Telecom
Zain Nigeria Slashes Roaming Charges for Hajj Pilgrims
Mobile telecommunications giant, Zain Nigeria has slashed roaming tariff for its customers who are traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Holy pilgrimage in Mecca.
Unlike the usual roaming service where customers are billed for receiving calls, under this special package, Zain customers in Saudi Arabia will not be charged for receiving calls and they will have the rare opportunity to make local calls in Saudi Arabia at local rates just as they will be charged normal rates for sending SMS (Short Message Service). Also, the tariff for calls from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria has been heavily discounted.
This exciting offer is made possible by the Zain’s revolutionary package, One Network, the world’s first borderless mobile service enabling customers when abroad to receive calls and text messages without roaming charges and to make voice and data calls at local rates throughout 24 countries in Africa and the Middle East.
Speaking on the offer, Mostafa Younes, Zain Nigeria’s marketing director, said several Nigerians traveling to Saudi Arabia will be able to stay in touch with friends, business associates and family members without going through the rigours of applying for roaming activation.
According to Younes, with the One Network service, our customers do not need to change their SIM card or purchase another line when they travel to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage. They will be able to make and receive calls; send and receive SMS and browse the internet at local Saudi rates and recharge with local Zain recharge cards available widely in Saudi Arabia.
“We are happy that our customers can stay in touch with their family, friends and business associates in several places across the globe including Saudi Arabia. Customers do not have to make any deposit with the company before they can use the service. Indeed, access to the service is hassle-free as the customer does not have to pay registration fees, complete registration forms or have their SIM card specially provisioned before access to the service can be granted,” he said.
The service he said is unique in several ways. “It allows all customers the access to use their local numbers while traveling out of Nigeria. It also offers customers the opportunity to be connected to the Zain Network while abroad without any hassle.”
On how the service works, Younes explained that on arriving Saudi Arabia, a Zain Nigeria customer is expected to switch on his phone, wait for phone to search available Networks and the Zain Saudi Arabia Network will appear as Zain SA or KSA 04 or 420 04. Customers, at this point, are expected to select the network and start making and receiving calls.
He added that aside the automatic selection of Zain Network in Saudi Arabia, customers can actually perform a manual selection. To do this, a Zain user will need to go to settings; select the Phone option, choose the Network Option, select Choose Manual and wait for phone to search available Networks and Zain Saudi Arabia will appear as Zain SA or KSA 04 or 420 04.
On tariff, he explained that customers will not be charged for incoming calls, hinting that local calls will be billed at N21.85k while SMS (local) will be charged at N9.93k and SMS (International) will cost N19.87K. Calls to Nigeria from Saudi Arabia will cost only N178.79k which is 50% lower than the prevailing call rates to Nigeria.
Customers can recharge or top up their lines before traveling to Saudi Arabia or refill their lines while in Saudi Arabia, with Zain Saudi recharge cards.
To recharge using Zain Saudi Arabia recharge cards, customers are required to dial 138*, the recharge Pin and press send while the normal *126* recharge pin # will be used when loading a Zain Nigeria recharge card.
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.
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