Haram era, for instance, base stations were destroyed. The operators affected may have programmes to rejuvenate the services as their access destroyed during the rampaging days of Boko Haram. They were cases of satellite been used to increase services availability in those areas. So, the operators are committed to rebuilding the base stations. So, to improve or manage the security situations, they had to recruit people from the community”, he said.
Telecom
NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

This directive was contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.
The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.
In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.
Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”
The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.
“Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.
The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.
The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.
The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.
Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.
Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”
Telecom
Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.
Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.
The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.
The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.
“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.
Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.
Telecom
GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.
The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.
GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.
These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.
More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.
As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.
Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.
E-Financial3 days agoNAICOM Targets Resilient, Global Competition Market in Insurance Sector Consolidation
News3 days agoNITDA Explores Partnership with Trust Stamp on Digital Trust and Innovation
Telecom3 days agoNCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours
E-Financial3 days agoIGP Designates Banks National Security Asset, Orders Crackdown on Cyber Frauds
General News3 days agoCybersecurity Firm Warns Against Gift Card Scams @ Saint Valentine’s Day
E-Financial3 days agoRashidat Adebisi Unveils Strategic Roadmap for Nigeria’s Insurance Sector under NIIRA 2025
Telecom3 days agoMTN Backs Bosun Tijani’s Vision for Africa’s AI Leadership
Telecom3 days agoGlobacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones












