NCC out with rural penetration strategy for internet services

Ben Uzor Jr

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is developing a new fibre infrastructure development strategy that would see internet penetration shoot up to over 40 percent by 2015, informed sources close to the telecoms regulator told Business Day yesterday. The aim is to spread the benefits of the growing number of submarine cable systems on the country’s coastline by ensuring that more rural communities and remote areas have reliable access to reasonably priced broadband internet services.

Prior to this proposed initiative, the NCC has issued subsidies for companies and organisations to build fibre and broadband infrastructure with little or no impact in terms of deepening internet penetration. Besides, available statistics reveal that Nigeria currently has 16 million internet users. BusinessDay is reliably informed that the new infrastructure deployment plan which is based on an open access model would complement emerging cable initiatives by pushing available bandwidth capacity to the hinterland.

The ‘open access model’ is a framework for infrastructure sharing where fibre optic cable carriers share the infrastructure used in the deployment of their fibre cables. But more importantly, this model, informed sources said would be strategically designed to bridge the gaps in broadband deployment through central deployment to mid and small sized telecoms operators at subsidized pricing, thus, providing services to operators on a non-discriminatory basis.

Eugene Juwah, executive vice chairman, NCC, who spoke at broadband forum organised by e-Business Life Magazine in Lagos yesterday, said that the model would eliminate the monopoly of big companies, who fix very high prices, providing opportunity for small firms to also have access at the same price as their bigger competitor. Juwah, who was ably represented by Sylvanus Ehikioya, director, new media, NCC, noted that it would provide very light regulation in terms of access and fees to be paid.

He added: “Our strategy is to go into partnership with either state governments or local government areas, which ever authority that owns the right- of- way in that particular area, in conjunction with a technology solution provider, and together, we are going to build an infrastructure. The way we structure it is that, the technology solution provider provides funding and technology. “The state or local government provides the equity through provision of the right of way and NCC comes as a development arm of government. We are not there to make money but to subsidise and augment what the solution provider is doing. In doing so, the primary infrastructure will be build on a community based network.

For example, in an area like Apapa, we will build a number of infrastructures, in Lekki, we build one but all of them will be interconnected. This particular infrastructure will be run by licensed infrastructure providers. They are not GSM operators and when we license them to run these infrastructures; we make sure that all the service providers in the telecom sector will have access to the infrastructures on an equal basis”, the NCC EVC stated.

Amos Patrick, an industry analyst who spoke with Business Day yesterday said that the move by the NCC was indeed commendable, further adding that the immense bandwidth capacity emanating from these underwater fibre-optic cables will remain under-utilised and only serve the coastal areas, if the federal government does not encourage investment in the area of constructing national fibre and cross-border transmission backbone infrastructure.

“I believe that we need to encourage more investment in the deployment of broadband infrastructure and that would include deployment of in-land fibre networks such that it criss-crosses the length and breath of the country. This will enable majority of the Nigerian populace enjoy the full benefits of the cables coming into the country. The move by the regulator is very commendable but proper implementation of this strategy is important, if we intend to improve our internet penetration rate.”

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Hey peeps, I got tablet fever!

It’s really amazing that the tablet revolution sweeping across Europe and America is finally here in Nigeria. Trust Nija now, we no dey carry last! Excuse my language, I got carried away a little bit….Okay, back to the day’s business. After taking the world by storm and dethroning the netbook as the hottest technology device, the tablet computer now enjoys widespread use. Moreover, there are people who consider it to be the next best innovation after wine and cheese and then there are others who think of it as a frivolous waste of technology. Oopsy, did I say wine and cheese? Oh please, I am trying so hard to sound sophisticated. Perhaps, boli and epa (Roasted Plantain and groundnut) will do.

Well, that’s on a lighter note. I remember few years ago, when tiny and thin phones like the Motorola RAZR came out and became hugely popular. I felt like the forthcoming trend in cell phones was: the smaller the better. I saw movies that made fun of the tiny phones and figured that this was just the way the industry would go. I was completely wrong. Who would’ve thought that the mobile phones would just get bigger and bigger, and that we would love it that way? The year 2010, the end of a rather challenging decade saw the world’s introduction to mainstream tablet devices. They’ve been around before, but were executed poorly and nobody wanted them. But now it’s becoming a part of everyday living, and everyone who buys one seem to get addicted.

That means this obsession with tablets that started with the iPad isn’t going to stop anytime soon. It’s going to keep growing. But more importantly, other non- tablets manufacturers like Research in Motion (RIM), Motorola, and Hewlett Packard (HP) are rushing to launch their own versions. Every one is looking to get a piece of tablet PC market. Apple's iPad is however seen as a forerunner for a mass market of tablet PCs, which are lighter than netbooks and use touchscreen technology. Back home, telecommunications companies (telcos) are more than ever determined to generate revenue from the data segment of Nigeria’s highly competitive telecoms market due to steep declines in voice revenues.

What we see currently in the market are telcos going into strategic alliances with computer and tablet manufacturers to offer tablets PCs/laptops with mobile broadband connections to their teeming subscribers. The market is already agog with the new product offering in the tablet/PC space which industry watchers strongly believe would assist the country improve its digital index. Initially, it was ‘the Etisalat and Samsung connection’ but more recently MTN ‘wowed’ Nigerians again with the new Apple iPad offering …. Earlier in February, LG Electronics released the first 3D (Three Dimensional) tablet PC. Who knows? There might be another Telco, tablet PC manufacturers alliance in the making. Let’s look at some innovative tablet PC offerings in the market today.

MTN+iPad: A union made in heaven….

A perfect match, you would agree…. You favourite network is here again with an innovative solution that not only offers a unique computing experience but has the potential to challenge the primacy of the laptop. Apple has the potential to change portable computing profoundly, and to challenge the primacy of the laptop. Tech enthusiasts say it could even assist, eventually, to propel the finger-driven, multitouch user interface ahead of the mouse-driven interface that has prevailed for decades.

Enough of the techy stuff peeps; let’s get down to the real reason why we are here. What make the MTN/iPad union thick? You see, with the MTN 3.5G service, you can indeed enjoy the full strength of the iPad. Through the MTN 3.5G service, users can take full advantage of the powerful technology built into the iPad. You can connect to the web at unmatched speeds. Because MTN 3G network can power the latest web video and audio, you can enjoy the rich multimedia experience you expect from the internet.

With iPad, navigating the web has never been easier or more intuitive, because you use the most natural pointing device there is: your finger. Scroll through a page just by flicking up or down on the screen. Double-tap a section on a page to enlarge or shrink it. Or pinch to zoom in or out.

When you touch and hold a link, Safari shows you the URL so you know before you go. There’s also a handy thumbnail view that shows all your open pages in a grid, so you can quickly move from one page to the next. For N157, 000 and N141, 000, customers can get the 32G and 16G version of the iPad respectively. This offer is open to existing and new MTN Prepaid Customers only.

Etisalat/Samsung Galaxy Tab, experience the difference!

How would you like a device that opens up a world of new possibilities making you work smarter and your life delightfully easy? This is what the Samsung Galaxy Tab/ Etisalat bundle offer is giving you ….the opportunity to explore more virtual possibilities. Business or pleasure, the Samsung Galaxy Tab/ Etisalat bundle offer provides the upwardly mobile and dynamic business executive a rich data experience.

Samsung Galaxy Tab, the Android powered tablet computer is a beautiful device with a 7-inch display and thin lightweight design combined with premium content and functioning tools that deliver total effectiveness. It is truly a mobile tablet that is as comfortable to carry around in meetings as it is to use while relaxing on the couch at home. It is a perfect device for working smarter, watching movies, reading e-books, catching up on your favorite TV shows or even chatting with old friends. Plus, the Tab is sleek and appropriately sized that it would fit easily into jacket or trouser pockets.

The Galaxy Tab is bundled with a free Etisalat SIM card that comes with:
• Free monthly voice [25 minutes], Text [25 SMS] and data [250MB] bundles for a 12-month duration. The bundle is awarded on the first day of every month for 12 months beginning from the day of activation. This way, you get the feeling of availability of free services every month for 1 year.
• Free platinum 0809 special number
• Access to installmental payments and consumer loans (terms and conditions apply)

To order yours, visit any Etisalat Experience Centre or Samsung Brand Shop nearest to you or call us on 08090000200.

Starcomms MyPad: Make way for the King

The Starcomms MyPad is the first Android based tablet to be introduced into the Nigerian market by a CDMA operator. The MyPad is an innovatively designed as a high-end tablet/data device, the stylish hi-tech device is technologically crafted to support multiple and up to date data functionalities that helps the user maintain his /her high social profile, adding that besides being powered by a 2.1 Android operating system that gives the best of processing speed, the Starcomms MyPad comes with an exquisite and attractive appearance that radiates the grandeur.

With the MyPad, customers have access to innovative products and the service that keeps them in tune with technological trends. The device has embedded functional applications that will excite the user adding that some of the applications include: Skype, Yahoo, YouTube, MSN, Yahoo messenger and Facebook. Besides, there are entertainment applications for music and games with free downloadable games. It has a wider screen of 10.2 inches that offers the user excellent visibility while using the tablet.

The device, which comes with an optional branded luxury leather case carrier, has a 10-giga byte memory that can be expanded to 64-giga byte, 2 USB and LAN port, an HDMI out and a 2.0 mega pixel webcam, a user friendly manual and a battery charger. But more importantly, the MyPad offers an exciting movie experience for movie lovers as it comes with an HDMI out for connecting and downloading video to Television (TV). For Just N74, 999 customers get FREE iZap Wi-Fi Internet router + FREE 3 Months internet access.

Check out my blog: www.benedictspace.blogspot.com

Web Jurist ranks Zenith Bank, Etisalat high on customer experience

. . . Effective websites essential for business growth, says Phillips Consulting
Ben Uzor Jr

It did not come as a surprise to most Information Communication Technology (ICT) savvy people as Zenith Bank Plc once again emerged the overall winner of the Web Jurist award, instituted by the website rating agency of Philip Consulting Limited. The rating is meant to check the effectiveness, aesthetics, user-friendliness and information content of various websites in the country.

Announcing the results during the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast forum in Lagos last week, Phillips Consultants, also named the Etisalat’s website as the overall best in the telecommunications industry. In this year’s survey of the seven telecoms firm’s, Etisalat Nigeria ranked high in six areas used to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of a business website.

Beyond every reasonable doubt, Zenith Bank has acquired a reputation for the deployment of cutting edge Information and Communication Technology to drive its processes. The bank’s name has featured prominently at the top of the annual web jurist survey since inception. The bank has remained consistent in the quality of service delivery via its website. Apart from being the winner in the overall website effectiveness category, the financial institution’s website also won in the following categories: Most operational site (technical aspects), most captivating site (customer experience).

Oluwaseun Ngonnase, senior consultant, technology group, Phillips Consulting, told Business Day in an exclusive interview that the web evaluation process was developed strategically for the purpose of evaluating websites to determine effectiveness through benchmarking with local and global peers. According to him, the evaluation processes would assist businesses to identify best practice, suggests improvement strategies and act as a catalyst for constructive, value-added e-business growth.

Ngonnase pointed out that businesses can better widen their market share as well as expand their customer base on a global scale by developing websites that can become a major marketing tool. He admonished businesses to leverage the power of technology, which saw ordinary ideas like Facebook, Google turn into multi-billion dollar businesses. Web-Jurist, in arriving at the rating, uses a combination of experienced e-business consultants and a rigorous and comprehensive rating methodology.

It assesses websites using six high-level categories namely, website content, user experience, performance, technical aspect, aesthetics and online service quality. Website content refers to the accuracy, freshness and presentation of the site; User experience refers to the quality of the user interface from a functional and aesthetics point of view; performance refers to the speed, reliability and findability and the ease with which all types of users, including those with physical or visual impairment, can find and access the site; technical aspect refers to the navigation, functionality and security of the site; aesthetics refers to the design principle and brand consistency of the site.

The Web-Jurist also assess the quality of the sites content in terms of spelling, grammar and case-consistency while it also assess the transactional capability of the site, as well as product quality and extent of value-added services.

Nokia provides financial forecasts linked to new strategy

Nokia has outlined a new strategic direction, including changes in leadership and operational structure to accelerate the company’s speed of execution in a dynamic competitive environment. In connection with this new strategic direction, Nokia has set new financial targets and forecasts for Nokia and the mobile device industry and for Nokia Siemens Networks and the mobile and fixed infrastructure and related services market.

Targets and forecasts for Nokia and the mobile device industry

Nokia expects attractive mobile device industry revenue growth in 2011 and over the longer-term, driven by the further adoption of smartphones by consumers globally and the further adoption of mobile devices and services, particularly in emerging markets. Over the longer-term, Nokia expects mobile device industry gross margins to come under pressure due to competitive factors.

Due to the initiation of Nokia’s strategic transformation on February 11, 2011, the full-year prospects for its Devices & Services business are subject to significant uncertainties, and therefore Nokia believes it is not appropriate to provide annual targets for 2011 at the present time. However, Nokia expects to continue to provide short-term quarterly forecasts to indicate its progress in the company’s interim reports as well as annual targets when circumstances allow it to do so.

Nokia expects 2011 and 2012 to be transition years, as the company invests to build the planned winning ecosystem with Microsoft. After the transition, Nokia targets longer-term:

• Devices & Services net sales to grow faster than the market.
• Devices & Services non-IFRS* operating margin to be 10 percent or more.

Targets and forecasts for Nokia Siemens Networks and the mobile and fixed infrastructure and related services market

Nokia and Nokia Siemens Networks expect overall industry revenue to grow slightly in 2011, compared to 2010. While growth is expected in certain areas, such as mobile broadband and services, this is expected to be offset to some extent by declines in certain areas and a continued challenging competitive environment.

Due to Nokia Siemens Networks’ solid position in industry growth areas, Nokia and Nokia Siemens Networks target:
• Nokia Siemens Networks net sales to grow faster than the market in 2011.
• Nokia Siemens Networks non-IFRS* operating margin to be above breakeven in 2011.

Additionally, Nokia and Nokia Siemens Networks continue to target Nokia Siemens Networks to reduce its non-IFRS* annualized operating expenses and production overheads by EUR 500 million by the end of 2011, compared to the end of 2009.