Author: ITPulse

As societies worldwide grapple with the impact of Covid-19, the need for mobile connectivity is clearer than ever. This is especially true in developing nations that rely heavily on mobile networks due to the limited availability of fixed broadband; according to the ITU, only 0.4 per 100 people have access to fixed broadband in Sub-Saharan Africa. With people working remotely, receiving education and healthcare online, and engaging in virtual leisure and social activities, the demand for mobile connectivity has soared for both individual and business users alike. For example, Kenya’s Safaricom saw a 70% surge in data usage during the lockdown, and South Africa’s MTN reported a 30% increase in demand. TowerCos: The Foundation for Mobile Connectivity  While mobile connectivity is often thought of from the perspective of mobile network operators (MNOs) and their consumers, the…

There are strong indications that Nigeria will soon witness the commercial launch of 5G network, as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the spectrum band that will facilitate the deployment. Speaking at the brief signing ceremony in Abuja yesterday, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta said the MOU will help facilitate the release of contiguous bandwidth for early deployment of fifth Generation Network (5G) services in the largest market in sub-Saharan Africa. According to Danbatta, the signing with NigComsat becomes necessary as the frequency spectrum…

The Chairman Board of Commissioners at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande has asserted that the commercial launch of 5G network in Nigeria will increase the momentum of mobile usage and network performance brought by 4G and others. The Chairman stated this in a speech he delivered at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited in Abuja yesterday. “5G will build on the momentum brought by 4G, 3G and 2G, bringing substantial network improvements, including higher connection speeds, mobility and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities,”…

The trio of Olusola Teniola, immediate past President of the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Akin Naphtal, ICT event planner and Segun Oruame, tech enthusiast has unveiled the Africa Digital Economy Forum (ADEF), a non-profit initiative geared towards the realisation of full digitization of Africa’s economies. The launch is geared towards meeting the need for digitization of economies globally, particularly in Africa. According to Olusola Teniola, Co-Founder/President of ADEF, African countries are making transitions to becoming technology-enabled economies with the rush of investments that have been witnessed in the last two decades. “The continent has witnessed a rush…

The Tech Experience Centre, Africa’s cutting-edge technology and lifestyle hub, is set to come alive this weekend as eight leading Nigerian banks do battle to crown the winners of a FIFA 21 Gaming competition. Tagged Bank Wars, the keenly-anticipated competition is set to commence on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the centre located at Yudala Heights, 13A Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event is sponsored by the foremost Original Equipment Manufacturer, Samsung. Among the banks set to do battle at the Tech Experience Centre are Access Bank, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Standard Chartered Bank and Zenith Bank.…

The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub,  an initiative of the UK Government Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has disclosed plans to support 30 female Nigerian green-tech entrepreneurs with 12 weeks of coaching sessions with industry experts. The coaching session, which is part of its aim to support Nigeria’s Tech- ecosystem by promoting high-end digital skills and fostering partnerships between the UK and the Nigeria Tech-ecosystem, would seek to boost the capacity of the female entrepreneurs, as well as the likelihood of the enterprises to scale and become more sustainable businesses.  UK-Nigeria Tech Hub is collaborating with Future Females as…

A United Kingdom-based Cloud Security Consultant, Mr. Remi Afon has highlighted 10 job scam indicators that can lead to the loss of money and possible death. Afon, who is also the President of Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) highlighted these indicators, following the recent unfortunate incident, where a young job seeker, Iniubong Umoren was reportedly raped, murdered and buried in a shallow grave in Akwa Ibom State by a 20-year-old Uduak Frank. Tagged #JusticeForHinny #JusticeforHinyHumore, Remi Afon tweeted via his @RemiAfon #Jobscam is on the rise in Nigeria, apart from losing your money, criminals are now getting murderous.…

By Patrick Ovuche About eight years ago, we wrote an article on the rise of E-commerce in Nigeria. Since then, there has been a significant improvement in developing the infrastructures (Internet access, smartphone users, payment gateways, chatbots, and last-mile delivery) necessary for enabling e-commerce growth. As a result, e-commerce will continue to grow even after Covid-19 subsides, which could mean new digital opportunities for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands. For brands where loyalty, trust, and advocacy have been developed over many years, the future looks bright. These legacy brands are well-positioned to provide security and convenience to their loyal audience in a period…

Ms. Kelly Lu, Lead on Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, ‎SAS in South Africa has highlighted four ways that artificial intelligence (AI) can help address some of Africa’s most pressing issues. In an article titled ‘AI: A force for good’, Lu believes that AI can be a force for good on the continent in the areas of healthcare, education, sustainability, or even social development in general, despite ongoing discussions around minimising the risk of bias in technology. “Data by itself is meaningless. This is where innovative technology like AI can awaken data’s true potential. Using sophisticated algorithms, it is possible…

Based on the stakeholder’s request to make it easier for all citizens and legal residents in Nigeria to register for the National Identity Number (NIN), the government has agreed to extend the deadline for the NIN-SIM data verification to June 30, 2021. This is coming even as the government disclosed that the exercise has recorded a significant process with almost 54 Million people obtaining their NIN. This, according to the government translates to up to 190 Million mobile numbers, since empirical evidence suggests that each unique NIN maps to 3 to 4 phone lines. In a press statement jointly signed…