Author: ITPulse

Nigeria’s based Programos Foundation has advocated for smart city innovation for connected communities development across Nigeria and indeed Africa as a way of living and navigating in the Covid-19 pandemic era, which is presently ravaging the world. The Foundation made the case in its recent COVID-19 intervention programmes, which was organised as one of the meeting points for many innovation producers in the ecosystem battling a pandemic from Nigeria. “This global pandemic has demonstrated once again how much we need digital innovations that serve society, and make us smarter, better connected, healthier – with solutions that have a positive impact…

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta has argued that governance in Nigeria has been made open and transparent as a result of the various Information and Communcations Technology projects being executed. The former University lecturer stated this during the 4th phase of the virtual commissioning of additional 12 digital economy projects implemented by agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. “Through the various projects, we are building shared and sustainable prosperity for this country. We are also making governance more open and transparent because people are able to participate and have…

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has opened applications for the ITU Digital World SME Virtual Awards 2020, which will take place online for the first time. The awards will help innovative small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) hone pitching skills, showcase solutions, make key connections, foster investment and gain valuable United Nations recognition, all by virtual means. The award is open to any SME worldwide and seek out innovations in four different categories: Connectivity​, Smart cities, smart living​, E-health and Digital finance​​​​ All eligible applicants will be able to join a virtual programme of masterclasses, with shortlisted entrants then able to pitch…

A global study covering internet affordability, quality and security has ranked Nigeria 81st position in the world in its 2020 results of the Digital Quality of Life (DQL) research. According to the DQL Index 2020, out of all African countries, analysed in the research, Nigeria surpasses Algeria, however, lags behind Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia and others. Algeria ranks 84th while Kenya is in the 77th place, Morocco – 70th and Tunisia – 64th. Meanwhile, while Nigeria ranks at the bottom of the DQL Index 2020, it surprises in terms of its e-security ranking. Nigeria is in the 70th place globally –…

There are strong indications that Blackberry will be coming into the global handset market with a special focus for the European and North American markets. This is coming as OnwardMobility, a US company announced a deal with the iconic handset brand to develop and release a 5G handset days before a brand licensing deal with TCL Communication expired. According to reports, the planned comeback of the 5G BlackBerry will in the first half of 2021 and the device will run Android and feature a physical keyboard with a special target at providing secure communications for public and private sector organisations,…

Researchers at Sophos have highlighted how devious developers are adapting their apps to appear compliant with Google’s new policies for the Play Store that were designed to prevent customers from getting ripped-off. This is coming after nearly a year on from its first report on ‘fleeceware’ apps that lure customers into paying exorbitant subscription fees. But in this latest report titled, Truth-in-advertising policy fails to curb fleeceware. This new research revealed, among other things: How fleeceware creators are now using misleading language to appear compliant, but are still attempting to dupe unwary users into subscribing for extortionate amounts of money, with some simple wallpaper charging close to…

The global subscriptions for 5G technology in the next five years has been projected to hit 2.7 billion at 55 percent coverage rate, representing about 35.8 percent of the current global population. This data was shared by Buy Shares with the indications that the North-East Asia region will lead in the subscriptions with 1.3 billion subscriptions. Meanwhile, the projected 2025 subscriptions represent growth of 3391.25 percent from the 80 million subscriptions for 2020. A breakdown of the five-year projection shows that by next year, the subscriptions will stand at about 243 million, a growth of  203.75 percent from the 2020…

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, yesterday received a Distinguished Award from the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON). The Award was presented to Danbatta in his Abuja office by the President of ATCON, Olusola Teniola in the company of the association’s Executive Secretary, Ajibola Olude. According to Teniola, the award was in appreciation of the laudable contribution of the telecom boss towards the successful hosting of ATCON’s virtual national dialogue held for the industry on August 6, 2020. “ATCON is recognising and appreciating the EVC “for being a panel discussant on…

By Hashim Suleiman Let me refer to my September 16, 2019 article tagged ‘Pantami, Kashifu and the beauty of vision” where I had identified Kashifu Inuwa as an individual who had understood clearly the vision of Dr. Isa Ali Pantami and had equally chosen to fly with it to fruition. It is also a practical knowledge that people could actually be good carriers of vision and supportive, but may not make good leaders, however, Mr. Kashifu has today proven to be good in both fronts having stayed a year in office as the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development…

As part of efforts to establish a robust database of Consumer Advocacy Groups, the Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has requested proposals for the engagement Of Consumer Advocacy Groups. The essence of the engagement is to have a database that will serve to inform and educate telecom consumers on their rights and responsibilities as well as create awareness for the Commissions activities and industry trends. “The objective is to have a pool of genuine Advocates who are passionate about consumer protection and are willing to inform and educate telecoms consumers; protect consumers from abuses, exploitation…