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Samsung Galaxy Pocket leads Top 5 selling mobile phones in Nigeria
CDMA churn grows as Nigeria crosses 105m lines
Consolidating Nigeria’s position on Internet governance Omobola Johnson, Minister for Communication Technology
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Monday, OCTOBER 8-14, 2012
NCC denies frequency racketeering
WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF NIGERIAN ICT SECTOR
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igerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied a newspaper report of alleged frequency spectrum racketeering by the current leadership of the telecoms industry regulatory agency. Reuben Muoka, Head, Media and Public Relations, NCC, denied that the current boss of the regulatory agency has allegedly sold frequency slots belonging to the Nigeria Police to a private firm, Open Skys. The telecoms regulator also absolved its boss, Eugene Juwah of any wrongdoing in the process of allocation of the frequency which it said preceded his July 2010 resumption in office as Executive Vice Chairman of NCC.
According to a statement by the agency’s spokesman, there is also no truth to the allegation that NCC issued a frequency spectrum to Smile Communications. Muoka adds, “Dr. Eugene Juwah, the Current Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, did not initiate the allocation of the aforesaid frequencies, having resumed in July 2010, while the process began since 2009. Even after resumption at the NCC, Dr. Juwah has strictly followed due process of issuance of licences and frequencies.” According to him, “The Nigerian Communications Commission has been inundated by calls from concerned citizens over a story in t h eContinued on Page 16
Adenuga: ‘I didn't default in payment for 2001 GSM licence M
ike Adenuga jr, the Chairman of Globacom Limited, has said that Communication Investments Limited (CIL), his investment vehicle used to bid in the January 2001 Nigerian GSM Licence Auctions, did not default in meeting deadline stipulated by government to the four winning bidders in the milestone deal that was to profoundly redefine the telecoms landscape in the country. Adenuga's decision to walk down memory lane comes amid another
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facebook.com google.com google.com.ng yahoo.com youtube.com blogspot.com twitter.com mywebsearch.com nairaland.com linkedin.com continued on page 2
milestone for Globacom, his whollyowned Second National Operator, which last August clocked nine added to the complementary distinction for the telecoms magnate who was awarded the nation's second highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) medal for national economic development contributions by President Goodluck Jonathan. Globacom has grown to become number two operator by subscriber
numbers even though it entered the telecoms game two years behind rival MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and Mtel, the moribund mobile phone business of pioneer national operator, NITEL. In the keen 2001 GSM bids, CIL was pitted against Econet Wireless Nigeria Ltd; United Networks Mobile Ltd; MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd and MSICeltel Nigeria Ltd, who all deposited $20 million each to prequalify for the auction.
Adenuga again reopened the sticking point of the 2001 Nigerian GSM Auction that was generally regarded as free and fair during which the licence earlier awarded CIL was withdrawn by government over alleged late payments. The development was to set back Adenuga's entry into the competitive but lucrative telecoms stakes by some two years when he eventually launched service using Globacom, the company under which he was eventually issued the multi-service
SNO licence for $200 million in what market analysts reckon was a concession to resolve the CIL debacle. The Globacom Chairman's took exception to a newspaper columnist's view that, "Adenuga could not muster the requisite licence fee within the stipulated time of 14 days."
Speaking through Mike Jituboh, the Executive Director Special Project, Globacom, Adenuga, recolcontinued on page 2
CAPDAN seeks Fashola’s support for Ikeja Computer Village
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omputers and Allied Products Dealers Association (CAPDAN), the pressure group of businesses operating in Ikeja Computer Village, Lagos, has called on the government of Babatunde Fashola, Governor of Lagos State, to complement efforts at creating a conducive business environment in the nation’s largest market for technology products and services becauseofitsstrategicimpor-
tance to Nigeria’s ICT development. Specifically, CAPDAN is seeking the administration’s support to solve the security and sanitation problems within the market environment. Mac Eze, Vice-President of CAPDAN, told Technology Times in an exclusive interview that the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) squad under the command of the Lagos State Special Task
Force (Environmental Unit) and men of the Nigeria Police Force recently jointly demolished the roadside shops at Computer Village to enhance the beauty, hygiene and cleanliness of the environment. "We want to see more of this in order to encourage greater patronage in a clean market,” Eze said, noting that the government’s efforts towards sustained business promotion creates employ-
ment and contributes to the overall national economic growth. “Such clean-up exercise was done some time back when the government cleared all the road-side shops and the people affected went to form the current GSM Village in Ikeja. If they can push the others also to Mangoro side, there is a market there that is undercontinued on page 16
Babatunde Fashola, SAN, Lagos State Governor
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TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Monday October 8-14 2012
‘I didn't default in payment of 2001 GSM licence fee - Adenuga Continue from Page 1 nate in him losing his $20million bid deposit and also set him back two years in entering the Nigerian telecoms market. Jituboh,whoalsoledtheCIL team to the three-day GSM Auctions that opened January 17, 2001 at the Nicon Hilton Hotel in Abuja, says it was imperative to set the record straight about the chain of reactions that precipitated the controversialCILlicencedebacle. According to him, "A day after winning one of the three GSM licences, a CIL team led by Dr Adenuga headed for Paris for negotiations with BNPParibas.Afterseveraldays of protracted negotiations, agreements was reached on the terms and conditions for a loan facility of $265 million for paying the balance of the GSM licence. The deadline for making payments was 5pm of 9th February2001andonthatfateful day all was set for a transfer by swift instruction when word came in from our colleagues in Lagos that the frequency allocated to CIL was the same frequency that had been allocated to and being usedbyMotophone.Thelatter was in court to challenge the government's withdrawal of the frequency." According to the Globacom Director, the CIL team faced a debacle that needed quick and decisive action in the light of the fact that its assigned frequency spectrum was under litigation from Motophone owned by the Chagouris and the dilemma of meeting the strict deadline for the provisional licence assigned by NCC, the telecoms regulator that auctioned the spectrum. "With its assigned frequency under litigation and the deadline for payment approaching, we had to decide whether or not to pay the huge sum of $265 million and hope that Motophone's litigation would not end up ensnaring both the moneyandourambitiousplan, of establishing one of the biggest and best telecommunications network in the world.
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Withnotimelefttoresolvethe matter with the government before making payment, we decided to make payment with the condition that the money should be released after the government gives CIL an indemnity to cover the possibility of Motophone winning its suit and retaining the litigious frequency", Jituboh says. According to him, "Consequently payment of $265 million was made by BNP Paribas before the deadline hour on 9th February 2001 directly to the designated account at JP Morgan, New York,alongwiththeaforementioned condition." Jituboh says that chains of events were to follow in the wake of the payment and the subsequent cancellation of the CIL licence which were also to dovetail into the founding of Globacom by Adenuga. "As most Nigerian will recall, the government rejected the condition that was placed on the payment and condition that was placed on the payment and cancelled the CIL licence. The government refused all entreaties and the funds were ultimately returned to BNP Paribas.
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Eventually we won the bid for the Second National Carrier Licence and launched Glo mobile. Ironically the same erstwhile litigious frequency was given to Globacom along with the Indemnity that had been denied CIL!" he adds. The 2001 GSM Auctions attracted a record $855 million into government coffers under whichthelicencesweresoldto the winning bidders and a slot pre-allocated to the public owned pioneer National Operator, the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), at the time. Today, the GSM networks now numbering five but with four actively operational, continue to ride the crest of the market as they account for 101,404,011 active lines out of the 105,239,815 active lines in Nigeria at the end of August, this year. On the other hand, their CDMA counterparts also offeringmobiletelephonyservicesaccountfor3,347,716active lines while fixed line and fixed wireless networks, a hugely neglected segment of the market, account for only 488,088 active lines within the same period.
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At the time the bids were held, Nigeria could only count some 500,000 landline phone lines in operation out of a capacity of 700,000 lines and only 30,000 analogue mobile phone lines. During the period, the shortterm telecoms policy outlook was that the country should attain 1.2 million mobile lines within two years of the formulation of the National Policy on Telecommunications in 1999. The SNO was mandated by its licence to provide a Minimumof100,000linesconnected to subscribers12 months after commercial launch; minimum of 750,000 lines connected to subscribers 36 months after commercial launch; minimum of 1,500,000 lines connected to subscribers 60 months after commercial launch and provisions that the licensee shall provide by 36 months after commercial launch a minimum of 5% of its total lines connected to subscribers in each of the geopolitical zones in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, among other obligations. Meanwhile, President Jonathan has commended Adenuga for contributing to
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economic growth in Nigeria noting that, “He worked very hard to establish Globacom which today provides hundreds of thousands of jobs in Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic. He has established a formidable brand. His company also has footprints in Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and The Gambia.” He made the commendation at the 2012 National Honours Awards in Abuja where Adenuga was decorated with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) medal, the only recipient in the
category, alongside 148 other eminent Nigerians who were also decorated for outstanding services to the country. According to the President, “I encourage you to sustain the tempo of performance and to re-dedicate yourself to the service of humanity and God.” The Globacom Chairman was also lauded by Goodluck as a major employer of labour when he adds that, “Chief Adenuga has done a great deal for the country through his numerous business concerns which employ thousands of Nigerians.”
Mike Adenuga Jr, Chairman, Globacom
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Monday October 8-14 2012
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
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CommTech Minister rues Cynthia’s Facebook murder, canvasses beneficial use of Internet
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TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Monday October 8-14 2012
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mobola Johnson, Minis-ter of Communications Technology, has continued to mourn the gruesome murder of Nassarawa State University post-graduatestudent,thelate Cynthia Osokogu, lured to a Lagos hotel on July 22 and murdered by her Facebook friends. So also did the CommTech Minister commiserate with thefamilyofthehaplessvictim as well as others who have suffered from abuse of the internet to perpetrate fraud and other criminal activities. However, as Johnson put it to participants at the Nigerian Internet Governance Forum held in Abuja this week, such few extreme aberrations should not blur the big picture about the enormous benefits the internet imparts to the way the interconnected world lives, works, plays, learns, profits,governsandcommuni-
cates. “The government, private sector and civil society have responsibilities in ensuring that the beneficial uses of the internet far outweigh its manipulations to cause harm,” the Minister told attendees at the event. Moreover, she reminded that the professionals, the Internet Governance Forum and other professionals’ deci-
sions have a major impact on the deployment of technologies, products, services and the application of ICTs to solve problems in the country. “In Nigeria, we care about our freedom to seek, receive, impart and use information, especially when it relates to the creation, accumulation and dissemination of knowledge. We also care about insecurity, (cyber)crime, piracy
and spam as well as the security and stability of Internet infrastructure. These cares often find expression as competing concerns: it is the responsibility of all professional fora to search for consensus, to be representative, allowing for views from each stakeholder ‘community,’ as well as neutral – that is, open to all participants, irrespective of their origin”, she adds.
According to her, statistics show that an estimated 33 per cent of the world’s population currently use the internet including some 13.5 per cent of Africans connected to their counterparts on the global computer network. Also, the rate at which Africans’ using internet is increasing rapidly. For the decade to 2011, the number of Africans who used the internet grew by almost 3,000 per cent. For instance, as at December 2011, 45 million Nigerians used the internet at least once, up from a mere 200,000 at December, 2000, she adds. The CommTech Minister notes that the internet has been used as a medium to perpetrate heinous crimes and distribute falsehoods but such infractions should not diminish the broad scope for its successful deployment for the benefit of mankind.
The rueful Johnson said to attendees at NIGF that, “Indeed, we mourn and commiserate with the family of Cynthia Osokogu and all those that have suffered at the hands of people that use the Internet for criminal activities. We all – government, the private sector and civil society – have responsibilities in ensuring that the beneficial uses of the Internet far outweigh its manipulations to cause harm.”
Late Cynthia Osokogu
Microsoft plans Xmas Day launch of Windows Phone 8 in Nigeria icrosoft is set to officially launch Windows Phone 8 in the Nigerian market on Christmas Day, December 25, 2012, with its partners, device makers, HTC, Nokia and Samsung, tipped to debut the software maker’s updated mobile operating system. Emmanuel Onyeje, General Manager, West and Central Africa, Microsoft, disclosed this yesterday in Lagos to attendees at the September edition of Developers Parapo, a networking forum for the developer community organised by social innovation centre, Co-creation Hub (CcHUB) of Nigeria. Microsoft’s planned launch of the mobile operating system eyes stakes inNigeria’stelecomsmarketcounting over 102 million active phone lines with more than 90 per cent of them being mobile phones. OnyejesaysthatWindowsPhone8 has clearly emerged as one of the top mobile platforms in the ecosystem and with its planned entry into Nigeria, it is hoped to unleash a new wave of features for consumers, developers and businesses. He adds that the reason why Microsoft is taking its time to unveil new products in Nigeria is to ensure local relevance for users before they are launched into the country. “To support some value added, Microsoftissayinglet’stryandgetthe Nigerian system to be more automated and more IT-focused. That’s what we’re trying to do with Windows Phone 8 instead of just taking products from outside and dumping them here. Let’s add value with our local partners and developers to make our devices really rich for Nigerians,” he adds. According to him, “With Microsoft
Phone 8, we are bringing in banking applications, entertainment applications, lifestyle applications, gaming applications and some other contents that we’re trying to work with our partners around.” Hesaysthatwhenthedevicecomes into Nigeria, users will see it as work and play scenarios as consumers will be able to browse and download apps while developers will also be able to submitapplicationsviaMicrosoftapp stores to the global market.” Talking about the pricing of the phones, Onyeje says, “our partners, Nokia, Samsung, HTC, are going to determine the price of the phones and not Microsoft. The partners determinethepricingstrategy.Thereisalso an opportunity where the telcos like MTN, Glo, Airtel, Etisalat and others
also have a strategy around those handsets. Our private partners and the telcos are the ones who will really decide how they want to have the price range in the end.” Also commenting on the new Windows 8, he added that every single part of the operating system was completely redesigned from end to end underscoring that Microsoft designed it to work on any platform, including mobile devices, high end desktops, gaming laptops, personalized slates and tablets. “No matter what you want to use interactively, mouse, keyboard, pen, youcanuseallthosethingstointeract with PC or the device. On top of that we have also made sure that you can get content from the App Store. With the Windows 8, finding contents will
not be difficult,” he added. To address the Developers Pararo attendees’ curiosity about new Microsoft products, Onyeje said Microsoft platform will allow developers to easily build apps for both Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 and port apps from one to the other. “Our new vision in Microsoft is to provide every business and everybody on the planet a cloud system,” he added. Talking about apps opportunity, Onyeje, who started programming at 13, told the participants that there are lots of opportunities in creating enterprise apps, entertainment and gaming apps, among others. According to him, the world is turning to apps. Businesses, consumers, individuals are turning to apps to interact with
their customers and partners. There are huge opportunities for developers in Nigeria to actually write apps from Windows 8 platform and sell their services globally. He told the community of Nigerian developers’attendeesattheeventthat “businesses want to connect to consumer and if an app is the way to connect businesses to consumers, then people will go for it. Don’t limit yourselfto169millionNigerians.Makethe applications global.” Developers Parapo event takes place monthly at the CcHub in Lagos, Nigeria’s first open living lab. It is a platform that brings together Nigerian web and mobile application developerstonetwork,shareandgain knowledgerequiredtostartandgrow viable businesses. CcHub brings industry experts from Nigeria and across the world to the event to share key insights that will grow the Nigerian application development ecosystem.
Emmanuel Onyeje, General Manager, West and Central Africa, Microsoft confirms the official planned launch of Windows 8 phones in Nigeria on Xmas Day
Monday October 8-14 2012
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
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Nokia, CcHub connect to foster growth of Nigerian mobile software makers Page 6
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Monday October 8-14 2012
News
okia has partnered with foremost social innovation centre in Nigeria, Co-creation Hub (CcHUB), to promote an academy programme called ‘Nokia/CCHub Growth Academy’ aimed at accelerating top Nigerian mobile software companies in growing their companies to regional and international levels. Ten start-ups will be recruited into the programme that culminates in a formal launch of the mobile apps on the Nokia store, the companies announced, noting that the programme has launched a search for start-ups with brilliant ideas to address market needs in finance, education, healthcare, agriculture, small business development, environment, inclusive technology and entertainment. To participate, they must have developed a working prototype in Java ME (J2ME), have at least two core members, including a lead developer and be willing to commit two full months to developing their idea on the programme. According to a statement by the duo, “Having successfully completed a pilot, we invite applications for this first-of-its kind business
accelerator programme in Africa dedicated to providing intensive continuous handson support to help early stage mobile technology start-ups to grow into high growth businesses and build world class mobile applications for the Nokia platform regionally and globally.” Under the plan, the threemonth intensive programme runs in three parts of Capacity Building, Product Develop-ment and Launch. Each start-up undergoes hands-on prototype development and structured training with modules such as business model development, project implementation plan and lean product development. Tailored technical training and support will be provided by Futurice, a global training organisation with expertise in mobile applications development and userdriven design, they said. During product development, each start-up is complemented with the best of resources expected to include, one-on-one mentorship from experienced tech entrepreneurs with a strong understanding of the African market; project implementation plan and market research support to ensure that solutions meet specific market
Participants in a previous edition of Developers’ Parapo meeting organised by CcHub in Lagos. CcHUB, the foremost social innovation centre in Nigeria is promoting an academy programme called ‘Nokia/CCHub Growth Academy’ to accelerate top Nigerian mobile software companies in growing their companies to regional and international levels Photot: CcHub
Olubunmi Adeniyi needs. The last phase of the programme is dedicated to product testing, pilot launch and value redesign based on initial customer feedback. Each
start-up will also pitch at an open Pitchfest to the wider community and investors as part of the final product launch. Intending participants should visit www.growthacademy.org to apply for appli-
cations that close by 6pm on October 3, 2012, promoters of the programme said. According to Lagos-based CcHub, the Nokia-CcHUB Growth Academy is a first of its kind business accelerator programme in Africa dedicat-
ed to providing intensive continuous hands-on support to help approximately 30 early stage mobile technology start-ups grow into high growth businesses and build world class mobile applications in 2012.
Shipping, payments option hamper online shopping growth in Nigeria espite impressive growth in the Nigerian telecoms market and improvements in Internet penetration, difficulties in shipping and payments options have continued to slow down the growth of online shopping in the country, according to a research report.
Driven by growth in telecoms and Internet usage, Nigeria and South Africa are Africa’s most promising economies with online shopping potential on the continent, the “Africa Internet & B2C E-Commerce Report 2012″ has reported. The “Africa Internet & B2C E-Commerce Report
2012″ by Hamburg-based secondary market research firm yStats takes a close look at Internet use and B2C ECommerce development on the African continent. In addition to presenting data on Internet and B2C ECommerce for the entire continent, facts and figures about 15 individual countries
of the African continent are compiled. “Due to improved Internet access and a growing number of online shops, the number of credit cards also increased in 2011. Furthermore, according to forecasts at least one third of the population in Nigeria is expected to have direct Internet access by
Screenshot of online shopping service, Jumia: Despite the impressive growth in Internet access, shipping and payments options still pose obstacles to online shopping in Africa, according to the yStats report
2013. Although large online retailers such as Amazon, eBay and South African online shop Kalahari sell their products there, there are still limitations when it comes to shipping and payment options”, the report says. With more than 40 million users, Nigeria was the African nation with the highest number of Internet users in December 2011, followed by Egypt and Morocco, according to the report which notes that Internet penetration was the highest in Morocco with almost 50 per cent. “South Africa on the other hand, was the country with the most successful B2C ECommerce platforms. In 2011, various factors still curbed online retail on the entire continent, such as the low Internet penetration and the focus on cash transactions and personal relationships. Recently, however, mobile payment methods have become increasingly popular, promoting B2C ECommerce growth in 2012″,
the study found. On the other hand, in South Africa, the share of online shoppers on the total number of Internet users has continued to grow slowly between 2009 and 2011. In 2011, a clear majority cited lower prices as a decisive factor for making purchases online. According to the findings of the study, Kenya was the fastest growing Internet market in Africa in 2011, due to low mobile phone charges and increasing broadband capacity. The number of Internet users and their share on the entire population continuously grew between 2010 and 2011 by a low double digit percentage figure. At the same time, the number of Internet connections and B2C E-Commerce revenue in Morocco grew between 2010 and 2011 by almost three-quarters according to the study that cited online shopping market players like ShopAfrica53, Kalahari, Takealot, Vaimo, soleRebels, Bid-or-Buy and BKam.
Monday October 8-14 2012
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Glo Made4Life promo dangles luxury automobiles for subscribers lobacom has launched a new promotion that offers subscribers the opportunity to own a fleet of 52-seater luxury buses, mini=buses, luxury taxis, among other cash prizes in a new customer reward scheme by the mobile phone company. Called Made4Life, the promo will reward over 1,500 Glo subscribers with prizes which the operator says is the first of its kind in the Nigerian telecoms industry that is open to both its new and existing subscribers on both the prepaid and postpaid platforms. Announcing details of the promotion at the press conference in Lagos, Niyi Olukoya, acting Head of Marketing, who announced the promotion, says the first prize winner will go home with two 52seater luxury buses, while the second prize will be won by three subscribers who will each go home with three 16seater mini buses. Nine lucky subscribers will win the third prize which is a fleet of 27 luxury taxis. Each of the winners will be presented with three taxis. The promotion is also offering a cash prize of N100,000 for 1,500 winners as fourth prize, the telecoms company says.
Niyi Olukoya, Ag. Head of Marketing, Glo (left); Tunde Kaitell of Marketing Communications and Titilayo Ebinisi, Head of GloWorld, at the launch of Glo Made4Life Promo offering subscribers of the mobile phone company the opportunity to win a fleet of 52-seater luxury buses, mini buses, luxury taxis and cash prizes. By Bolanle Abass
Glo Made4Life will run for three months, from September 24 to December 24, 2012, with winners emerging through an electronic draw. Glo says the unique promo was conceived to reward subscribers in a unique way and empowerthemtobetheirown bossesbyfloatingatransportation company. “We have since inception been at the fore-front of rewarding customer loyalty. We have offered different kinds of promotions and prizes. This time, we decided
to go a step further not only by offering fantastic prizes unprecedented in the industry, but also by structuring the prizes in a way to empower our subscribers to be ‘Made for life’, and become managers of their own businesses”, says Olukoya. According to him, “With a fleet of two 52-seater luxury buses, three 16-seater mini buses or three luxury taxis, the winner is afforded a rare opportunity to start off a transport company” in what the telecoms compnay reckons will create indirect employment in the Nigerian economy. To ensure that the winners
succeed in the transport business,heexplainedthatGlohad concluded arrangements to provide financial management and wealth training for them. This, he noted, will provide them the skills to manage the business. To qualify for the 16-seater buses, luxury taxis or the N100,000, the subscriber is expected to recharge with a minimum of N200, while a minimum recharge of N3,000 within the promotion period is required to stand a chance of winningthetwo52-seaterluxury bus grand prizes.
TECNO, Etisalat tie deal to offer 40MB free data on T608 leading mobile phone brandinAfrica,TECNO has announced its partnership with Etisalat, Nigeria’s most innovative network service provider, to launch a promo that offers Etisalat subscribers 40MB free data bundle on purchaseofaTECNOT608phone from September, this year to February, next year. The partnership is an ongoing one intended to provide customers with fast and reliable data connectivity and a
By Bolanle Abass
range of affordable phones, with both companies stating that they are set to offer other joint products within the smartphone category. TECNO T3islikelytobethenextphone included in their partnership offer. Chidi Okonkwo, Deputy General Manager, TECNO Nigeria, explains that “currently, customers are longing for better internet experience and this cooperation precisely
brings them what they want. Customers who buy TECNO T608 phones can enjoy an extraordinary internet experience compared to most other mobile phones in the same class while they can enjoy the amazing free data at the same time .”TECNO T608, the model being offered for the promo, is the first TECNO Opera phone specially developed for fast, mobile internet experience, pre-loaded with the world’s
TECNO T608, the model being offered for the promo, is the first TECNO Opera phone specially developed for fast, mobile internet experience, pre-loaded with the world’s most popular mobile browser, Opera Mini, the phone maker says
most popular mobile browser, Opera Mini and many other distinctive apps such as Palmchat, a phonebook-based free chat app and TECNO App Store T-ZONE on which users can download lots of free apps. Wael Ammar, Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, adds that the telecoms industry has seen increased demand for data and smartphones in recent times. “It is important for network providers and phone manufacturers to continue to collaborate and initiate products and services to satisfy this need. Etisalat’s fast Easyblaze, 3.75G broadband service combined with these TECNO phones is yetanotherexampleofourcontinuous effort to bring our customers easy access to the internet.” According to the companies, “TECNO and Etisalat must emphasise that market competition has encouraged more mobilephonebrandsandoperators to seek new ways to meet customers’ different needs and maintain their market position. While cooperation between mobilephonebrandsandoperators is currently the trend, such collaborations will not only publicise their products and increase sales, but will encourage an increased adoption of broadband services.”
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MTN plans Nano-SIM launch to tap iPhone 5 uptake among Nigerian smartphone users Page 8
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Monday October 8-14 2012
News
TN Nigeria, the leading mobile phone by market share plans to release the Nano-SIM come October 5, this year in a move by the operator to explore stakes in expected subscriber uptake of the new iPhone 5 launched recently into the handset and device market by US technology company, Apple. The new nano-SIM is actually the fourth generation of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card that has been used since the introduction of GSM phones in the early 1990s, the first three being the 1FF, Micro SIM or 2FF, and the Mini SIM or the 3FF. The new Nano-SIM which is the only SIM compatible with the newly released Apple iPhone 5 and other new generation and future phones has no different functions with that of the current Micro and Mini SIM cards except the size. Announcing the planned unveiling of the new SIM, MTN Nigeria says that, “the NanoSIM is 40% smaller
MTN Nigeria is taking a plunge into offering NanoSIMs into the local market in expectation of subscriber uptake of iPhone 5 launched recently into the global handset market by Apple Photo credit: Apple
By Bola Abbas than micro SIM and about 0.67mm thicker than Micro SIM made for the new iPhone 5 and other new generation phones” adding that the NanoSIM will be available at MTN Walk-in
Centres nationwide from October 5, 2012. According to PC Advisor, “This new nano-SIM card measures just 12.3 x 8.8mm, and its thickness has also been reduced fractionally, from 0.76mm of the 1FF, 2FF and 3FF cards, to 0.67mm.”
The release of the new Nano-SIM by MTN will enable Nigerians purchase and use the newly released iPhone 5 in Nigeria. According to the phone maker, “when we envisioned the new iPhone, we landed on a remarkably thin and
light design. But it’s nearly impossible to make a device so thin and so light without sacrificing features or performance.” Apple says the iPhone 5, the thinnest, lightest, fastest iPhone ever, is the result of playing that balancing act
between achieving a lighter device that is still packed with performance. “iPhone 5 is just 7.6 millimeters thin. To make that happen, Apple engineers had to think small, component by component. They created a nano-SIM card, which is 44 percent smaller than a microSIM. They also developed a unique cellular solution for iPhone 5. The conventional approach to building LTE into a world phone uses two chips — one for voice, one for data.” According to Apple, “on iPhone 5, both are on a single chip. The intelligent, reversible Lightning connector is 80 percent smaller than the 30-pin connector. The 8MP iSight camera has even more features – like panorama and dynamic low-light mode – yet it’s 25 per cent smaller. And the new A6 chip is up to 2x faster than the A5 chip but 22 per cent smaller. Even with so much inside, iPhone 5 is 20 per cent lighter and 18 per cent thinner than iPhone 4S.”
Labour honours Globacom for telecoms development in Nigeria lobacom, the second national operator, has been awarded the Labour Legend Community Award by the FCT Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and also inducted into the 1st Labour Legend Hall of Fame by the council. Globacom received the honour at an elaborate induction ceremony organized by the FCT Council in conjunction with African Labour Watch Magazine at Chelsea Hotel, Abuja, on Monday, October 1, this year coinciding with the Nigerian Independence Day, the telecoms company announced in a statement. Organisers of the award say the ceremony was held to recognise labour leaders, labour-friendly Nigerians and organizations that have made significant contributions to the welfare and culture of Nigerian workers. In an earlier notification sent to Globacom by Comrade Ossai Ilome, Secretary of Induction Committee, the NLC Council said Glo was selected for the honour because of the company’s commitment to affordable services, spon-
sorship of Glo Heritage Series and the country’s national football teams, among other outstanding contributions. Globacom pioneered per second billing as its launch platform,
thereby reducing the cost of mobile telephony services and establishing the basis for widespread affordable telecoms services across the country. The NLC Council says that
Globacom has lived up to its promise of affordability, as a cardinal point of good corporate citizenship. Globacom has also supported community initiatives, especially
Sina Thumandiwire, Director, International Labour Organisation (ILO), West Africa (left), presents the Labour Crown Award to Lorenzo Gomez, Glo Divisional Director, Abuja at the ceremony
in the areas of sports development, poverty alleviation, job creation, and youth empowerment, music, art and culture. Globacom commenced business on August 29, 2003, with the launch of its GSM service in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It was the major mobile phone operator using the GSM technology platform to launch operations, two years after other operators had rolled out. Glo has about 25 million subscribers on its Nigerian network and has covered all parts of the country and has also extended its operational footprints to the Republic of Benin and Ghana. Globacom’s overall success in service delivery and product innovation stems from its continued deployment of latest technology, from 2.5G to 3G and 4G LTE. The company is also revamping the nation’s fixed telephone services with the launch of Glo Fixed while it addressed Africa’s bandwidth requirement by singlehanded building an international submarine cable called Glo 1, the company says.
Meet Nigeria’s broadband road map cartographers Monday October 8-14 2012
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echnology Times has obtained a comprehensive list of the 15-man Presidential team on broadband inaugurated rec-ently by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to come up with plans to leverage benefits of highspeed internet services for economic growth in Nigeria. According to the list, the President’s Broadband Com-mittee puts together a rich mix of telecoms operators, key industry thought leaders, private sector players as well as international technology businesses and industry groups. GSM industry big players like MTN Nigeria, Etisalat Nigeria as well as search engine giant, Google are among a rich mix of private sector players in the banking and financial services sector as well as ICT policymakers and administrators including operator pressure group, the CDMA Development Group. The team includes Ernest Ndukwe, the exExecutive Vice Chairman, N i g e r i a n Communications Commission (NCC), who is currently Chairman of Open Media Group, an ICT consultancy based in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, as one of the key industry professionals on the broadband team. Under Ndukwe’s watch as boss of NCC, Nigeria recorded significant growth in the telephony sector during the mobile phone boom in what analysts regard as the industry umpire’s policy consistency and transparent regulation of the sector. Also on the team is Jim Ovia, Chairman, Visafone Communications and former Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, who is also a wellknown ICT enthusiast with passion for promoting technology innovation among Nigerian youths.
Ernest Ndukwe , Chairman, Open Media Group
Lynda Saint Nwafor, Chief Technical Officer, MTN Communications
Chief Technical Officer of MTN Nigeria, Lynda Saint Nwafor comes from the nation’s telecoms market leader with over 40 million active connections and owned by South Africa’s MTN Group, will also be on the team. So also is Junaid Dikko, a Director with Etisalat Nigeria, the number four telecoms operator by subscriber number owned by Dubai, UAE-based Etisalat Group, who will be bringing to the team his regulatory expertise as well as expertise in allied
financial services sector. Rasheed Adegoke, Chief Information Officer, First Bank of Nigeria, one of the key banks in the country, is also on the team and expected to provide perspectives from the investment community. Gbenga Sesan, currently Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria is also a former ICT Youth Ambassador and a wellknown Nigerian youth leader is part of the team. Sesan, who is well-known for promoting ICT for development issues, is
Jim OviaChairman, Visafone Communications
John Ayodele,Director, Telecoms & Postal Services, Ministry of Communication Technology
also a seasoned speaker at various local and international fora. Another key member of the team is Juliet Ehimuan Chiazor, Country Manager; Google Nigeria expected to bring to the broadband committee the expertise of running the local operations of the search giant. Also, Stanley Jegede, CEO of Phase 3 Telecoms, will bring to the team his experience in business leadership of one of the biggest players in providing aerial optical fibre
transmission service that also maintains the largest private fibre optic network in Nigeria and the West African sub-region. Also on the team is Philip Chukwueke, Regional Director of Africa, CDMA Development Group (CDG), a trade association formed to foster the worldwide development, implementation and use of CDMA and other complementary wireless solutions with membership including many of the world’s leading service
providers and equipment manufacturers. The group works towards the development of advanced features and services, evolution of standards, technical education, advocacy, regulatory affairs, global roaming and device availability for the CDMA mobile telephony standard. On the other hand, the public sector draws representations from the Ministry of Communication Technology, the supervisory ministry of various ICT and allied government agencies; the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms regulatory agency; some state ICT administrations; the National Technology Development Agency, the IT implementing agency of the Federal Government, among others. John Ayodele, who is Director, Telecoms & Postal Services, Ministry of Communication Technology, will be representing the ICT supervisory ministry on the team. So also is Bala Mohammed, who is also Commissioner of Science & Technology, Kano State and Kayode Jegede, SA to Ekiti State Governor on Infrastructure & ICT as well as Joshua Atah, Head, ICT Projects, National Universities Commission who are also part of the public sector team. The public sector team also include Fidelis Onah, Assistant Director, Spectrum Management, N i g e r i a n Communications Commission and Vincent Olatunji, Deputy Director, Corporate Strategy & Research, National Information Technology Development Story by Technolgy Times Reporter Photography: Bankole Damilare
Stakeholders canvass coalition to safeguard Nigerian child against online vulnerability
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he vulnerabilities of children online in this era of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) preoccupied experts at a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos today. More so, because children know more about ICT than their parents and even some of their teachers. And whereas parents reserve the right to determine what their children learn or otherwise, the children have moved, in the words of an expert, from just-in-case learning to just-in-time learning. The first Stakeholders Tech4D Forum organised by Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN) brought the experts together to rub minds on the beneficial use of the Internet as contrasted with its drawbacks under the theme, “ICT and Child Development.” Their conclusion was that the combined efforts of stakeholdersintheICTindustryare very essential in addressing the challenges of children’s vulnerability online. Speaking at the forum, Eugene Juwah, Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), dilated on the doubleedgedswordtheInternetis:he said that Internet has raised the issue of children’s vulnerability and it is very important that all stakeholders mount a concerted effort to ensure that the cyber world is a safe place for children to learn. Juwah, represented by Henry Ikemadu, Head, Policy Economic Analysis, NCC, stated that the Internet is a wonderful resource for pro-
The ITU Child Online Protection (COP) initiative was endorsed by UN Secretary-General, heads of states, ministers and heads of international organisations around the world. It aims at promoting global awareness about the importance of child safety in the online world, developing practical tools to assist
Olubunmi Adeniyi viding information on education, research and entertainment. Contrarily, it has also exposed children and young people to bullying, extremism, gambling, pornography and violent games, among other vices. Fouryearsago,International Telecommunication Union (ITU) launched the Child Online Protection (COP) initiative, an international collaborative effort led by ITU within the framework of the union’s Global Cybersecurity Agenda. The COP initiative was endorsed by UN SecretaryGeneral, heads of states, ministers and heads of international organisations around the world. It aims at promoting global awareness about the importance of child safety
in the online world, developing practical tools to assist governments, industry and educators and sharing experiences to ensure a safe and secure online experience for children. As such, Juwah said Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), NCC and the industries they regulate seek to work together in this direction in the overall best interest of the Nigerian child. Indeed, in partnership with the private sector, he said NCC would develop the technical capacity on national Internet content control mechanisms as the nation’s overall Internet content governance response and preventive strategy against the escalation of child abuse and exploitation, materials’ distribution and regulation of content injurious to national secu-
rity. Moreover, he added, there shall be capacity building in collaboration with Nigeria Union of Teachers in public andprivateschools,sothatthe commission would come up with a massive initiative on child protection online. Chris Uwaje, President, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), said that “the Internetisagoldenopportunity for global competitiveness. So, all nations must take the global ICT revolution seriously.” But he advised in the topic, “Future and Survivability of Nigerian Children,” that parents need to read more to catch up in gap because when talking about Internet, children know more than the parents. Corroborating this, Veronica Adeyemo, Acting Director (IT Department),
Federal Ministry of Information, said ICT today is sine qua non and fundamental to development, including child development. Consequently, the desire of parents, governments, education planners and developers is to introduce children to it early in their development stage in life is understandable. We all know that parents naturally reserve the responsibility for the initial development and up-bringing of their children.Itis,therefore,imperative that parents have good understanding of ICT and its importance or correlation to early child development,” Adeyemo said. According to her, ICT is a potentially powerful tool for enhancing educational opportunities to previously underserved constituencies, scattered and rural populations and groups traditionally
excluded from education due to cultural or social reasons. “ICT generally motivates children to learn. Therefore, achieving positive impact on learning and development using ICT depends to a large extent on how it is deployed and used,” she adds. To guard against children’s vulnerability, she advised that parents should watch attentively and discreetly how their children spend their time online, what they do, who theymeetandwhatiscurrently their main interest. In his speech, Ernest Ndukwe, former EVC of NCC and current Chairman of Open Media was emphatic that ICT is very essential to children and that the future of media and technology lies in better integration of digital experiences with the real world. Ndukwe noted that “the combination of technology and computer have been known to deliver results in the way we live today.” Moreover, ICT remains imperative in planning and development of the nation’s economy and that growth has been recorded in ICT applications while others still require urgent attention. Gerald Ilukwe, CEO, GalaxyBackbone,represented by Amara Nwankpa, Head, Marketing, Galaxy Backbone, said in the Internet age, the teacher is no longer the expert because there are multiple channels of learning today. “We have moved from just-incase learning to just-in-time learning,” Ilukwe adds. “ICT has the potential to transform the capacity of a new generation through education.”
Nigerian banks plan to capture biometric information of customers By Bola Abbas lans are underway by Nigerian banks to collect biometric information of their customers for real-time and easier identification of account holders in the country. Biometric information uniquely distinguishes one person from another and are used to establish a record of and confirm an individual’s identity with the most common being photographs and fingerprints. Iris scans and voice recognition are also other forms of biometric information. Under the plan, the Bankers’ Committee has invited reputable IT companies with requisite expertise and experience to set up a biometric verification system for customers of all the 21 deposit money banks in the country. The Bankers Committee is the powerful group of chief executive officers of all the DMBs chaired by the Governor of Central Bank, the apex bank that regulates the bank-
ing sector estimated to have more than 44.5million customers at the end of last year. Applicants for the technology project must be legally-registered companies in Nigeria, or their partners and must have executed similar large scale biometric verification contracts worth N800 million
($5m) for clients covering five million persons, according to the Bankers’ Committee that announced the deal. The proposed centralised platform would provide an online realtime database accessible by all the DMBs to enable them identify and authenticate each customer unique-
ly in their Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification processes. The Bankers’ Committee requires all applicants to submit their applications by October 5, 2012. With the proposed project, the banks in Nigeria will join the growing list of public and private organisations that require individuals to
Banner promoting the Cashless programme designed by the Central Bank to reduce carrying physical cash in the country at an event by BusinessWorld Newspaper in Lagos. Banks expect that the proposed biometric database for customer identification will enhance confidence in the banking sector
submit their biometric data for requisite databases. In February, last year, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) registered 67,764,327 voters nationwide capturing their biometric data. About four months later, National Communication Commission (NCC) followed up with supplementary registration of Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards by the private mobile phone networks for the total number of users which currently stands at 103.43 million active subscribers at last July. Biometric verification systems capture the unique biological features of any individual, such as finger-print and by law all data captured are warehoused by National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the government agency says. According to NIMC, a secure identity helps both citizens and businesses to reduce fraud, make false applications, minimise identity theft, enhance commercial transac-
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Invest in Broadband Nigeria, NCC woos investors at ITU Telecom World 2012
h e N i g e r i a n Communications Commission (NCC) says it is taking the campaign for international investors to ITU Telecom World event in Dubai holding October 14-12, this year to attract more investors in government’s push to deepen national broadband deployment. NCC says that under the platform of Nigeria@ ITU Telecom World 2012 it hopes to connect an influential mix of participants drawn from across the global ICT industry along with Heads of State and Government, Regulators, Innovators, Digital Entrepreneurs, investors and many more at the event organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Executive Vice Chairman NCC, Eugene Juwah says that due to the success recorded at the last year’s conference ITU Telecom World 2011 in Geneva, NCC is hoping this year to pitch to international investors from around the world to explore investments opportunities in Nigeria. “Our outing last year was a great success, we did concentrate a lot on investment on broadband in Nigeria, and we want to build on our success of last year”, he says in a video interview with
ITU TV ahead of the global event. According to the Nigerian telecoms regulator, “Africa has very low penetration of broadband. Africa has done very well in voice telephony but the penetration of broadband is low, and in many cases is below one per cent.” While Nigeria today has recorded major strides in boosting voice telephony with the market counting over 100 million active phone connections, telecoms administration have accorded priority to broadband as the next phase of growth in the vibrant market. According to Juwah, “what I will like to tell the investing public is that they have to encourage Africa, they have to come to Africa. They have to encourage government in Africa to develop policies, talk to stakeholders on broadband and see how to elevate the penetration of broadband in
Africa.” The NCC chief sees broadband as a key platform for innovation, growth and development and notes that, “major issue with government in Africa is to enable competitiveness for their citizens, broadband does it very well, I hope everybody knows about the influence of broadband if 10 per cent increase in broadband penetration generates about 1.3 percent improvement in GDP.” He adds that broadband access will help to improve competitiveness, the economy of Africa and develop the world at large, while adding that “I hope that this will contribute a lot to this agenda that you are talking about.” To encourage among young entrepreneurs in Africa, Juwah adds that, “the innovation centres in Africa are currently based in the universities, so we must look at a way of taking connectivity to
the universities. Right now the connectivity to the universities are quite inadequate, so we must take connectivity there and help develop local content so that the resources we have in the universities can be channeled towards developing local contents. In this way, a lot of innovation will come out of Africa.” Juwah adds that ITU Telecom World is an event where the bywords are knowledge and action, adding that it usually convenes a high-quality, influential mix of participants drawn from across the ICT industry along with heads of state and government, regulators, innovators, digital entrepreneurs and many more. A dynamic series of conferences will tackle core issues such as using ICTs to create a new future, optimization of spectrum resources, innovation, development and the economic crisis,
“Our outing last year was a great success, we did concentrate a lot on investment in broadband in Nigeria, and we want to build on our success of last year”
convergence and transformation of the ICT value chain, the impact of social networks and more. NCC expects the event will also focus on a number of varied and innovative showcasing, sponsorship and hospitality options, and also provide extensive opportunities for networking and doing business with top-level participants. “We enjoin you to be part of this global connecting event with Nigeria at ITU Telecom World 2012, and take the Nigeria ICT industry to a greater height,” he adds.
EVC,NCC, Eugene Juwah.
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Services Sector dominates technology imports into Nigeria with 55%, NOTAP says
NOTAP says it has recorded savings for the economy; the increased inflow of technology to the Services Sector was mainly attributable to the increase in the acquisition of Software Agreements as a result of the increased awareness and application of IT in systems automation in the country.
nalysis of the inflow of technology into the country has shown that the Services sector led in new technology acquisitions with 55.14 per cent of technology agreements registered with the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP). NOTAP, the government agency responsible for registration of Technology Transfer Agreements saysthedealweresealedbybusinesses that are leveraging technology usage and acquisitions in the services sector comprises Banking, Insurance, Hotels as well as Information Technology sub-sectors. Major sources of technology inflow are Asia and Far East countries followed by Europe particularly, the United Kingdom. Indeed, with Japan, India, South Korea and China ascending as Asian comparatively cheaper technological powerhouses, it’s no wonder European countries like Germany, France and UK, which are favourite trading partners with high quality technology, fell to second position, the government agency says. NOTAP says that a total of 1,237
By Bola Abbas
Technology agreements were registered from 1999 to December 2010 with the breakdown showing that the Services sector had the highest number with 570 agreements. This was followed by the Solid Mineral and Chemical Sector with 256 agreements. The Engineering sector follows with 233 agreements and the Agro-Allied sector with 178 agreements. According to NOTAP, the increased inflow of technology in the Services sector was mainly attributable to the increase in the acquisition of Software Agreements as a result of the increased awareness and application of IT in systems automation in the country. NOTAP drew these conclusions in a statement that evaluated its 2006 data and underscored the usefulness of its Computerised Registry Information System (CORIS), the Windows-based application system which stores information from technology agreements evaluated by the government agency, retrieves and disseminates it easily to interested users.
CORIS captures information on technology inflow into all sectors of the economy, types of registered technology agreements, subjects of focus such as sources of technology, new investments/projects, financial savings, among others, the agency says. “The system provides for easy access to data on Technology Agreements for statistical and policy formulation purposes,” NOTAP says noting that, “it facilitates generation of reports on previous agreements evaluated which are useful for reference purposes when evaluating new agreements. It eliminates time-consuming and cumbersome manual preparation of Reports on technology agreements, among others.” In recognition of the importance of such information to the economic andtechnologicaldevelopmentofthe country, NOTAP prepares Quarterly Reports on information stored in the system for purpose of dissemination to all interested end-users, the statement concluded. Umar Buba Bindir, Director General, NOTAP, says that, “In the present era of globalisation and liberalisation in the world economy, a
nation must be able to harness her ideas, inventions, innovations and creative works towards technological advancement and global competitiveness. To nurture national talents, Nigeria requires identification of her researchers and inventors; creation of an enabling environment and to initiate strategies to protect all the stakeholders and their creative works.” According to him, the Federal Government, recognising this had set up the Ministry of Science and Technology which has NOTAP as one of its parastatals. NOTAP’s activities include Evaluation/Registration of Technology Transfer Agreements; Promotion of Intellectual Property; Technology Advisory and Support Services; Commercialization of R&D Results; Research Industry Linkage; Production of Compenduim Management Information System; Publication of Project Profiles on R&D Results, among others. “It is my humble belief that, NOTAP, through its current and future activities, backed with dedicated and efficient personnel, adequate Government support and funding, would take this country to
greater heights scientifically and technologically”, Bindir adds.
Umar Buba Bindir, Director General, NOTAP, says that “In this present era of globalisation and liberalisation in the world economy, a nation must be able to harness her ideas, inventions, innovations and creative works towards technological advancement and global competitiveness. To nurture national talents, Nigeria requires identification of her researchers and inventors.
Governments grow increasingly repressive online as activists fight back, report says Monday October 8-14 2012
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Cross section of attendees at the Nigeria Broadband Forum hosted recently in Lagos by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to explore options for high-speed internet growth across Nigeria Photo: Damilare Bankole
rutal attacks against bloggers, politically motivated surveillance, proactive manipulation of webcontent,andrestrictivelawsregulating speech online are among the diverse threats to internet freedom emerging over the past two years, according to a new study released today by Freedom House. Despite these threats, Freedom on the Net 2012: A Global Assessment of Internet and Digital Media found that increased pushback by civil society, technology companies, and independent courts resulted in several notable victories. Sanja Kelly, Project Director for Freedom on the Net at Freedom House, says that, “The findings clearly show that threats to internet freedom are becoming more diverse. As authoritarianrulersseethatblockedwebsites and high-profile arrests draw local and international condemnation, they are turning to murkier—but no less dangerous—methods for controlling online conversations.” The battle over internet freedom comes at a time when nearly one third of the world’s population has used the internet. Governments are responding to the increased influence of the new medium by seeking to control online activity, restricting the free flow of information, and otherwise infringing on the rights of users. The methods of control are becoming more sophisticated, and tactics previously evident in only the most repressive environments—suchasgovernmentsinstigating deliberate connection disruptions or hiring armies of paid commentators to manipulate online discussions—are appearing in a wider set of countries. Freedom on the Net 2012, which identifies key trends in internet freedom in 47 countries, evaluates each country based on barriers to access, limitsoncontent,andviolationsofuser rights. The study found that Estonia had the greatest degree of internet freedom among the countries examined, while the United States ranked second. Iran,
Cuba, and China received the lowest scores in the analysis. Eleven other countries received a ranking of Not Free, including Belarus, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Thailand. A total of 20 of the 47 countries examined experiencedanegativetrajectoryininternet freedom since January 2011, with Bahrain, Pakistan, and Ethiopia registering the greatest declines. Several downgrades, particularly in the Middle East, reflected intensified censorship, arrests, and violence against bloggers as the authorities sought to quell public calls for reform. In Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, and China, authorities imposed new restrictionsafterobservingthekeyrole that social media played in the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia. At the same time, 14 countries registeredapositivetrajectory,withTunisia and Burma experiencing the largest improvements following dramatic political openings. The remaining gains occurred almost exclusively in democracies, highlighting the crucial importance of broader institutions of democratic governance in upholding internet freedom. Countries at Risk: As part of its analysis, Freedom House identified a number of important countries that are seen as particularly vulnerable to deterioration in the coming 12 months: Azerbaijan, Libya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Rwanda, and Sri Lanka. Key Trends *Newlawsrestrictfreespeech:In19 of the 47 countries examined, new laws or directives have been passed since January 2011 that either restrict online speech, violate user privacy, or punish individuals who post content deemed objectionable or undesirable. * Bloggers and ordinary users increasingly face arrest for political speech on the web: In 26 of the 47 countries, including several democratic states, at least one blogger or ICT user was arrested for content posted online or sent via text message. * Physical attacks against government critics are intensifying: In 19 of
the 47 countries assessed, a blogger or internet user was tortured, disappeared, beaten, or brutally assaulted as a result of their online posts. In five countries,anactivistorcitizenjournalist was killed in retribution for posting information that exposed human rights abuses. * Paid commentators, hijacking attacks are proliferating: The phenomenon of paid pro-government commentators has spread over the past two years from a small set of countries to 14 of the 47 countries examined. Meanwhile, government critics faced politicallymotivatedcyberattacksin19 of the countries covered. *Surveillanceisincreasing,withfew checks on abuse: In 12 of the 47 countries examined, a new law or directive disproportionately enhanced surveillance or restricted user anonymity. In authoritarian countries, surveillance often targets government critics, while in middle-performing countries, safeguards for user rights and oversight procedures are lagging far behind governments’ technical capacities and legal powers, leading to abuse. * Citizen pushback is yielding results: A significant uptick in civic activism related to internet freedom, alongside important court decisions, has produced notable victories in a wide set of countries. Advocacy campaigns, mass demonstrations, website blackouts, and constitutional court decisions have resulted in censorship plans being shelved, harmful legislation being overturned, and jailed activists being released. In 23 of the 47 countries assessed, at least one such victory occurred. Other Significant Country Findings: * China: China is home to the world’s largest population of internet users, but also the most advanced system of controls—one that has become even more restrictive. In 2011, the authorities abducted dozens of activists and bloggers, holding them incommunicado for weeks and sentencing several to prison. The governmentalsotightenedcontrolsoverpop-
ular domestic microblogging platforms, pressuring key firms to more stringently censor political content and to register their users’ real names. Meanwhile, China’s influence as an incubatorforsophisticatedrestrictions was felt across the globe, with governments such as Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Iran using China as a model for their own new internet controls. * Iran: The Iranian authorities used more nuanced tactics in a continued campaign against internet freedom that began after disputed elections in 2009. These tactics included: upgrading content filtering technology, hacking digital certificates to undermine user privacy, and moving closer to establishing a National Internet. Iranian judicial authorities also meted out some of the harshest sentences in the world for online activities, including imposing the death penalty on three bloggers and IT professionals. *Russia: The internet is the last relatively uncensored platform for public debate in Russia. However, since January 2011, massive distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and smear campaigns to discredit online activists have intensified. After online tools played a critical role in galvanizing massive anti-government protests that began in December 2011, the Kremlin signaled its intention to further tighten control over internet communications. * Pakistan: Disconcerting recent developments in Pakistan include a ban on encryption and virtual private networks (VPNs), a death sentence imposed for transmitting allegedly blasphemouscontentviatextmessage, and a one-day block on all mobile phone networks in Balochistan province. Several other initiatives to increase censorship—including a plan to filter text messages by keyword and a proposal to develop a nationwide internet firewall—were officially shelved in response to civil society advocacy campaigns, although some suspect that the government is still working on them behind closed doors.
*Egypt:TheSupremeCouncilofthe Armed Forces (SCAF) maintained many of its predecessor’s tactics of internet control, while intensifying others. Mobile phones, the internet, and social media remained under vigorous surveillance, bandwidth speeds were throttled during specific events, and SCAF-affiliated commentators manipulated online discussions. Several activists and bloggers were intimidated, beaten, shot at, or tried in military courts for “insulting the military power” or “disturbing social peace.” Despite recent elections, the futuretrajectoryofinternetfreedomin Egypt remains precarious and uncertain. *United States: Internet access in the United States remains open and fairly free compared with the rest of the world. Courts have consistently held that prohibitions against government regulation of speech apply to materialpublishedontheinternet,but the government’s surveillance powers are cause for some concern. In early 2012, campaigns by civil society and technology companies helped to halt passage of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA),whichwerecriticizedfortheir potentially negative effects on free speech. *Azerbaijan: As the host of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in November 2012, the government of Azerbaijan has been eager to promote itself as a leader of ICT innovation, but has also slightly increased restrictions on internet freedom. Rather than significantly censoring online content, the government has employed tactics such as raiding cybercafes to gather information on user identities, arresting politically active netizens on trumped-up charges, and harassing activists and their family members. In aworrisomedevelopment,theauthorities ramped up their surveillance capabilities of mobile phones in early 2012.
RIM spurs rare optimism with surprising growth, new phone Page 14
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esearch in Motion offered investors a ray of hope on Tuesday, announcing an unexpected increaseinsubscribernumbers that sent its shares up 5 percent as the company worked hard to drum up enthusiasm for its crucial Blackberry due 2013. Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM, a pioneer in the smartphone arena, has in past years lost market share in North America to Apple Inc and Samsung, whose more versatile and user-friendly devices took off. RIM is trying to reinvent itself through a line of jazzed-up smartphones that will run on theBlackBerry10orBB10operating system on which the company has staked its future. In an attempt to create a buzz around the new devices, Chief Executive Thorsten Heins gave a preview of the smartphone and its features to its developers at a gathering on TuesdayinSanJose,California. Dressed in an outfit few Silicon Valley executives sport - a grey pinstriped suit - Heins said the company was fighting for its future. "There is new energy and a new fighting spirit in this company," he said as he listed new features from Internet browsing to multitasking between applications. Heins said BlackBerry's subscriber base had risen to 80 million in the quarter ended
Google set to take Facebook's crown in US display ads
G
oogle Inc is set to become the biggest earner in U.S. display ads this year, taking the No. 1 rank away from Facebook Inc and cementing its dominant presence in online advertising. Google's rising clout in display ads - the boxes with images and video found on websites -- has come on the back of growth in video advertising on its YouTube subsidiary, as well as mobile advertising through Admob, a company acquired by Google in 2009. This year, Google will claim 15.4 percent of display ad dollars, or $2.31 billion, compared to Facebook's 14.4 percent, or $2.16 billion, according to projections by
eMarketer, a digital advertising research firm. But it added that publishers across the board have been bruised by weaker-than-expected display advertising demand this year as large brands withheld splurging on costly digital campaigns. Top display ad earners Google and Facebook were followed by Yahoo Inc, Microsoft Corp and AOL Inc, which all have advertising networks across their digital content properties. Facebook said this week that it would begin developing a mobile ad network that would allow advertisers to target ads using Facebook data across the web and not just Facebook's website.
Research In Motion CEO Thorsten Heins discusses features of the Blackberry 10 during his keynote address during the Blackberry Jam Americas in San Jose, California September 25, 2012. Photo: Reuters
September 1 from the 78 million it reported earlier this year. The addition of subscribers surprised many on Wall Street and sparked a bounce in the company's share price. Most analysts had expected RIM to begin losing subscribers in the recently ended quarter, for the first time in its history. In a presentation that lacked the customary pizzazz of major Silicon Valley events,
executives showed off some of the key features of the new phone like the browser, and 'flow' and 'peek' features that let users access important features without leaving an open application. RIM has completely focused on the launch of its new line of revamped devices in recent months, while its aging line-up of smartphones in the market have struggled to compete
against the recently launched iPhone 5 and a slew of new Android devices. It badly needs a hit. The launch of BB10 has been delayed to nextyearfromthefinalquarter of this year, a decision that had not gone down well with RIM shareholders.BlackBerry 10 is our most important launch ever," he said.
HP's profitable printers to buy Whitman time
eg Whitman has a laundry list of things to do at HP: Arrest a rapid decline in its personal computer unit, compete better on enterprise services, and figure out a strategy as mobile devices eat into personal computer sales. That leaves one still-bright spot in Hewlett-Packard's beaten-up portfolio - printing. The HP chief executive in past months has punctuated talk about her years-long turnaround plan with sweeping goals such as battling IBM and Dell Inc on corporate services and products, using Silicon Valley buzzwords such as "cloud" and "social" and "big data." In the short run, however, its printers are buying time for the CEO of one year to turn around the sprawling company with over 300,000 workers. Whitman on Wednesday will host HP's annual presentation to investors in San Francisco, and Wall Street is keeping one eye on a division that her predecessor once considered spinning off.
NEWS
Hewlett Packard CEO and President Meg Whitman attends the Allen & Co Media Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho July 12, 2012. Photo: Reuters
Though it has lost some of its shine, the unit still generates close to a fifth of total revenue and 35 percent to 40 percent of HP's annual profit. Printing is "not as much a problem as some of the other businesses," said Shaw Wu, analyst with Sterne Agee. "It's still a cash-cow business. The profits have declined but they
are still very strong." Revenue from all of HP's main business units fell in the July quarter, with the PC unit seeing a slide of 10 percent. Operating profit declined by 28 percent in the PC group, the largest slide among HP's divisions, followed by a 22 percent slide in services. Printing revenue declined
2.7 percent last quarter, but operating profit increased by 8 percent. The group accounted for $949 million of HP's $3.1 billion in operating income that quarter. Wu is expecting HP's annual printing revenue to decline by about $1 billion to $25 billion this fiscal year, which ends in October.
Sony game unit pegs profit hope on PS3, handhelds weak ony Corp is relying more heavily on its PlayStation 3 game consoles to make money for its game unit in the year to March, as weak sales of handhelds threaten to undermine a business the company's CEO is banking on to help return his company to profit. Sony's new CEO, Kazuo Hirai, has said growing sales in games, digital cameras, smartphones and tablets, along with new businesses such as medical equipment, will help the consumer electronics company return to profit as it draws back from money-losing TVs. "I think we will be profitable this year," Andrew House, the executive in charge of Sony's gaming unit told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of the Tokyo Game Show on Thursday. "We have a growing installed base, growing connectivity of the PS3." He declined to say whether his division would improve on the 29 billion yen ($371 mil-
lion) operating profit posted in the year ended March 31. On August 2, it cut its forecast for sales of Vita and PSP handheld consoles this business year to 12 million from 16 million. Sony's game unit is maintaining its target of an 80 billion yen operating profit on sales of 1 trillion yen in the year to March 2015, the timetable the firm has set for the planned turnaround on which the CEO will be judged. Investors are concerned that Sony will struggle to achieve a turnaround. It has already slashed its earnings outlook since Hirai took office in April. After its first quarter it lowered its annual operating profit prediction to 130 billion yen from 180 billion yen. In the previous twelve months it posted a loss of 67 billion yen. The average estimate of 14 analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters since then is for operating profit of 110 billion for the 12 months.
NEWS Facebook reaches one billion IBM aims for Amazon, Salesforce.com monthly active users with midsize cloud plan: WSJ Monday October 8-14 2012
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
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News
ocial media company Facebook Inc reported on Thursday it reached the 1 billion user mark last month, while Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said it would keep pursuing growth through mobile devices. The No. 1 social network has faced a rough road since its May initial public offering. Investors and analysts have fretted over a sharp slowdown in revenue growth and questioned how Facebook will make money from users as people access its site on mobile devices. Facebook shares have lost more than 40 percent of their value since the stock debuted at $38. Facebook, based in Menlo Park, California, hit the 1 billion milestone on September 14 at 12:45 p.m. Pacific time, the company said on its website. This is up by 45 million users since June. It said it had 600 million mobile users, according to a fact sheet the company posted. In an interview on NBC's "Today" show broadcast on Thursday, Zuckerberg was askedbyco-anchorMattLauer about how, with 1 billion users, the company wasn't "killing it," by making money. "I think it depends on your definition of 'killing it.' I mean we are making billions of dollars,"Zuckerbergsaid.Initslast earnings report, Facebook said
nternational Business Machines Corp will announce on Wednesday that it will ramp up efforts to sell cloud computing services to midsize businesses, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. The move by IBM, a bellwether for the IT industry because of its global span and breadth of businesses, is aimed at grabbing market share from companies like Amazon.com Inc and Salesforce.com Inc, which have been successful in the mid-market, the paper said. For Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM, midsize companies refer to
Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg gestures as he addresses students at the Moscow State University in Moscow October 2, 2012 Photo: Reuters
revenue increased by 32 percent to $1.18 billion in the second quarter. The 28-year-old CEO talked about the growth potential from mobile users. "There's 5 billionpeopleintheworldwho have phones, so we should be able to serve many more people and grow the user base there," he said. In September, Zuckerberg said the company's new mobile ads were delivering better results for advertisers than its traditional ads on personal computers. As for his own phone habits, he said he has several devices,
but recently had been using an iPhone 5 he received from Apple CEO Tim Cook. Zuckerberg acknowledged that morale at the company could be better but that its 4,000 employees remained focused on building and improving Facebook's products. "We are obviously in a tough cycle now ... that doesn't help morale," he said. The 1 billion user count is up from the end of June, when it had 955 million active monthly users. Zuckerberg, Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg and
board member Marc Andreessen have been courting investors this week with appearances on the CNBC business channel and on panels at a high-profile advertising conference in New York. It also unveiled a video touting Facebook's connection with people across the world. Facebook has rolled out a spate of initiatives to spur more growth, including a new advertising platform and measurementmethodstoshow companies they are getting their money's worth with Facebook ads.
Samsung allowed to sell Galaxy Tab in U.S. as court lifts ban
U.S. court removed a temporary sales ban against Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's Galaxy Tab 10.1 won by Apple Inc in a patent dispute, allowing the South Korean company to sell the product in the United States. While the Galaxy 10.1 is an older model, the lifting of the ban could still help Samsung in the run-up to the pivotal holiday shopping season. "We are pleased with the court'sactiontoday,whichvindicates our position that there was no infringement of Apple's design patent and that an injunction was not called for," Samsung said in a statement. Separately, Samsung filed a motion against Apple saying the iPhone 5 had infringed on some of the company's patents. The world's top two smartphone makers are locked in patent disputes in 10 countries as they vie to dominate the lucrative market. Thelegalfightbeganlastyear when Apple sued Samsung in multiple countries, and Samsung countersued. TheinjunctionontheGalaxy tablet had been put in place
those with less than 1,000 employees, the newspaper said. The company's general manager in charge of small and medium-sized businesses, Andy Monshaw, told the Journalthatthecheapercostof cloud computing will let the companyreachabiggerbaseof smaller customers. Cloud computing is the delivery of computing and storage capacity that allows users to, for instance, rent servers and software to store data over a network. IBM officials could not be reached for comment outside regular U.S. business hours.
A man passes by an illuminated IBM logo at the CeBIT computer fair in Hanover February 27, 2011. The world's largest IT fair CeBIT opens its doors on March 1 and runs through March 5. Photo: Reuters
Barnes & Noble launches new tablets in e-books fight arnes & Noble Inc's first high-definition tablets, unveiled on Wednesday, were well received by analysts who said the devices keep the bookseller in the fight with Amazon.com Inc, Apple Inc and Google Inc - for now. The largest U.S. bookstore chain has staked its future on success in the growing ebooks industry in the face of declining sales of physical books that last year led to the bankruptcy of the Borders bookstore chain. Barnes & Noble introduced a $199 7-inch Nook HD tablet that will go up against similar, recently launched products by Google and Amazon.com this holiday season. The company also unveiled a $269 9-inch Nook HD+ tablet that will compete with the Apple iPad. "Thedevicesareanimprovement in important ways over thepreviousgenerationsofthe Nook, and they one-up Amazon in some areas," Forrester Research analyst
Sarah Rotman Epps told Reuters. While the new products are thinner and lighter than rivals and follow a few months after Microsoft said it would invest $605 million in Barnes & Noble's Nook e-reader and college business, the bookstore chain still faces a daunting task. "Barnes & Noble is the smallestplayertryingtodothe software and the hardware development, and they don't have the financial means beyond what Microsoft has already fronted them to keep up in the arms race," said Morningstar analyst Peter Wahlstrom. In many ways, Barnes & Noble, which operates nearly 700 stores, has defied expectations. It beat Amazon to the marketplace with touchscreen devices and a color reader in recent years, and won plaudits from reviewers this year for its glow-in-thedark Nook that allows someone to read with the lights off so as not to disturb others.
Models hold Samsung Electronics' new tablet 'Galaxy Tab 10.1' as they pose for photographs during its launch ceremony at the company's headquarters in Seoul July 20, 2011 Photo: Reuters
aheadofamonth-longtrialthat pitted the iPhone maker against Samsung in a closely watchedlegalbattlethatended in August with a victory for Apple on many of its patent violation claims. However, the jury found that Samsung had not violated the
patent that was the basis for the tablet injunction and Samsung argued the sales ban should be lifted. The sole basis for the preliminaryinjunctionnolongerexists since the jury found that Samsung's Galaxy Tab had not violated Apple's D'889 patent.
"The court does not agree with Apple that Samsung's motion for dissolution of the June 26 preliminary injunction cannot be fairly decided without resolving Apple's post-trial motions," Judge Lucy Koh said in her ruling.
The NOOK HD+ in an image courtesy of Barnes & Noble . Photo: Reuters
CAPDAN seeks Fashola’s support for conducive business in Ikeja Computer Village Page 16
Continue from Page 1 utilised, they can also go there to form another GSM Village. Ifthesethingskeeponhappening constantly, the whole place will be neat and the environment will be smooth and conducive for the running of businesses,” he added. Ezeh, who condemned the influx of grey, substandard products in the market, blamed miscreants and landlords who take advantage of roadside traders seeking business space in order to exploit them.CAPDAN'snumbertwo man disclosed that the traders pay as low as N50,000 but mount display glasses on the streets around the Ikeja Computer market. According to him, “They charged one man having his shop as a kiosk on the roadside N100,000; another person here paid about N50,000 for putting show glass here and that’s the way they go round everyday to collect money from them." Meanwhile, some of the affected roadside traders who spoke on condition of anonymity appealed to the government to provide an alternative market for them, noting that displacing them without rehabilitating them at an alternative location would do more harm than good. On the relocation of Computer Village to Katangua Market, the CAPDAN executive urged the government to continuously involve the asso-
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
ciation in the relocation of the markettoanalternativespotin
the state. According to him, “There is
no way they will force the vendors to go there without com-
Monday October 8-14 2012
pleting the place. But what government can do is to
involve us more in building the new market.”
NCC denies racketeering in allocation of frequency slots to Open Skys, Smile Communications Continue from Page 1 Leadership Newspaper of Thursday, October 4, 2012 which alleged frequency racketeering, with an insinuation that the management of the commission has sold a frequency slot belonging to the Nigerian police to a private firm, Open Skys.” Denying the report, Muoka says, “that the story in its entirety lacks basic understanding of frequency allocation and its processes involved, resulting in unsubstantiated information capable of misleading the public and industry stakeholders.” NCC says the frequencies
Euguene Juwah, EVC/NCC
CAPDAN, the umbrella group of businesses in Ikeja Computer Village which is seeking the assistance of the Lagos State government, has told Technology Times that activities of roadside traders continues to undermine patronage of its members Photo: Damilare Bankole
allocated to Open Skys and Smile Communications are in two separate frequency bands while due process was followed in the allocation which started in 2009 for similar frequencies at the commission. According to the regulator, “the frequency spectrum allocated to the Police by the commission is intact and has not in any way affected by the allocation.” NCC adds that the allocation of frequency to Open Skys followed due process and began in 2008 following a Presidential directive to the commission for allocation of a portion in the 450 MHz to NIGCOMSAT, the publiclyowned satellite services com-
pany. NCC adds that its Board acceded to the request, “on the condition that NIGCOMSAT, being a government agency, must seek private sector partnership before qualifying for such allocation. Upon compliance and submission of the name of Open Skys, the company applied for the licence and frequency in 2009.” According to Muoka, “The use of 450 MHz for commercial telecommunications was approved by the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) on Nov 5, 2004. After this approval, occupants in this band, like the Police, Shell PDC, Agip, Chevron, and some others, were relocated to specific portions of the band from where they had indiscriminately occupied. The Nigerian Police was specifically on 18th of October 2005, approved to be moved to 469.375 – 469.975 MHz / 459.375 – 459.975 MHz of this spectrum. Open Skys, in which NIGCOMSAT has interest, was to pay the police for the relocation cost estimated at N350 million, which from our records, was complied with.” He adds, “Open Skys was thereafter invoiced for the sum of N1.141 billion, for 5 years to enable the re-farming of the frequency while it paid the sum of N892,455,010.60
as frequency fee destined for the Federation Account while the balance of N247,544,989.40, later adjusted to N350 million to cover the additional cost of replacement of the old radios belonging to the Police since they will not be attuned to the new frequency spectrum, was paid.” NCC faulted the alleged claim of racketeering by its leadership on any frequency belonging to the Police and allocation to a private company while noting that “the Nigerian Police, Shell, AGIP and others still have allocation on the different portions of the 450MHz band.” Muoka maintains that all the decisions on the matter were taken by the Board of NCC and all the due processes were followed while noting that it is the commission that also decides which of the available allocation processes as prescribed by the relevant laws, are applied during any allocation of frequencies. He adds that in the case of Smile Communications Ltd, the company was in 2009 awarded a Unified Access Service License (UASL) for a 10-year period that expires on June 30, 2019 alongside a Private Networks Link (PNL) and a spectrum in the 850 MHz band for implementation of the licences having applied since 2008. According to NCC, the
company’s applications were processed in line with Sections 123 and 33 of the Act and in compliance with our licensing procedures. According to the regulator, Smile Communications was licensed to provide broadband multimedia services on the 850 MHz Band nationwide and was assigned 15 MHz spectrum based on Time Division Duplexing (TDD) in the 850 MHz band to provide wireless access services in 2009. “In March. 2010, Smile Communications appealed that their 15 MHz Time Division Duplexing, TDD, assignment to 10 MHz Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD). While this application was undergoing consideration, the commission, first and foremost, took a decision to allocate additional 5MHz frequency on the TDD as earlier requested by Smile Communications to ensure effective use of the 15 MHz which it already had as the current status of the 15MHz would constitute a waste. The consideration of its request, which implied a conversion of the spectrum from TDD to FDD for a lower value, is yet to be decided as this would require time and costs for re-farming all the frequencies, and also to accommodate many applications that are being made for
its use due to the digital dividend opportunities,” adds Muoka NCC says further that its UASL licence, Smile Communications paid N320,250,000.00 on June 26, 2009; for the PNL license, it paid N46,830,000.00 on February 26, 2009 and for its Spectrum License with 10 years validity from July 2009, it paid N2,154,600,000 which is for the Federation Account and also paid N718,200,000 for the additional 5 MHz. “We have taken efforts to provide details of these transactions to show clearly that Dr. Juwah has not even resumed at the NCC when the process of the allocations began. We also make bold to say that all due processes were taken in the allocations contrary to the allegations contained in the report”, adds the agency’s spokesman. According to Muoka, “we advise newsmen to always seek clarifications from the Commission before going to press with sensitive information that are false but capable of misinforming the public and casting the commission and its management in bad light. The commission restates that in all its regulatory activities, due processes are followed, just like in the cases reported by the newspaper.”
Classifieds Monday October 8-14 2012
Computers
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Peripherals
Innovation
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Consumer Technology
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Samsung Galaxy Pocket leads Top 5 Selling Mobile Phones in Nigeria A shop displays different brands of handsets in Ikeja Computer Village: Growth in the telecoms market has boosted the growing demand for handsets and other mobile devices in Nigeria
By Bola Abbas
he Samsung Galaxy Pocket, an entry-level Smartphone that bundles the affordability edge, is the top-selling mobile handset in Nigeria, according to the Technology Times Intelligence Unit that tracks the retail ecosystem to profile the Top 5 Selling Mobile Phones in the country. Nigeria, ranked as Africa’s biggest telecoms market with over 103.4 million active lines and penetration of 73.88 per cent at July, 2012, is home to a vibrant marketplace for handset makers pumping various models from basic feature phones to sophisticated smart phones to meet the needs of an increasingly trendy consumer base. While Blackberry may not occupy the top spot on the ranking, RIM’s trendy Smartphone remains a favourite among Nigerian mobile phone users. Three models from the Canadian company, which is lately refocusing its local market growth, featured in the Top 5 Selling Mobile Phones ranking.
Samsung Galaxy Pocket: the Galaxy Pocket has been able to capture a large number of users in the lower budget Smartphone segment due largely because it is very pocket-friendly both in physical appeal and affordability.
#1 Samsung Galaxy Pocket
According to the mobile phone market retail ecosystem tracked by Technology Times Intelligence Unit, the market research division of Technology Times, within the month of September, 2012,
Samsung led the Top 5 Selling Mobile Phones ranking among growing buyers who prefer to be on the technology cutting edge but balance their desire with consciousness of their pockets. That makes the phone, currently sold below the N20,000 price tag, prudent buyers’
top choice. This is largely because feature phones are emerging in the marketplace packing features reflecting market needs like multiple-SIM phones. So far, none of the threeSIM models feature in the Top 5, but they are undoubtedly rising in profile and it is no surprise that the Nokia Asha 202, a dual-SIM handset, emerged on the Top 5 list, albeit at the bottom. The Nokia Asha 202, the number five selling mobile phone in Nigeria in September, 2012, features a dualSIM, and is rising in profile among buyers despite the relative trendy Blackberry which is hot in the market thanks to its BBM Messenger service which has triggered a pinging rave among Nigeria’s growing connected user family. Nokia Asha 202’s position reflects the growing consumers’ appetite for mobile phones with dual SIMs which are becoming commonplace in a market where phone users use multiple SIMs but now see the need to carry fewer handsets. In a marketplace where multiple mobile phone lines are the norm,
Photo: Damilare Bankole
Nokia’s response to reclaiming market share with dual-SIM handsets shows market promises for the Finnish phone maker’s efforts to reclaim its share of the handset market in Nigeria. The leader of the pack, the Samsung Galaxy Pocket, is the market’s favourite as it packs the powers of a good Smartphone that does not punch a hole in the buyers’ pockets at a pocket-friendly price averaging N18,500. Social media is the in-thing in Africa’s most vibrant telecoms market currently counting over 102 million active phone lines and mobile phone makers are mindful that it is now cool to be linked to these cool sites from Facebook, Twitter and the likes as shown by the Top 5 Selling Mobile Phones in Nigeria: Samsung Galaxy Pocket
The Samsung Galaxy Pocket is one of the fastest-mover among Android smart phones in the mobile phone market space. With its tiny form and Google’s Smartphone OS, the Galaxy Pocket
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micro USB, 3.5mm headphone connection and sets a trend of being a device that lets users with low budget savour the Smartphone experience. Blackberry Curve 4 (9360)
The Blackberry Curve 9360 (Curve 4, as popularly known) by Research In Motion (RIM), has again connected very well with fans and lovers of the Curve series of the Blackberry range of smart phones by emerging number 2 among the
the back and despite the smooth rear battery cover (Near Field Communication antenna on the underside); grip is excellent because of a thin rubberized strip between the cover and the metal rim. The clunky side buttons of earlier Blackberry smart phones has been replaced by small contoured rubberized fins (buttons) that are part of the rubber casing. Curve 4 has a micro USB port for charging and sync while the standard 3.5mm audio out slot is on top with a lock button. The keypad is
Blackberry Curve 4 (9360): Curve 4 has been updated to give the Curve series more punch among lovers of the Smartphone. #2 Blackberry Curve 4 (9360)1
Top 5 selling phones. The Curve series is one of Blackberry’s most popular, affordable (though hardly cheap), sleek and not-too-flashy device. However, Curve 4 has been updated to give the Curve series more punch among lovers of the Smartphone. Curve 4 is 11mm and 100gms meaning the phone is very slim, lightweight and sleek, also making it the lightest Blackberry around at dimensions of 109mm x 60mm x 11mm. An elegant, grey metal rim is at
#4: Blackberry Curve 7 (9320)
better than the older Curve series and in another welcome change, the microSD card is swappable. The 9360 Curve comes with a 2.44-inch, 480 x 360 pixel transmissible TFT LCD that is quite sharp due to Blackberry 7 OS’ Liquid Graphics technology. The 800 MHz 32-bit Marvell PXA940 is powerful enough to ensure a smooth user experience. The Curve comes with 512 MB RAM and 512 MB ROM. The microSD/SDHC slot supports up to 32 GB memory cards for additional media storage. GPS and WiFi support are included in the Curve 4. Blackberry Bold 5 (9900)
Blackberry Curve 7 (9320): The new Blackberry Curve 9320 Smartphone features all the core Blackberry messaging and social-centric features that keep people connected, and it offers global 3G connectivity
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Even though this Smartphone has been in the market for a while, the Blackberry Bold 9900 still continues to be a trend-setter among other smart phones in the mobile phone market. The Smartphone, which is among those released when RIM went down, can be said to have revived the Blackberry market. The Bold 9900 looks like the Bold 9000 from the front, but is thinner, slightly smaller. Being one of the thinnest Blackberry at 115 x 66 x 10.5mm dimension, the Bold 5 looks great and very business-like. It comes in a brushed metal rim with a thin polished edge and under the rear cover is the Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna. The rear had to be smooth carbon fibre, so there would be no signal disruptions. Weighing in at 130gms, the Bold 9900 is heavier and bigger than its immediate predecessor. Button positioning is a bit different from the standard Blackberry style. On the right of the 9900, there are now four buttons compared to the previous three. Three are media buttons with a welcome Pause button in the middle and the bottom one is a convenience key that enables users personalize to their preference. There is also a micro USB port for charging and sync and a standard 3.5mm audio out slot with a nice contoured design. On the top, there is a single lock button placed in the centre and far easier to click than the top lock button on some earlier Blackberry smart phones. Bold 5 boasts of a 2.8-inch, 640 x 480 pixel capacitive Touchscreen that is incredibly sharp courtesy of Blackberry 7 OS Liquid Graphics technology. The Touchscreen is very precise and responsive and the trackpad plus Touchscreen combo works great. Although the Bold 5 is quite expensive, it sure gives users value for their money and shows class without going overboard. Blackberry Curve 7 (9320)
Research in Motion recently launched the Curve 9320, which has some features that had not been found on Blackberry handsets (except 9220). These include a dedicated BBM button and FM radio capabilities. The new Blackberry Curve 9320 Smartphone features all the core Blackberry messaging and socialcentric features that keep people connected, and it offers global 3G connectivity backed by a long battery life that allows 7 hours of talk time or up to 30 hours of FM radio listening or music playback with headphones. 3G connectivity is an addition found on this handset, which the Blackberry Curve 9220 did not feature. The new Social Feeds 2.0 app is also pre-loaded on the Curve 7 allowing users to post updates to multiple social networks simultaneously and capture updates from news sources (RSS), social apps and instant messaging apps, all in a consolidated view. The Curve 7’s integrated camera includes a flash and supports video recording, and pictures can be tagged with their location due to the Smartphone’s built-in GPS. The Blackberry Curve 9320 comes with the new BlackBerry 7.1 OS, which supports features, such as Mobile Hotspot and Wi-Fi call-
Monday October 8-14 2012
ing where available. Parental Controls is a brand new, on-device feature that provides parents and guardians with simple options to help protect children by restricting access to specific functions, features and applications. The new Curve could be said to be relatively cheap with the newlyadded features and the durability. And it comes in really handy for those who love to have their radio on the move as well as socialites. Nokia Asha 202
works to catch updates and multitasks, all on the go. Nokia Asha 202 features dual SIM with Easy Swap technology and a dedicated SIM manager to personalize the phone and save up to five SIM cards with unique information. The device comes with a 2 megapixel camera, music player, FM radio, Nokia Browser, and Bluetooth connectivity, and has expandable memory of up to 32GB. The Nokia Asha 202 comes in four colours to match users’ mood
Blackberry Bold 5 (9900): Even though this Smartphone has been in the market for a while, the Blackberry Bold 9900 still continues to be a trend-setter among other smart phones in the mobile phone market.
#3: Blackberry Bold 5 (9900)
A dual SIM-touch and type phone, the Nokia Asha 202 is designed for cost effective web browsing, social networking, gaming and entertainment. The Nokia Asha 202 is packed with a range of features and services, such as the EA games pack and Nimbuzz chat client. The Asha 202 aims to offer faster, richer and a more cost-efficient web experience through the Nokia Browser. And has got a lot in store and very affordable for average mobile phone users. Nokia’s Asha 202’s combination of a traditional keypad with a 2.4inch Touchscreen is ideal for mobile phone users seeking easy ways to connect to the web and social net-
and personality: black and gold, silver white, dark grey and dark red. Display is 2.4 inch resistive Touchscreen, which serves as the navigation tool, Camera is 2 MP, with resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels which is not for high quality recording but still does well for basic capturing. Nokia Asha 202 s internal memory is 10MB and 16MB RAM memory but it can be expandable up to 32GB over microSD slot. The basic internal memory is enough to make archive of 20 dialed, 20 received and 20 missed calls. Nokia Asha 202 has a battery of only 1020 mAh which is enough for 5 hours of talk. Connection is possible over USB, Bluetooth, GPRS and EDGE but there is no WiFi. #5: Nokia Asha 202
Nokia Asha 202: The Asha 202 aims to offer faster, richer and a more cost-efficient web experience through the Nokia Browser. And has got a lot in store and very affordable for average mobile phone users.
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C AND O HOSSANA NIG LTD
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KENNOMEJ RESOURCES LTD
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Sales Of Gsm Phones Such As Nokia, Samsung, Sony, Blackberry, Iphone, Techno, Itel, Accessories And Laptops.
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JOSS COMMUNICATION COMPANY Dealers In All Gsm Phones And Accessories Such As Nokia, Blackberry, Techno And Samsung.
Repair Of Laptops, Computers, Ipad, Iphone, Blackberry, Htc, Galaxy Tab And Samsung Galaxy. Address: Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos EMAIL: k.johnpress@yahoo.com
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SUNRISE COMMUNICATION
We Sell Blackberry,Nokia, Samsung, Htc Phones And Phone Accessories, Including Ipad, Iphone And London Used Phones.
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Tel: 08090655003
Phones for sale
We deal on London used phones such as-Nokia, Samsung, SonyEricsson ,LG, HTC, Blackberry, Ipad ,I-phones, memory card. Also we deal on new warranty phones such asNokia(12mnths), Samsung(24mnths),LG(12 mnths),Blackberry(12mnth s), Tecno(13mnths). Quality is our watchword.
Address: Block E shop 10 GSM Village Email; ambaby11@yahoo.com
Tel:08066165720
YOMIFAD TELECONSULT ENT.
Phones for sale
Phones for sale
Sales Of Handset All Blackberry Accessories, Laptop Charger, Bluetooth And All Phone Accessories.
Dealers in all kinds of phones such as- Nokia, Blackberry, Samsung, HTC, SonyEricsson, Tecno e.t.c quality Guaranted
Address: Suite A10, Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
Address: Shop Db4, Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
Tel:08038947166, 08089324030
Phones for sale
DIVINE FAVOUR KLEEMS ENT
Tel:08033293282, 08099744551
Address: Block H, Shop 6 , G.S.M Village, Ikeja Email: ifenastic@yahoo.com
BIOZED INTERNATIONAL LTD
UGOPHONIC VENTURES
Tel:08033026751, 08030606287
Address: Db 9, Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos Email; ugophonicventures95@yaho o.com
Email: blahaka04@yahoo.com
ANYI-BEST MOBILE COMMUNICATION
Address: Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos Email: evachime@yahoo.com
Suppliers Of All Kinds Of Spare Parts, Electronics And Electrical, Import/Exportn Of Communication Equipment And General Contractor.
Repairs, Unlock Phones Such As Blackberry, Iphones, Nokia, Ipad, Htc And Galaxy Tab.
Tel:08066660522, 08077737331
Dealers In Phones, Accessories, Computer And Accessories, Original Blackberry Phones, Ipads, Htc, Nokia And Techno Phones.
Address: Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos EMAIL: josscom2004@yahoo.com
Tel:08033158099
BLACK TECH COMMUNICATION COMPANY
EVAROYAL GLOBAL RESOURCES
Phones for sale
Phones for sale
Phones Engineer
Phones for sale
Monday October 8-14 2012
Tel:08023865872
YOULEAD COMMUNICATION
Phones for sale
We Deal In Blackberry, Nokia, Samsung, Htc Phones, Iphone, Ipad 2 And Ipad 3 And Accessories Of All Phones Types And Chargers. Address: Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
Tel:08037770685
Phones for sale
DEDON TELECOMMS We Sell Uk Used Phones Such As Blackberry, Htc, Nokia, Ipad. We Also Trade In. Address: Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos Email: dtexintltd@gmail.com
Email:youlead@yahoo.com
Tel:08035511543, 08091903610
Tel:07089530088
Monday October 8-14 2012
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
ARMSTEL TECHNOGIES NIG
EMIRATE COMUNICATION
GSM Phones and accessories information Technologies consultants and engineering services
CLIFF LOGISTICS
Phones for sale
Phones for sale
Phones for sale
Classifieds
Page 21
Dealers in tokunbo fairly used phones and laptops of all brands
Dealers in any kind of GSM Phones, Nokia,Blackberry,
Address: Shop 1A Onisha line GSM village Email: Cizze2020@yahoo.com
Address: Onitsha Line N 1D GSM Village Along Agege Motor Road Ikeja Lagos
Address: Shop A6 GSM village, Ikeja Email:chine.84real@yahoo.com
Email: worldfamousafam@yahoo.com
Tel:08036429660, 08182530119
Tel:0812220044 & 07065615665
S.M ODESUN NIG LTD
PHYLUM COMMUNICATION Phones for sale
We sell phones such as Nokia Tecno Blackberry Phones and Samsung, LG.
Phones, Cameras, Accessories, Memory Card, Laptop. Address: Suite H7 GSM village Ikeja Lagos
Address: 1, Onitsha line GSM village Ikeja,B12 Oshodi market AB 85, 95 Alaba international market. Email;princeforlive@yahoo.co m
Email: phylumugonia@yahoo.com
Original and London used phones and Accessories and new Blackberry charger, batteries, car charger, screen protector, desktop charger and all original phones chargers ,USB covers e.t.c
INNOTHUNDERS ENGR & CO Phones for sale
Address: Block H, Shop 6 , G.S.M Village, Ikeja Email: ifenastic@yahoo.com
Tel:08038947166, 08089324030
B.HARYTEX COMMUNICATIONS Dealers in all kinds of phones, Computers, Accessories, Auto spare parts and General Electronics
Email; ambaby11@yahoo.com
Tel:08066165720
CHIBEST COMMUNICATIONS Phones for sale Original phones such as London used phones,Samsung, Nokia, Erickson and new phones Address: Block I, shop 1, G.S.M Village Ikeja
Address: Block E Shop 6 GSM Village, Agege Motor Way, Lagos
Tel:08035623150, 08026436477
C.O BRIGHT COMMUNICATIONS Phones for sale
Phones for sale
Dealers in all kinds of phones such as- Nokia, Blackberry, Samsung, HTC, SonyEricsson, Tecno e.t.c and All kinds of Laptops. We work with one year warranty. Trusted and tested
Dealers in all kinds of phones and Accessories @ cheaper and affordable price. Address: Block D, shop 9, G.S.M Village, Ikeja Email: Modebe_praise@yahoo.com
We deal on London used phones such as-Nokia, Samsung, SonyEricsson ,LG, HTC, Blackberry, Ipad ,I-phones, memory card. Also we deal on new warranty phones such asNokia(12mnths), Samsung(24mnths),LG(12 mnths),Blackberry(12mnth s), Tecno(13mnths). Quality is our watchword.
Address: Block E shop 10 GSM Village
Tel:08023693769
Tel:08033010991
Phones for sale
DIVINE FAVOUR KLEEMS ENT Phones for sale
Phones for sale
ANYI-BEST MOBILE COMMUNICATION
Tel:07034761601
Tel:07085665481
O & 2 COMMUNICATIONS Phones for sale Dealers in all kinds of phones. The place where price meets quality. Address: Block G, shop 4, G.S.M Village, Ikeja
Address: Block D, shop 14 G.S.M Village Ikeja Email:Jtimo2m@yahoo.com
Tel: 08033506204, 08182669002,
Tel:08077799972,08131119065
Tel:07088720566
Classifieds Page 22
Phones for sale
JOVARIN RESOURSES
Go to where the winners go for all kinds of phones, Blackberry and accessories social researches and consultancy services. (Sales, maintenance and repair)
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Computers for sale
Monday October 8-14 2012
D.P VENTURES
OTHELSUN INTEGRATED Phones for sale A one stops Shopping Centre for all your mobile phones both new & fairly used.
Sales of phones and laptops, Computer Accessories and Phone Accessories
Address: Block B, Suite 17, GSM Village, Airport B/Stop Ikeja, Lagos.
Address: : Block i, Shop 2 GSM Ikeja Village Airport B/stop Ikeja
Address: Shop 9 H Line GSM Village Airport B/Stop, Agege Motor Rd
Email: odogwuzobodor@yahoo.com
Email:Jovares.org@yahoo.com
BONLEN SYSTEM
Tel:08034039496, 07072019552
Computers for sale
Computers, Laptops, Networking, iphone and Accessories e.g. Laptop Speakers, Ups, Printers Keyboard, Laptop-Bags, Mouse, Flash drive, Memory-Cards.
VIAD INVESTMENT LIMITED Tel:08067907781
Phones for sale
Address: Block B shop 15 GSM Village Ikeja
SIRCON COMMUNICATION
Phones Accessories for saleDealers in all kinds of original
phone accessories: Casings, Chargers, Batteries, MP3, Memory cards, Earphones, Bluetooth, Head phones, Screens (LCD) Tools, Car Chargers, Leather case. Accessories an such as- Ipad Leader case with Keyboard, Galaxy Leather Case with keyboard, Screen Protectors, Car MP3 etc.
Phones for sale
Address:Block A Shop 3 GSM Airport B/Stop, Divine Plaza Computer Village suit 45, Pepple St., Ikeja Email:Viad_investment@yahoo.com
Email:boniensystem@yahoo.com
Tel:08066229910, 07026373575
Dealers in all kinds of Kinds of GSM Headset & Accessories, Importers & Exporters, Manufactures Representative and General Merchandise.
JUDEST NIG LIMITED Tel:08036758712
DAAB SYSTEM GLOBAL LIMITED
Address: Block H, Shop ll GSM Village Ikeja ,11 Otigba Street Computer Village 2nd Floor Ikeja
Address: : Block 4 shop 3, IHL shopping mall GSM village Ikeja, Suite 17, Ola-Yemi Street Computer Village Ikeja. Email:judestnigltd@yahoo.com
PLEASANT COMMUNICATIONS
Tel:08033163571, 07031538809
Tel:08034704774, 08033272128
Phones for sale
New phones, London used (Tokunbo) Blackberry, Nokia, HTC, Ericson, Laptop, and Bluetooth GSM Accessories: Charger, Battery, Hand free, Memory Card
Phones for sale
Come and Experience the difference in service, Quality and comprehensive explanation on every customer. *Sales of GSM phones *Accessories*Memory Card*London Used Phones*Homes & Office Deliveries
We sell mobile Phones & Digital Equipment, Laptops, Memory Cards, Phone Accessories. All products come with warrant and very Affordable.
Address: : Block E, Shop3, GSM Village, Airport, B/Stop Ikeja
Address: Block C Suite 17 GSM Village Ikeja.
Email:odionsteven@yahoo.com
Email: dayo4ui976@yahoo.com
EBONY COMMUNICATION VENTURES Tel: 08020942160, 08166611118
Phones for sale
London used phones, laptop and accessories. Basically Blackberry (All Types) used Nokia, Ericsson, L.G and Samsung. Address:Block F Shop 12 GSM Village, Airport B/Stop Email: ndupunnamdi@yahoo.com
Tel:08033449742
GOD GIFT COMMUNICATION
Tel:08084474444, 08033903318.
Phones for sale
iPads for sale
Dealer in all kind of Phones,Blackberry, Erickson,Nokia and general merchant.
iPhones, Blackberry, Nokia, Samsung etc.
Address: 2, Onitsha line E m a i l gloriandukauba@yahoo.com
Tel:08066286002, 08175526994
BERTEMEK COMMUNICATIONS Tel:08030779836
:
Address: : Block 1 shop 6 GSM Village Ikeja
Tel:08023027597, 07030144714
Classifieds Monday October 8-14 2012
MAC PEREZ SYSTEM LIMITED
Phones for sale
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
SUPER BASIC COMPUTER AND COMMS. Phones for sale
Address: Shop 9 Block B G.S.M village Ikeja Lagos
DIVINE INCREASE COMMUNICATON
Phones for sale
Address: Block I, shop 7, G.S.M Village Ikeja Brightprince2015@yahoo.com
EVASON COMMUNICATION
Tel:08067541297
Phones for sale
Blackberry phones,iPhones, Nokia phones and accessories cameras etc Address: GSM village Airport B/stop Email: temitope@yahoo.com
Tel: 08038385728
Dealers in new phones and London used Blackberry, HTC, Nokia, Sony-Ericsson, I-phone, Laptop-HP, Dell e.t.c . Bluetooth. Also we sell Phone Accessories.
Address: Block F, Shop 4, G.S.M Village, Ikeja Email;smithever@yahoo.co.uk.
Address: Suite 5, No 17,Ola-yent str. Computer Village Ikeja
Email: Chido_4me@yahoo.com
Email; judestnigltd@yahoo.com
MICRO-DIGITS
Tel:08033163571, 07031538809
BENEVA COMMUNICATIONS
Phones for sale
Sales of phones and Accessories such as Blackberry, Nokia, Samsung, Tecno, Itel e.t.c. Also phones sold come with one year warranty.
Original phones such as London used Blackberry phones, Nokia, LG and new phones Address:Block F, shop 1, G.S.M Village Ikeja
Address: Block I, shop 4, G.S.M Village Ikeja
Address: Block I, Shop 8, G.S.M Village Ikeja
Phones for sale
JUDE CHIZOBA ANYABOLU
Phones for sale
Tel:08067939345
Phones Accessories such as-Original phone casing, batteries, chargers, memory card, desktop chargers, hands free, fancy purse, screensaver, phone stand e.t.c
TOPSNE TELECOM
Tel:08030923054, 08081915496
Nokia, Samsung, Tecno, and LG phone blackberry other China phones
Address: Block E, shop 11, G.S.M Village Ikeja
Tel:08037261722, 08021288282
We have brands like Nokia, Samsung, LG, Tecno, Hei, Bird, Motorola and the likes. For high quality handset, we set the pace while others copy. A trial in our Ikeja outlet will convince you that we are best of all.
Email: Superbasic2@yahoo.com
Phones for sale
Phones for sale
Phones for sale
Address: Shop Block B shop 3 G.S.M village Agege motor road
Tel:08033374031, 08029783278
Dealers in all kinds of Blackberry phones, Nokia, LG and Accessories.
FELIMARK INDUSTRIES LTD
BRIGHTANGEL COMMUNICATIONS
Dealers in laptop, computer sales, services phones, accessories cameras, consultancy networking system importer and exporter
Sales of New Phones London use Phones Blackberry Phone and Accessories
Tel:08169893545, 08082263375
Page 23
Email:benmbagwu1@yahoo.com
Email: c-valik@yahoo.com
Tel:08033568700, 08057001316
STARDOM CONNECT CONCEPT LTD
Phones for sale
We sell warranty and quality phones we attend to our customers politely, we don’t quarrel with them if the phone they bought has problem. Sales of tokunbo and new blackberry, tecno, Nokia, Samsung, LG and other warranty phones
Address: Block D shop 11 G.S.M village, Ikeja Email: Modebe_praise@yahoo.com
Tel:08023085621, 08035682577
Tel:08023030201
2PAC COMMUNICATIONS
Phones for sale
All kinds of accessories, such as Bluetooth, hand free, Blackberry chargers, Nokia Charges, Ipad Charges, Pause, Beat by Dr. Dre earphones, Galaxy push xiii, and xii etc. Including all kinds of phones and Tecno Phones. Address: Block D, shop8, IHL shopping mail GSM village
Tel:08030583558
Classifieds Page 24
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
BETTER-DAY COMMUNICATION
Phones for sale
Monday October 8-14 2012
ONE LOVE COMMUNICATIONS
Phones for sale
Sales and marketing of all original phones with one year warranty and London used original phone.
HIS GRACE COMMUNICATION
Phones for sale
We sell good quality phones. One year warranty on item you purchase.
Dealers in telecom phones such as Nokia, Samsung, Tecno, and LG. Good quality with guarantee.
Address: Block E, shop 1, G.S.M Village, Ikeja,Block D, shop 12, G.S.M Village, Ikeja
Address:Block I, shop 9, G.S.M Village, Ikeja Email:nikeodunola@yahoo.com
Address: Block D, shop 10, G.S.M village, Ikeja Email: benclams@yahoo.com
Email: onyekase@yahoo.com
Tel:08037201684, 08028310134
Phones for sale
GLOBAL MAKO LTD
Tel:08060009557
CHIBCHYBU DIGITAL INVESTMENT Phones for sale
Different kinds of phones Accessories such as Original Car Mp3, flash drive, memory card, batteries, handsfree, porch purses, casing and chargers. Also, we sell U.K used Blackberry.
Tel:08034237909
Tel:08033343450
Phones for sale
ORJI MICHEAL OBINNA
Address:Block D Shop 13 Gsm Village
Tel:07039475819
Phones for sale
Phones, Memory Card, laptop, Bluetooth, Car Mp3, Mp3 & Mp4 1pad Mp3, Flash drive different type Led Reader e.t.c
Dealers in all phones such as Blackberry, Nokia, Tecno etc.
Address:Block D Shop 14 Gsm Village
web address: www.micheal.com.ng
Email:ambaby11@yahoo.com
Tel:08066165720
ELDER CHUCKS COMMUNICATIONS
Phones for sale
Tel:08065741152
ADVANT DIGITAL SOLUTION TECH.
Phones for sale
We sell Blackberry phones,iPhones, Nokia phones and accessories Address: Block D Shop 15 Gsm Village
ADST LTD is a recognize shop in terms of mobile business, where you can get your dependable phones, with our warranty on the every phone purchase. Address: 13b osbitelu Street computer village
OBISON TECH NIG LTD Dealers in all kinds of phones and accessories, mp3, flash drives, car mp3, mp4, laptops, bluetooth.
Address: Block D Shop 14 GSM Village airport road Ikeja Lagos
Address: Block E, shop 10, G.S.M Village Ikeja Lagos
BLESSED INFOTECH Dealers in new phones and London used Blackberry, HTC, Nokia, Sony-Ericsson, I-phone, Laptop-HP, Dell e.t.c . Bluetooth. Also we sell Phone Accessories.
Address: Block D Shop 2 Gsm Village Email: Chido_4me@yahoo.com
Email:globalmakoltd@yahoo.com
Laptops for sale
Phones for sale
Uk Used Phones, Samsung, Nokia, LG etc
Address:Block C, shop 12, G.S.M Village
OKOROGU CHINEDU
Tel:08060759283
Tel:08065741152
SHALLOMS TECHNOLOGY COMM.
Phones for sale
Mechanical accessories such as screen flex, tools, batery chareger, casing and different kind of phones Address: Block F, GSM Ikeja Village Airport B/stop Ikeja
Email: demola_a2003@yahoo.com
Tel: 08037107307
Tel:08033186627
Tel:08037716350,08038624329
Monday October 8-14 2012
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
CORPORATE INVESTMENT SANDLINKS COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED Phones for sale
Phones and Accessories for sale
Dealers in all brands of original phones and accessories, also in all kinds of phone batteries and geared towards solving all battery related problems.
Classifieds
Page 25
BONYII TECHNOLOGIES LTD
Laptops for sale
Laptops sales, iPad, computer accessories & maintenance, financing & Warranty available.
Sales of mobile phones, Samsung, Nokia, LG and communications.
Address: Block 1 Shop 5 GSM Village Ikeja Airport Bus-stop 1 Idowu lane shop 19 Ground Floor (Elizabeth Plaza) computer Village
Address: Block D Shop 4 GSM Village Ikeja
Address: Block H Shop 4 ibile shopping mall, GSM Village
Email: infotebony@yahoo.com
Email: bonyii@yahoo.com
Email: emekakobi@yahoo.com
Tel:08033599134
LOBEK VENTURES NIGERIA ENTERPRISES Phones for sale
OKOLI CHIDI JUDE
Tel:07031340105,08023256501
Phones for sale
Tel:08066373972
MCDOLYNE COMM. LTD
DH TONEL CO LTD
Phones for sale
GOD’S LOVE TELECOMMUNICATION
Phones for sale
Dealers in all kinds of phones and accessories Address: Block B Shop 4, GSM village, IKeja, Lagos
Tel:08029487302, 08024270619
Address: GSM Village (Shop A1)
Tel: 08133416194
OGB LINE TELECOMMUNICATION
Phones for sale
Import, supplies & sales of all kinds of Nokia, Samsung, LG, Tecno, Blackberry & all China phones.
Address: GSM Village, Airport B/stop, Ikeja, Lagos.
All kinds of phones, Nokia,LG, Samsung, Android Blackberry and accessories Address: Block H Shop 1& 18 GSM Village
Address: Block C Shop 4, GSM Village Ikeja, Block D1 31 Olugbeda market egbeda Email: dht4madu@yahoo.com
Tel:08066559651
Tel:08036394242, 08029332555
FAITH COMMUNICATION
LOUIS NNAEMEKA AGBOGU
Phones for sale
Dealers in all kinds of phones and accessories, also deal in solar panels and routers. Address: Block H Shop 4, GSM village, Airport B/stop, Ikeja, Lagos
Tel:08033599134
Nokia phones: N200, N202, N303, N302, N300, N2-02, N103, N100, N101, N110, C205, N500 & N700. Samsung phones: Galaxy Note, Galaxy 10.1, Galaxy Note II, Chat E222+, Galaxy 5512, Chat3222, E2152, E1182,
E1055 and Galaxy5111.
Email: Chido_4me@yahoo.com
Tel:08036394242, 08029332555
Tel:07084801536
Phones for sale
Address: Block E Shop 6 GSM Village, Agege Motor Way, Lagos
Address: Block H Shop GSM village Airport B/stop Ikeja Lagos
All kinds of original batteries, original pouch, original Blackberry pouch, batteries, chargers, screen protector. iPad, iPad pouch, phones accessories, iPod mp3.
OMEGATION INTERNATIONAL LTD
A home of phones where your choice is beyond your imagination. Patronize us and we’ll give you the best.
New phones. Nokia, Samsung, iPhones, Blackberry, Motorola, LG, all with one year Warranty and Samsung with two years’ Warranty.
iPads for sale
Tel:08037509178, 0813960128
iPads for sale Dealers In Kinds Of Mobile Phone, Accessories And General Merchant
Address: : BLOCK B Shop 16 GSM Village, Airport B/stop Ikeja Lagos
Tel:08060535991, 08055429226
Page 26
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Monday October 8-14 2012
Consumer Technology iphone 5
DESIGN
he iPhone 5 brings with it a considerable re-design for the iPhone line. Measuring 7.6mm thick and weighing 112 grams, it's 20% lighter than the iPhone 4S. Available in two colours,eitherblackorwhite,therearpanelsaredifferentoneach. es, you can use your iPhone as a more than decent video camera, but if you want to get better, more professional results, wrap it in an mCAMLITE. The mCAMLITE give you the weight and heft you need to stabilize your hands while shooting. And because the pros don’t just use one standard lens when pushing for the perfect shot, the kit comes with two 37mm interchangeablelenses:awideangleforcapturingeverythingyouwant in the scene and a macro when you want to get up Close and personal. Together, they give you the chance to get shots that are downright impossible with the iPhone’s lens. Since the best videos have sound, the mCAMLITE comes with a 180-degree external microphone, allowing you to capture directional sound and reduce ambient noise. The mCAMLITE’s housing is designed with consideration of your growth as an auteur. It has mounts on top and bottom for accessories and tripods, and has a cold shoe on top for pro quality mics and lights. They even offer a pair of action carts so you can slide your cam along to get smooth action shots. So as you get better and demand more from your cam, the mCAMLITE can oblige. At only $159.95 it’s the perfect starter kit for any visionary filmmaker (or photographer), to add to their portfolio without spending a fortune . PRICE: $159.95 ---N25,592.00
The white version has a raw aluminium back plate, while the black version has an anodised blackfinishonitsrear.Thebiggest change comes with screen size. 4inches diagonally, it now sits in a taller, widescreen ratio. It'll still fit comfortable in one hand, but will also be better for viewing films on than previous models. Made entirely from aluminium and glass, it has a real premium feel to it.
PROCESSOR A new iPhone, a new processor. The iPhone 5 comes equipped with an A6 processor, which is saidtobe2timesasfastwithboth CPU and GPU processing. Shrinking down the transistor size, it's smaller and more energy efficient too. Apps will load as much as 2 times faster using the new chipset. *It's not yet clear how many cores the A6 chip uses, nor who makes it. There's a strong chance it's Samsung built, despite the ongoing legal battles. STORAGE It offers three different configurations when it comes to size. 16GB, 32GB and 64GB iPhone, with pricing rising appropriately. It's a crafty tactic though, as those opting for more storage space have to pop money directly into Apple's coffers, rather than picking up cheaper expandable storage elsewhere. With the iCloud back-up feature too you've got a little leeway with which to store files remotely too, though extensive cloud storage through Apple
doesn't come cheaply. Storage option are identical to iphone 4S.
BATTERY LIFE 225 hours of battery life on standby are quoted for the iPhone 5, with 8 hours 3G or LTE talk time, and 10 hours Wi-Fi usage. Though standby times have somehow been improved, it seems you're still going to need to charge the iPhone 5 at least once a day.* No real changes here.
CAMERA AND VIDEO RECORDING The iPhone 5 sees Apple's imaging systems again improved, but not by a gigantic step. A dynamic low-light mode for better night time shooting is added to the above, with 5-element lens and f/2.4 aperture. There's also a panorama shooting mode natively built into the camera app for the first time, with a 360-degree shot resulting in a giant 28 megapixel image. The A6 chip allows for faster photo capture too, as well as a smart filter for better colour matching and reduced no ise. Share Photo Streams allow you to share photos with pals, and receive messages on your snaps too. But enough about what the phone looks like - the killer question is how the thing feels in hand. And we'll sum it up by saying: smooth. It's a little slippery, and we were always worried we would drop the darned thing. But that's the only negative thing about the design (apart from thelowweightinitially)asitsitsinthepalmnicelyandallowsyou to do it all with one hand, including hitting the top-mounted power/lock button with ease. That lock button is actually still loose, as it was on the iPhone 4S, meaning when you shake the phone around you can hear it clicking away, which undoes a lot of the premium feel Apple is going for. Make no mistake, the iPhone 5 is one of the most beautifully crafted phones out there. PRICE RANGE; 16GB – 529 p ---- N132, 250.00 32GB-- 599 p ---- N149, 750.00 64GB-- 699p ---- N174, 750.00
Portable mCAMLITE Turns Your iPhone into a Versatile Video Camera
Sony’s Xperia Tablet S he Xperia Tablet S is considerably less notable, but that's probably a good thing: this is a much better-looking slate, handsome and minimalist with rounded edges, a classy silver-and-black color scheme, and a thin profile. The top edge rolls over into the back, giving it the look and feel of a folded-over magazine page — its grippy texture also makes it much more comfortable to hold one-handed. Tablet S fold prop the device up at a nice typing-friendly angle. It's a decent-looking device. The 9.4-inch display is surrounded by a big, glossy black bezel, with a Sony logo placed above the screen and to the left. Weirdly, the logo looks good there. It's just a quiet reminder that you're using a Sony tablet. The 1.3pound body is almost exactly the same weight as the iPad, and at 8.9mm it's about a sheet of paper thinner than Apple's latest
tablet. It feels like any other Android tablet to hold and use There's some space on the Xperia Tablet's edges created by the fold-over plastic flap, and that's where Sony hides most of the device's physical buttons. There's a power button and a volume rocker on the right side, and a headphone jack on the left side above a hard-to-open, easy-to-break flap that covers a full SD card slot. Having the full SD slot is pretty awesome — syncing any Android device with a computer is a pain, and it's much easier to just throw a document or movie onto a card and plug it into the tablet. Sony uses a proprietary charging port / dock connector. There are two cameras on the device, an 8-megapixel sensor on the back and a single megapixel on the front. Price: $399--- N63, 840.00
Monday October 8-14 2012
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Page 27
Consumer Technology iHome iD9
black and silver plastic that looks almost like metal. The system weighs 1.5kg and measures 103.1x52.3x327.7mm. It works simply by placing a dock-connectorequipped iOS device or iPod in the iD9's cradle. On the front of the iHome iD9 unit are the volume buttons to the left and a power button on the right, while it allows users to use their device volume controls. The power button illuminates when the iD9 is plugged in or powered on, and when running off battery power; a line of four LEDs to the left of the button indicate the current battery level. On the back, there is a connection for the included power adapter, a 1/8-inch (3.5mm) auxiliary input for listening to a non-dock-connector source, and a confusing switch.
he iHome's iD9 which is officially called the iD9 Portable App is a friendly
Rechargeable Speaker System for iPad/iPhone/iPod. It is an affordable, portable, rechargeable stereo
speaker dock for iOS devices and iPods. The iHome iD9's body is made of
Cherry KW 6000 keyboard for iPad herry, a German owned manufacturerofcomputeraccessories has been developing and producing keyboards since 1967.TheKW6000istheirlatest model, which embraces both Bluetooth wireless technology and Apple's best selling iPad. With a slightly smaller footprint than Apple's iMac keyboard, the KW 6000 is designed for those on the move. Although a painless process, after charging via the supplied
USB cable, the keyboard needs to be installed on the iPad. A small connect button on the back of the keyboard needs to be held down briefly for the two to be introduced before the iPad asks for a Bluetooth confirmation code to be entered. The process takes less than a minute and has the potential to save hours using a real keyboard.
Battery life is quite good, and the keyboard can be turned off when not in use. The Cherry KW 6000 is built for iPad users who need a little more from their tablets, especially those who wish to study or have business needs. It reduces the time consuming process of typing with one finger on a virtual keyboard.
remote if the iD9 is running off battery power, this is to keep the remote from accidentally turning on the iD9. The iD9's internal battery packs 2600mAh and lasts for about 4.5 hours of reasonable-volume playback. The iD9 charges users docked device if the speaker is connected to AC power, but not when the iD9 is powered by its own battery. The iD9 uses SRS TruBass sound enhancement, Reson8 speaker chambers, and digital sound processing to give the music extra bass and clarity. The iD9's two speakers sit at either end of the iD9, facing out to the left and right, rather than forward.
The Remote Switch, toggles between On and Auto modes. In On mode, the iD9 always responds to signals from iHome's optional Rz7 remote control. In Auto mode, the iD9 doesn't respond to the
Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Pro
The KW 6000 keyboard feels responsive and comfortable during extended use.
y Mophie, the Juice Pack Powerstation Pro is a large external rechargeable battery for all mobile tech. The Powerstation Pro packs a massive 6,000mAh capacity enough to charge a flat iPhone nearly two and a half times over, and enough to watch a movie on a flat iPad which on the long run means 36% battery charge. The powerstation weights just over 200g and is 115mm long, 75mm wide and 30mm deep. And also comes with an impact and
splash-resistant casing that makes it quite rugged. The battery charger is IP65 rated, and dust and partial water resistant when its ports are closed. The Mophie Powerstation Pro is compatible with most of the popular mobile devices, including all the Apple iPhones, iPad and iPods, and smartphones and tablets from Samsung, BlackBerry, HTC, LG, Motorola, etc. The bottom side houses both a full-sized USB port
and micro USB port – each protected with a chunky rubber cover. There’s a button on one side, which turns on the four battery indicator lights. It comes with a micro USB cable for charging with a computer, and the USB end could be pluged into a wall power outlet adapter, like with the iPhone or iPad.
Nigerian mid-year Telecom Sector Report 2012 Page 28
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Monday October 8-14 2012
Industry Insight
GSM Village in Ikeja, Lagos
ata is king and numbers don’t lie.However,anyresearcheror data lover will tell you how harditis tohappenuponsomemuchneeded data in Nigeria. I’ve often had to use multiple primary sources to get data, which should already exist, for reports and research work around the Nigerian technology space. This explains why, for example, the number of Internet users in Nigeria is still a subject of debate. According to Wikipedia (quoting the International Telecommunications Union), there are now 47,143,356 Internet users in Nigeria. Many industry experts disagree, and the fact that there’s no trusted local source where such data can be verified doesn’t help. One would expect the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which now sits on more money than it needs to host press conferences, to keep such records but please don’t hold your breath. Now that the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, whose ministry supervises NITDA, has announced plans for Nigeria’s Internet penetration (e.g. growing broadband access from current 7% to 35% by 2017), it is hoped that NITDA will be put under pressure to measure this. Whatever we can’t measure can’t be improved, as it’d be difficult to even know when we have truly made progress – except wewanttocontinueplayingtheinaccurate guesstimate game. All hope isn’t lost for data in Nigeria’s ICT sector though. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), another agency within the same Ministry of Communication Technology, keeps an impressive record of industry data
Photo: Damilare Bankole
–frominvestmentstosubscribersand more. Having worked with both NITDA and NCC in the past, I can give NITDA free advice about something NCC does and they don’t – focus on numbers. NCC has economists and researchers who focus on getting thesenumbersoutandNITDAcando the same, if they want to. The former excuse used to be about money, but with NITDA Act’s provision (signed into law by the president as far back as April 24, 2007) for a National Information Technology Development Fund (NITDEF), let’s hope NITDA turns a new (good) leaf. NITDEFisatax-deductiblelevyof1% of profit before tax to be paid by telcos, ISPs, pension managers, banks and insurance companies with annual turnover of N100 million and above.Back to NCC and data, the June 2012 data for telecom subscribers shows a continuation of growth for GSM companies but decline for CDMA service providers – and near-death decline for Fixed (Wired/Wireless) service providers. That’s why the announcement of a merger between Multi-Links, MTS and Starcomms didn’t come as a surprise to industry watchers. We wish CAPCOM all the best with the $200 million from core investors. With a teledensity of 73.12, there is the temptation to assume that Nigeria’s telecom sector will soon inch closer to saturation but that isn’t the case. With a popular multiple phone ownership culture in Nigeria (a step that was taken to make up for the poor quality of service from providers but has since gained status symbol),therealteledensitywouldbe better calculated per user – and not per SIM card. Thankfully, the recently concluded
Gbenga Sesan SIM registration exercise will throw up the accurate number of users (telecom subscribers) in Nigeria, and we can have a more realistic teledensity. I won’t be surprised if it’s closer to 40 than the current 73.12. From the June 2012 data released by NCC on their website, Nigeria had 136,041,999 connected and 102,369,999 active (used in the last 3 months) phone lines as at June 30, 2012. Of these, there are 133,715,146 connected mobile lines and 2,326,853 connected Fixed lines. 101,855,094 or 76.17% of the connected mobile lines are active while only 514,905 (or 22.13%) of the connected Fixed lines are active. When you break mobile down into GSM and CDMA, it’s easier to see that while 81.66% of GSM linesareactive,only26.57%ofCDMA lines are active. Compared to the previous month (May 2012), month-on-month growth for the various telecom servicesshowsatrendthatindustrywatchers have seen over the past few months. Connected GSM lines grew by 1.29%, connected CDMA lines grew by 0.91% and connected Fixed (Wired/Wireless) lines grew by 0.07%. The total number of telephone lines in Nigeria grew by 1.19% for the period. The numbers for active lines paint a better picture: GSM grew by 0.78% month-on-month, CDMA recorded 4.75% (~5% drop is a whole lot; no pressures, CAPCOM), Fixed (Wired/Wireless) takes a -5.17% hit but the total number of active phone lines in Nigeria increased by 0.55% in June 2012. GSM service providers increased capacity by 4.37% while CDMA and Fixed (Wired/Wireless)
didn’t bother. I took a good look at the industry players to see what market share looked like as at June 2012. For the Fixed (Wired/Wireless) segment of the market, does it surprise you that only 58,750 Nigerians use NITEL lines? Before you call NITEL the worst, note that some 80 people use WiTEL (pray, tell). Of the 16 Fixed (Wired/Wireless) service providers, Starcomms is the market segment leader with 191,816 lines (37.25% market share) even though they suffered a huge decline of -26.19% between Quarter 1 (Q1) and Quarter 2 (Q2) of 2012. Visaphone, which controls only 5.21% of the market segment, and is only 6th in terms of market share, recorded a much higher quarter-onquarter growth with 4.72%. The industry segment bronze medalist, 21st Century Technologies, with a 13.75% market share grew by 0.96% within the same period. The new player, CAPCOM, now controls 55.17% of the Fixed market (based on June 2012 numbers) with 284,082 active lines managed by the merged Starcomms (industry segment #1), Multilinks Telkom (#2) and MTS Ist Communications (#7). In the CDMA segment of Nigeria’s telecom market, Visaphone rules (well,asatJune2012)withanimpressive 68.56% market share. However, they were not immune to industry declineasatendJune2012astheylost 2.72% (quarter-on-quarter) of their active subscribers. Multilinks and Starcomms, now part of the new CAPCOM (which seeks to become Nigeria’s biggest retail broadband operator) controlled 14.87% and 13.44%, respectively, of the market. Starcommslost34.45%ofsubscribers between Q1 and Q2 2012 while
Multilinks lost 22.7%. The 4th player, Reliance Telecoms (Zoom) controls only 3.14% of the market and lost none of their 111,077 subscribers between Q1 and Q2 2012. In the GSM corner of the Nigerian telecom ring, MTN continues to lead with 43.93% market share (as at June 2012) and they improved subscriber base by 0.67% between Q1 and Q2 2012. Globacom grew their number of subscribers by 5.47% during the same period and has a market share of 22.36%. Airtel grew subscriber base by 6.56% and is number 3 with 20.16%. Though Etisalat holds only 13.29% of the market, their continued strong growth may worry earlier entrants. Between Q1 and Q2 2012, Etisalatrecordedanimpressive9.52% growth.TherearenotmanyNigerians thathaveactiveMTELSIMs(258,520 did as at June2012), so the only industry segment loss of -0.26% by MTEL doesn’t come as a surprise.
Director, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, Gbenga Sesan: the June 2012 data for telecom subscribers shows a continuation of growth for GSM companies but decline for CDMA service providers – and near-death decline for Fixed (Wired/Wireless) service providers. That’s why the announcement of a merger between Multi-Links, MTS and Starcomms didn’t come as a surprise to industry watchers. We wish CAPCOM all the best with the $200 million from core investors. Photo credit: Elon University
Can electronic voting work for Nigeria’s electoral reform? Monday October 8-14 2012
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
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Industry Insight
President Goodluck Jonathan (in picture) votes at the last General Elections
he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recentlyhintedatthepossibility of introducing electronic voting (Punch August 4, 2012). INEC is a Nigerian government institution. For that simple reason, we must consider its actions and inactions as well as the projected consequences of both within the context of the Nigerian factor. Theoretically, electronic voting without any iota of doubt is a vital key to solving a reasonable portion of the problems associated with Nigeria’s elections. From issue of transparency to election induced violence orchestrated by thugs and their sponsors as well as the roles of highly prejudiced electoral umpires, electronic voting can help force these typical maladies into the dustbin of history. However, to make these objectives a reality, that is, to take attaining the goals of the introduction of electronic voting beyond mere theory and make them practical reality of the nation’s electoral space requires that certain basic conditions must be met. Essentially, the only way the new system of electronic voting can achieve its intendment is if it is imbued with protective guidance and self-governing transparency regime that cannot be breached. How can this be achieved? Whatarethestepsthatmustbeputin place? First I must dispel a popular myth against electronic voting, the assertion that Nigeria is not ready or ripe for electronic voting. This is a myth without ‘street credence’ or empirical evidence.Therearetwocategoriesofproponents of this myth. The first category is made up of those who genuinely think Nigerians are so backward as to comprehendtheuseofwhattheyconsider super sophisticated technology. Those who belong to this group are sincere. The do not know. All they need is adequate education to make
Tunji Ariyomo them understand what electronic votingisandhowtheabsenceoforlackof citizen sophistication is no barrier to itsuse.Oncetheyrealisethatelectronic voting is not as sophisticated as the ubiquitous Sharp calculator or the popular Nokia handsets and that we have successfully conducted online registration for WAEC examinations for over a decade as well as the reality that the staff that would attend to each electronic station would do the ‘difficult computing job’ (there is none) rather than abandoning each old person or unsophisticated voter to his or her fate on election day, you can get this category to ‘cooperate’. To secure the support of the second category of people is however not that simple. This category is against electronic voting solely because it would undermine and impede its traditional capabilityandmonopolyovertheelectoral processes – its ability to manipulateeachstepandoutcomes.Ofcourse nobody would admit that the reason for his protestation against electronic votingisbecauseofahiddenagendato preserve the status-quo. Something must be projected as an excuse and the easiest excuse is that ‘Nigerians are not ripe for electronic voting’. There is nothing that can be done to get this second category to support electronic voting. The reform must be driven against its adherents point blank! Thatsaid,Imustnowgobacktothe earlierquestionsborderingonhowwe can ensure that we attain the gains of electronicvotingratherthanintroducing same only for it to become a weaponinthehandsofwouldbeelectoralmanipulators.Yes,electronicvoting can be manipulated! The very first step INEC must take is to develop a policy document and a legal frame-
work for the protection and preservation of electronic voting system. This framework will enumerate the dos and don’ts of the entire process, protecttheidentity-relatedorprimary data of individuals that would be in the custody of the agency, itemize the procedures for data validation in instances of dispute by providing scientific and fool-proof guidelines and procedures to be followed in courts or tribunals during adjudication as well as embed an unmatched regime of transparency that would confer credibility upon the electoral processes and the resultant dispute resolution phase. Imagine the impact this could have on election litigation by reducing period of judicial review from several months (some took years) to a few hours or days and the realisation by both petitioners and respondents that the processes involved in the adjudication oftheirelectoraldisputeareofunquestionableintegrity.Suchisthepotential when the power of technology is properly harnessed (read more by me at http://tinyurl.com/c2pds7z). The aforementioned are minimum critical requirements. Their absence was responsible for the directionless nature of INEC’s 2010/2011 electronic registration exercise such that INEC’s earlier promise of technology use as a majorenhanceroffreeandfairelection onlyultimatelyplayedmarginalrolein the success of the elections whereas the public and the National Assembly’s tacit support for INEC’s N89billion budget was built around a technology enhanced fool-proof electronic register as the transformational elixir required to get identity verification right for the voting age and permanently ensure only real living people can vote and that only one legitimate vote can come from one genuine person for one particular candidate seeking one specific post. INEC would however do a better
job by developing this overall policy instrument and legal framework in conjunction with stakeholders, sister organizations like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian Identity Management Agency, the Ministry of Justice and related professional institutions like theNigerianComputerSocietyaswell as the relevant division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. Because of my peculiar experience as one of the pioneers(Iusethatwordwithallsenseof modesty) in the application of electronic technology in managing enterprise and large public record using fingerprint identification system in Nigeria and who understands the distinctive ‘Nigerian factor’, I strongly advocate that for the policy document to accomplishits intended objective, it must expressly support an independent cross agency check and balance routine. It must also support independent people-driven regime of transparency, transparency affirmation and monitoring. In essence the system must not only grant absolute confidence to all stakeholders (citizens, political parties, law enforcement agencies, election monitors etc) that it is absolutely reliable, effective and beyond manipulation, it must beenseen–andverifiablyso–thatitis doing just that. In theory and in practice, this is doable. There is no doubt that electronic voting would bring a major change to theexistingelectoralsystem.Anysuch change must be matched by changes in the system as well as the processes involved, hence the reason for the policy stipulates and legal framework advocated above. Also, in order to eliminatethechallengesoccasionedby inadequate power supply and logistics, the new legal framework would benefit immensely if the voting period isalteredfromthecurrentsingledayto
aperiodofabout30daystoaccommodate early voting. You think this would encourage electoral malpractices? No, not if the systemic checks advanced above are in place and definitely not when people’s votes are truly being matched to their fingerprint minutiae! This will also have the multiple benefits of reducing the need fortoomanyvotingstations,introducing permanent voting stations in securelocationsandenablingINECto drive political parties to utilize such voting stations for the conduct of their primaries thereby promoting real internal democracy in those parties. A leadership that does not want to profit from or implicitly or tacitly promote election manipulations would embrace this.
*Ariyomo is a chattered engineer and the pioneer Coordinator of the Ondo State Information Technology Development Centre (SITDEC). He is currently a Policy ChairoftheNationalDevelopmentInitiative NDi (an independent think-tank with focus on Nigeria). NDi Project can be accessed at www.nd-i.org*Torespondtothiscolumnand ask question from Tunji or make contribution,sendemailtooariyomo@nd-i.org
‘Tunji Ariyomo
iCircuit
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Mobile Monday
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Monday October 8-14 2012
MoMo, Mobile Monday is a global community of mobile industry visionaries and developers. MoMo is organized in Nigeria by a group of volunteers. MoMo is a platform for young developers to meet with the big players in the industry. MoMo organises its event every first Monday of the month to know the latest trend in the industry and also share new ideals.
Ecosystem Director, MobileMonday, Mayowa Owolabi, Sales Director, Inmobi, Moses Kemibaro, Account Manager, Inmobi, Joel Rao and Integration and Development Manager, Nokia, James Fowe
Bankole Oluwafemi, Blogger
Francis Onwumere of Proworks
With
Bankole Damilare
damilare.bankole@technologytimes.com.ng
Events Branding Promotion Exposures
CEO, Eskimi, Vytas Paukstys
Francis Ebuechi of MIH Internet Africa, Sales Director, Inmobi, Moses Kemibaro and Account Manager, Inmobi, Joel Rao
Oge Peters and Olaitan Towny
A cross section of participants at the event
Lange Ben and Pradil Marius
iCircuit
Monday October 8-14
2012
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Page 31
Developers Parapo At the September edition of the Developers Parapo, a networking forum for the developer community organised by social innovation centre, Co-creation Hub (CcHUB), the event attracted big player in the industry including Microsoft and young developers
Dele Akinsade of Microsoft, General Manager, West and Central Africa, Microsoft, Emmanuel Onyeje and CEO, CCHUB, Bosun Tijani
General Manager, West and Central Africa, Microsoft, Emmanuel Onyeje
Shina Oyetesho, Wale Olokundana of WECA and Dele Akinsade of Microsoft
Shina Oyetesho
Adetoun Eleso of CCHUB
Cross section of developers at the event
Cross section of developers at the event
Cross section of developers at the event
Cross section of developers at the event
Consolidating Nigeria’s position on Internet Governance
Technology Times technologytimes.com.ng
Monday October 8-14 2012
Weekly Newspaper of Nigerian ICT Sector
forum such as this – with its strong focus on multi-stakeholderism – to search for consensus; to be representative by allowing for views from each stakeholder “community”, as well as neutral and be open to the views of participants irrespective of their origin. MahatmaGhandicautionedagainsta society where rights existed without responsibility.Weall–government,the private sector and civil society – have responsibilitiesinensuringthatthebeneficial uses of the Internet far outweigh its manipulation to cause harm. I encourage you, therefore, to remember thatthedecisionsthataremadeingatherings such as this and the Global Internet Governance Forum have a major impact on the deployment of technologies,productsandservices,and the application of ICTs in our society.
Minister for Communication Technology, Omobola Johnson refocuses the role of the Nigerian Internet community in how the global computer network should be governed and managed INTRODUCTION
hen one thinks about inventions that have radically changed and now define the development of humanity, the culmination of inventions that gave us the Internet must surely sit among them. Alongside inventions such as the wheel,theplough,thesteamengineand electricity,theInternethaschangedparadigms and redefined the development of the world both economically and socially. The Internet increasingly informs how we live, work, learn, profit, govern and communicate. What started out as a predominantly academic network is becoming the lifeblood of finance, commerce and social relationships. Thirtythree percent of the world’s population currently use the Internet, including 13.5% of people living in Africa. While this percentage is low, the rate at which it is growing is not. Between 2000 and 2011,thenumberofAfricansthatusethe Internet grew by almost 3000%. Estimates are that as at December 2011, 45 million Nigerians had used the Internet at least once – this is up from a mere 200,000 in 2000. “Governing” The Internet The increasing availability of the Internet and the rapid rate at which it is being adopted have been accompanied by louder calls for international agreement on why, and how, it should be managed and governed. During the first phase of the World Summit on the Information Society – the process that gave rise to the Internet Governance
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Forum, and as such the purpose of our meeting here – the world agreed that: “….the international management of the Internetshouldbemultilateral,transparentand democratic,withthefullinvolvementofgovernments,theprivatesector,civilsocietyandinternationalorganisations. “Itshouldensureanequitabledistributionof resources, facilitate access for all and ensure a stable and secure functioning of the Internet, takingintoaccountmultilingualism.” It is my hope that your deliberations willidentifyandarticulatetheareasthat need to be addressed at a national level to help ensure that our country attains these goals. It is my hope that your deliberations will also articulate how we,asanation,cancontributemeaningfully to the attainment of these same goals on a global level. Recent unfortunate events in our country, in which the Internet has been usedasamediumtoperpetuateheinous crimesanddistributefalsehoods,should not diminish the broad scope your discussions require/dictate. Indeed, we mourn and commiserate
with the family and (real) friends of Cynthia Osokogu and all those that havesufferedatthehandsofpeoplethat use the Internet, much as they use any othermediumortool,forcriminalactivities. Yet, we should also remember that the successful and continual protection of our society requires that we have a holistic definition of governance, one akin to that provided in the Tunis Agenda as: “…the development and applicationbygovernments,theprivatesectorandcivil society,intheirrespectiveroles,ofsharedprinciples, norms, rules, decision-making procedures, and programmes that shape the evolution and useoftheinternet.”Governanceshouldnot, therefore,necessarilybeequatedtobans and restrictions. However, experiences now indicate the need for strengthening the sense of responsibility among users of the Internet and bringing more traditional, “off-line”toolsofgovernanceinlinewith our new digital “on-line” reality. This year’s Internet Governance Forum, with its theme of Internet GovernanceforSustainableHuman,Economic
andSocialDevelopmentandsub-themesof: Internetgovernancefordevelopment(IG4D) Issues that are emerging in the use of the Internet, The management of critical internet resources, Security,opennessandprivacy, Accessanddiversity,and TheneedtotakestockoftheIGFtodateand ponderthewayforwardreflecthowbroadyour deliberationsneedtobe. Local Concerns In A Global Space Even as you take your cue from the organisation and structure of the global event, you are expected to be mindful of our local circumstances. In Nigeria, we care about the freedom to seek, receive, impart and use information especially when it relates to the creation, accumulation and dissemination of knowledge. We also care about insecurity, (cyber)crime, piracy, privacy and spam aswellasthesecurityandstabilityofthe Internet infrastructure. These cares oftenfind expressionas competingconcerns; and it is the responsibility of a
Thirty-three percent of the world’s population currently use the Internet, including 13.5% of people living in Africa. While this percentage is low, the rate at which it is growing is not. Between 2000 and 2011, the number of Africans that use the Internet grew by almost 3,000%.
Conclusion WhileIwishyouasuccessfuldeliberation, I challenge you all again to produce useful outcomes which will assist the country in taking a leading position at the Global Internet Governance Forum later this year. Please permit me to commend the organisers, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), and other stakeholders collaborating with the Ministry of Communication Technology, for their patriotic commitment towards ensuring broad participation and engagement of cross-section of stakeholders. I can assure you that the ministry will articulate various submissions emanating from this forum and put themintouseduringmypresentationat the Global Internet Governance Forum in Baku.
CommTech Minister, Omobola Johnson
Technology Times Newspaper (ISSN 2141-2790) is published weekly by Technology Times Media Limited (RC 788322). Office: 9, Olufunmilola Okikiolu Street, off Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos. Nigeria. Email: info@technologytimes.com.ng Web: technologytimes.com.ng Phone: +234 1 8968161, 6820697 Editor: Shina Badaru
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Consolidating Nigeria’s position on Internet governance Omobola Johnson, Minister for Communication Technology
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NCC denies frequency racketeering
WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF NIGERIAN ICT SECTOR
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igerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied a newspaper report of alleged frequency spectrum racketeering by the current leadership of the telecoms industry regulatory agency. Reuben Muoka, Head, Media and Public Relations, NCC, denied that the current boss of the regulatory agency has allegedly sold frequency slots belonging to the Nigeria Police to a private firm, Open Skys. The telecoms regulator also absolved its boss, Eugene Juwah of any wrongdoing in the process of allocation of the frequency which it said preceded his July 2010 resumption in office as Executive Vice Chairman of NCC.
According to a statement by the agency’s spokesman, there is also no truth to the allegation that NCC issued a frequency spectrum to Smile Communications. Muoka adds, “Dr. Eugene Juwah, the Current Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, did not initiate the allocation of the aforesaid frequencies, having resumed in July 2010, while the process began since 2009. Even after resumption at the NCC, Dr. Juwah has strictly followed due process of issuance of licences and frequencies.” According to him, “The Nigerian Communications Commission has been inundated by calls from concerned citizens over a story in t h eContinued on Page 16
Adenuga: ‘I didn't default in payment for 2001 GSM licence M
ike Adenuga jr, the Chairman of Globacom Limited, has said that Communication Investments Limited (CIL), his investment vehicle used to bid in the January 2001 Nigerian GSM Licence Auctions, did not default in meeting deadline stipulated by government to the four winning bidders in the milestone deal that was to profoundly redefine the telecoms landscape in the country. Adenuga's decision to walk down memory lane comes amid another
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facebook.com google.com google.com.ng yahoo.com youtube.com blogspot.com twitter.com mywebsearch.com nairaland.com linkedin.com continued on page 2
milestone for Globacom, his whollyowned Second National Operator, which last August clocked nine added to the complementary distinction for the telecoms magnate who was awarded the nation's second highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) medal for national economic development contributions by President Goodluck Jonathan. Globacom has grown to become number two operator by subscriber
numbers even though it entered the telecoms game two years behind rival MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and Mtel, the moribund mobile phone business of pioneer national operator, NITEL. In the keen 2001 GSM bids, CIL was pitted against Econet Wireless Nigeria Ltd; United Networks Mobile Ltd; MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd and MSICeltel Nigeria Ltd, who all deposited $20 million each to prequalify for the auction.
Adenuga again reopened the sticking point of the 2001 Nigerian GSM Auction that was generally regarded as free and fair during which the licence earlier awarded CIL was withdrawn by government over alleged late payments. The development was to set back Adenuga's entry into the competitive but lucrative telecoms stakes by some two years when he eventually launched service using Globacom, the company under which he was eventually issued the multi-service
SNO licence for $200 million in what market analysts reckon was a concession to resolve the CIL debacle. The Globacom Chairman's took exception to a newspaper columnist's view that, "Adenuga could not muster the requisite licence fee within the stipulated time of 14 days."
Speaking through Mike Jituboh, the Executive Director Special Project, Globacom, Adenuga, recolcontinued on page 2
CAPDAN seeks Fashola’s support for Ikeja Computer Village
C
omputers and Allied Products Dealers Association (CAPDAN), the pressure group of businesses operating in Ikeja Computer Village, Lagos, has called on the government of Babatunde Fashola, Governor of Lagos State, to complement efforts at creating a conducive business environment in the nation’s largest market for technology products and services becauseofitsstrategicimpor-
tance to Nigeria’s ICT development. Specifically, CAPDAN is seeking the administration’s support to solve the security and sanitation problems within the market environment. Mac Eze, Vice-President of CAPDAN, told Technology Times in an exclusive interview that the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) squad under the command of the Lagos State Special Task
Force (Environmental Unit) and men of the Nigeria Police Force recently jointly demolished the roadside shops at Computer Village to enhance the beauty, hygiene and cleanliness of the environment. "We want to see more of this in order to encourage greater patronage in a clean market,” Eze said, noting that the government’s efforts towards sustained business promotion creates employ-
ment and contributes to the overall national economic growth. “Such clean-up exercise was done some time back when the government cleared all the road-side shops and the people affected went to form the current GSM Village in Ikeja. If they can push the others also to Mangoro side, there is a market there that is undercontinued on page 16
Babatunde Fashola, SAN, Lagos State Governor
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TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Monday October 8-14 2012
‘I didn't default in payment of 2001 GSM licence fee - Adenuga Continue from Page 1 nate in him losing his $20million bid deposit and also set him back two years in entering the Nigerian telecoms market. Jituboh,whoalsoledtheCIL team to the three-day GSM Auctions that opened January 17, 2001 at the Nicon Hilton Hotel in Abuja, says it was imperative to set the record straight about the chain of reactions that precipitated the controversialCILlicencedebacle. According to him, "A day after winning one of the three GSM licences, a CIL team led by Dr Adenuga headed for Paris for negotiations with BNPParibas.Afterseveraldays of protracted negotiations, agreements was reached on the terms and conditions for a loan facility of $265 million for paying the balance of the GSM licence. The deadline for making payments was 5pm of 9th February2001andonthatfateful day all was set for a transfer by swift instruction when word came in from our colleagues in Lagos that the frequency allocated to CIL was the same frequency that had been allocated to and being usedbyMotophone.Thelatter was in court to challenge the government's withdrawal of the frequency." According to the Globacom Director, the CIL team faced a debacle that needed quick and decisive action in the light of the fact that its assigned frequency spectrum was under litigation from Motophone owned by the Chagouris and the dilemma of meeting the strict deadline for the provisional licence assigned by NCC, the telecoms regulator that auctioned the spectrum. "With its assigned frequency under litigation and the deadline for payment approaching, we had to decide whether or not to pay the huge sum of $265 million and hope that Motophone's litigation would not end up ensnaring both the moneyandourambitiousplan, of establishing one of the biggest and best telecommunications network in the world.
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Withnotimelefttoresolvethe matter with the government before making payment, we decided to make payment with the condition that the money should be released after the government gives CIL an indemnity to cover the possibility of Motophone winning its suit and retaining the litigious frequency", Jituboh says. According to him, "Consequently payment of $265 million was made by BNP Paribas before the deadline hour on 9th February 2001 directly to the designated account at JP Morgan, New York,alongwiththeaforementioned condition." Jituboh says that chains of events were to follow in the wake of the payment and the subsequent cancellation of the CIL licence which were also to dovetail into the founding of Globacom by Adenuga. "As most Nigerian will recall, the government rejected the condition that was placed on the payment and condition that was placed on the payment and cancelled the CIL licence. The government refused all entreaties and the funds were ultimately returned to BNP Paribas.
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Eventually we won the bid for the Second National Carrier Licence and launched Glo mobile. Ironically the same erstwhile litigious frequency was given to Globacom along with the Indemnity that had been denied CIL!" he adds. The 2001 GSM Auctions attracted a record $855 million into government coffers under whichthelicencesweresoldto the winning bidders and a slot pre-allocated to the public owned pioneer National Operator, the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), at the time. Today, the GSM networks now numbering five but with four actively operational, continue to ride the crest of the market as they account for 101,404,011 active lines out of the 105,239,815 active lines in Nigeria at the end of August, this year. On the other hand, their CDMA counterparts also offeringmobiletelephonyservicesaccountfor3,347,716active lines while fixed line and fixed wireless networks, a hugely neglected segment of the market, account for only 488,088 active lines within the same period.
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At the time the bids were held, Nigeria could only count some 500,000 landline phone lines in operation out of a capacity of 700,000 lines and only 30,000 analogue mobile phone lines. During the period, the shortterm telecoms policy outlook was that the country should attain 1.2 million mobile lines within two years of the formulation of the National Policy on Telecommunications in 1999. The SNO was mandated by its licence to provide a Minimumof100,000linesconnected to subscribers12 months after commercial launch; minimum of 750,000 lines connected to subscribers 36 months after commercial launch; minimum of 1,500,000 lines connected to subscribers 60 months after commercial launch and provisions that the licensee shall provide by 36 months after commercial launch a minimum of 5% of its total lines connected to subscribers in each of the geopolitical zones in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, among other obligations. Meanwhile, President Jonathan has commended Adenuga for contributing to
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economic growth in Nigeria noting that, “He worked very hard to establish Globacom which today provides hundreds of thousands of jobs in Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic. He has established a formidable brand. His company also has footprints in Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and The Gambia.” He made the commendation at the 2012 National Honours Awards in Abuja where Adenuga was decorated with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) medal, the only recipient in the
category, alongside 148 other eminent Nigerians who were also decorated for outstanding services to the country. According to the President, “I encourage you to sustain the tempo of performance and to re-dedicate yourself to the service of humanity and God.” The Globacom Chairman was also lauded by Goodluck as a major employer of labour when he adds that, “Chief Adenuga has done a great deal for the country through his numerous business concerns which employ thousands of Nigerians.”
Mike Adenuga Jr, Chairman, Globacom
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businessdayonline.com doubleclick.com notjustok.com pinterest.com 4shared.com secureserver.net livescore.com speedbit.com hostgator.com gistmania.com godaddy.com talkofnaija.com twoo.com website-unavailable.com stackoverflow.com huffingtonpost.com aweber.com leadership.ng google.co.uk arsenal.com connectnigeria.com
Monday October 8-14 2012
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CommTech Minister rues Cynthia’s Facebook murder, canvasses beneficial use of Internet
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Monday October 8-14 2012
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News
mobola Johnson, Minis-ter of Communications Technology, has continued to mourn the gruesome murder of Nassarawa State University post-graduatestudent,thelate Cynthia Osokogu, lured to a Lagos hotel on July 22 and murdered by her Facebook friends. So also did the CommTech Minister commiserate with thefamilyofthehaplessvictim as well as others who have suffered from abuse of the internet to perpetrate fraud and other criminal activities. However, as Johnson put it to participants at the Nigerian Internet Governance Forum held in Abuja this week, such few extreme aberrations should not blur the big picture about the enormous benefits the internet imparts to the way the interconnected world lives, works, plays, learns, profits,governsandcommuni-
cates. “The government, private sector and civil society have responsibilities in ensuring that the beneficial uses of the internet far outweigh its manipulations to cause harm,” the Minister told attendees at the event. Moreover, she reminded that the professionals, the Internet Governance Forum and other professionals’ deci-
sions have a major impact on the deployment of technologies, products, services and the application of ICTs to solve problems in the country. “In Nigeria, we care about our freedom to seek, receive, impart and use information, especially when it relates to the creation, accumulation and dissemination of knowledge. We also care about insecurity, (cyber)crime, piracy
and spam as well as the security and stability of Internet infrastructure. These cares often find expression as competing concerns: it is the responsibility of all professional fora to search for consensus, to be representative, allowing for views from each stakeholder ‘community,’ as well as neutral – that is, open to all participants, irrespective of their origin”, she adds.
According to her, statistics show that an estimated 33 per cent of the world’s population currently use the internet including some 13.5 per cent of Africans connected to their counterparts on the global computer network. Also, the rate at which Africans’ using internet is increasing rapidly. For the decade to 2011, the number of Africans who used the internet grew by almost 3,000 per cent. For instance, as at December 2011, 45 million Nigerians used the internet at least once, up from a mere 200,000 at December, 2000, she adds. The CommTech Minister notes that the internet has been used as a medium to perpetrate heinous crimes and distribute falsehoods but such infractions should not diminish the broad scope for its successful deployment for the benefit of mankind.
The rueful Johnson said to attendees at NIGF that, “Indeed, we mourn and commiserate with the family of Cynthia Osokogu and all those that have suffered at the hands of people that use the Internet for criminal activities. We all – government, the private sector and civil society – have responsibilities in ensuring that the beneficial uses of the Internet far outweigh its manipulations to cause harm.”
Late Cynthia Osokogu
Microsoft plans Xmas Day launch of Windows Phone 8 in Nigeria icrosoft is set to officially launch Windows Phone 8 in the Nigerian market on Christmas Day, December 25, 2012, with its partners, device makers, HTC, Nokia and Samsung, tipped to debut the software maker’s updated mobile operating system. Emmanuel Onyeje, General Manager, West and Central Africa, Microsoft, disclosed this yesterday in Lagos to attendees at the September edition of Developers Parapo, a networking forum for the developer community organised by social innovation centre, Co-creation Hub (CcHUB) of Nigeria. Microsoft’s planned launch of the mobile operating system eyes stakes inNigeria’stelecomsmarketcounting over 102 million active phone lines with more than 90 per cent of them being mobile phones. OnyejesaysthatWindowsPhone8 has clearly emerged as one of the top mobile platforms in the ecosystem and with its planned entry into Nigeria, it is hoped to unleash a new wave of features for consumers, developers and businesses. He adds that the reason why Microsoft is taking its time to unveil new products in Nigeria is to ensure local relevance for users before they are launched into the country. “To support some value added, Microsoftissayinglet’stryandgetthe Nigerian system to be more automated and more IT-focused. That’s what we’re trying to do with Windows Phone 8 instead of just taking products from outside and dumping them here. Let’s add value with our local partners and developers to make our devices really rich for Nigerians,” he adds. According to him, “With Microsoft
Phone 8, we are bringing in banking applications, entertainment applications, lifestyle applications, gaming applications and some other contents that we’re trying to work with our partners around.” Hesaysthatwhenthedevicecomes into Nigeria, users will see it as work and play scenarios as consumers will be able to browse and download apps while developers will also be able to submitapplicationsviaMicrosoftapp stores to the global market.” Talking about the pricing of the phones, Onyeje says, “our partners, Nokia, Samsung, HTC, are going to determine the price of the phones and not Microsoft. The partners determinethepricingstrategy.Thereisalso an opportunity where the telcos like MTN, Glo, Airtel, Etisalat and others
also have a strategy around those handsets. Our private partners and the telcos are the ones who will really decide how they want to have the price range in the end.” Also commenting on the new Windows 8, he added that every single part of the operating system was completely redesigned from end to end underscoring that Microsoft designed it to work on any platform, including mobile devices, high end desktops, gaming laptops, personalized slates and tablets. “No matter what you want to use interactively, mouse, keyboard, pen, youcanuseallthosethingstointeract with PC or the device. On top of that we have also made sure that you can get content from the App Store. With the Windows 8, finding contents will
not be difficult,” he added. To address the Developers Pararo attendees’ curiosity about new Microsoft products, Onyeje said Microsoft platform will allow developers to easily build apps for both Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 and port apps from one to the other. “Our new vision in Microsoft is to provide every business and everybody on the planet a cloud system,” he added. Talking about apps opportunity, Onyeje, who started programming at 13, told the participants that there are lots of opportunities in creating enterprise apps, entertainment and gaming apps, among others. According to him, the world is turning to apps. Businesses, consumers, individuals are turning to apps to interact with
their customers and partners. There are huge opportunities for developers in Nigeria to actually write apps from Windows 8 platform and sell their services globally. He told the community of Nigerian developers’attendeesattheeventthat “businesses want to connect to consumer and if an app is the way to connect businesses to consumers, then people will go for it. Don’t limit yourselfto169millionNigerians.Makethe applications global.” Developers Parapo event takes place monthly at the CcHub in Lagos, Nigeria’s first open living lab. It is a platform that brings together Nigerian web and mobile application developersto network,shareand gain knowledgerequiredtostartandgrow viable businesses. CcHub brings industry experts from Nigeria and across the world to the event to share key insights that will grow the Nigerian application development ecosystem.
Emmanuel Onyeje, General Manager, West and Central Africa, Microsoft confirms the official planned launch of Windows 8 phones in Nigeria on Xmas Day
Monday October 8-14 2012
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Nokia, CcHub connect to foster growth of Nigerian mobile software makers Page 6
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Monday October 8-14 2012
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okia has partnered with foremost social innovation centre in Nigeria, Co-creation Hub (CcHUB), to promote an academy programme called ‘Nokia/CCHub Growth Academy’ aimed at accelerating top Nigerian mobile software companies in growing their companies to regional and international levels. Ten start-ups will be recruited into the programme that culminates in a formal launch of the mobile apps on the Nokia store, the companies announced, noting that the programme has launched a search for start-ups with brilliant ideas to address market needs in finance, education, healthcare, agriculture, small business development, environment, inclusive technology and entertainment. To participate, they must have developed a working prototype in Java ME (J2ME), have at least two core members, including a lead developer and be willing to commit two full months to developing their idea on the programme. According to a statement by the duo, “Having successfully completed a pilot, we invite applications for this first-of-its kind business
accelerator programme in Africa dedicated to providing intensive continuous handson support to help early stage mobile technology start-ups to grow into high growth businesses and build world class mobile applications for the Nokia platform regionally and globally.” Under the plan, the threemonth intensive programme runs in three parts of Capacity Building, Product Develop-ment and Launch. Each start-up undergoes hands-on prototype development and structured training with modules such as business model development, project implementation plan and lean product development. Tailored technical training and support will be provided by Futurice, a global training organisation with expertise in mobile applications development and userdriven design, they said. During product development, each start-up is complemented with the best of resources expected to include, one-on-one mentorship from experienced tech entrepreneurs with a strong understanding of the African market; project implementation plan and market research support to ensure that solutions meet specific market
Participants in a previous edition of Developers’ Parapo meeting organised by CcHub in Lagos. CcHUB, the foremost social innovation centre in Nigeria is promoting an academy programme called ‘Nokia/CCHub Growth Academy’ to accelerate top Nigerian mobile software companies in growing their companies to regional and international levels Photot: CcHub
Olubunmi Adeniyi needs. The last phase of the programme is dedicated to product testing, pilot launch and value redesign based on initial customer feedback. Each
start-up will also pitch at an open Pitchfest to the wider community and investors as part of the final product launch. Intending participants should visit www.growthacademy.org to apply for appli-
cations that close by 6pm on October 3, 2012, promoters of the programme said. According to Lagos-based CcHub, the Nokia-CcHUB Growth Academy is a first of its kind business accelerator programme in Africa dedicat-
ed to providing intensive continuous hands-on support to help approximately 30 early stage mobile technology start-ups grow into high growth businesses and build world class mobile applications in 2012.
Shipping, payments option hamper online shopping growth in Nigeria espite impressive growth in the Nigerian telecoms market and improvements in Internet penetration, difficulties in shipping and payments options have continued to slow down the growth of online shopping in the country, according to a research report.
Driven by growth in telecoms and Internet usage, Nigeria and South Africa are Africa’s most promising economies with online shopping potential on the continent, the “Africa Internet & B2C E-Commerce Report 2012″ has reported. The “Africa Internet & B2C E-Commerce Report
2012″ by Hamburg-based secondary market research firm yStats takes a close look at Internet use and B2C ECommerce development on the African continent. In addition to presenting data on Internet and B2C ECommerce for the entire continent, facts and figures about 15 individual countries
of the African continent are compiled. “Due to improved Internet access and a growing number of online shops, the number of credit cards also increased in 2011. Furthermore, according to forecasts at least one third of the population in Nigeria is expected to have direct Internet access by
Screenshot of online shopping service, Jumia: Despite the impressive growth in Internet access, shipping and payments options still pose obstacles to online shopping in Africa, according to the yStats report
2013. Although large online retailers such as Amazon, eBay and South African online shop Kalahari sell their products there, there are still limitations when it comes to shipping and payment options”, the report says. With more than 40 million users, Nigeria was the African nation with the highest number of Internet users in December 2011, followed by Egypt and Morocco, according to the report which notes that Internet penetration was the highest in Morocco with almost 50 per cent. “South Africa on the other hand, was the country with the most successful B2C ECommerce platforms. In 2011, various factors still curbed online retail on the entire continent, such as the low Internet penetration and the focus on cash transactions and personal relationships. Recently, however, mobile payment methods have become increasingly popular, promoting B2C ECommerce growth in 2012″,
the study found. On the other hand, in South Africa, the share of online shoppers on the total number of Internet users has continued to grow slowly between 2009 and 2011. In 2011, a clear majority cited lower prices as a decisive factor for making purchases online. According to the findings of the study, Kenya was the fastest growing Internet market in Africa in 2011, due to low mobile phone charges and increasing broadband capacity. The number of Internet users and their share on the entire population continuously grew between 2010 and 2011 by a low double digit percentage figure. At the same time, the number of Internet connections and B2C E-Commerce revenue in Morocco grew between 2010 and 2011 by almost three-quarters according to the study that cited online shopping market players like ShopAfrica53, Kalahari, Takealot, Vaimo, soleRebels, Bid-or-Buy and BKam.
Monday October 8-14 2012
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Glo Made4Life promo dangles luxury automobiles for subscribers lobacom has launched a new promotion that offers subscribers the opportunity to own a fleet of 52-seater luxury buses, mini=buses, luxury taxis, among other cash prizes in a new customer reward scheme by the mobile phone company. Called Made4Life, the promo will reward over 1,500 Glo subscribers with prizes which the operator says is the first of its kind in the Nigerian telecoms industry that is open to both its new and existing subscribers on both the prepaid and postpaid platforms. Announcing details of the promotion at the press conference in Lagos, Niyi Olukoya, acting Head of Marketing, who announced the promotion, says the first prize winner will go home with two 52seater luxury buses, while the second prize will be won by three subscribers who will each go home with three 16seater mini buses. Nine lucky subscribers will win the third prize which is a fleet of 27 luxury taxis. Each of the winners will be presented with three taxis. The promotion is also offering a cash prize of N100,000 for 1,500 winners as fourth prize, the telecoms company says.
Niyi Olukoya, Ag. Head of Marketing, Glo (left); Tunde Kaitell of Marketing Communications and Titilayo Ebinisi, Head of GloWorld, at the launch of Glo Made4Life Promo offering subscribers of the mobile phone company the opportunity to win a fleet of 52-seater luxury buses, mini buses, luxury taxis and cash prizes. By Bolanle Abass
Glo Made4Life will run for three months, from September 24 to December 24, 2012, with winners emerging through an electronic draw. Glo says the unique promo was conceived to reward subscribers in a unique way and empowerthemtobetheirown bossesbyfloatingatransportation company. “We have since inception been at the fore-front of rewarding customer loyalty. We have offered different kinds of promotions and prizes. This time, we decided
to go a step further not only by offering fantastic prizes unprecedented in the industry, but also by structuring the prizes in a way to empower our subscribers to be ‘Made for life’, and become managers of their own businesses”, says Olukoya. According to him, “With a fleet of two 52-seater luxury buses, three 16-seater mini buses or three luxury taxis, the winner is afforded a rare opportunity to start off a transport company” in what the telecoms compnay reckons will create indirect employment in the Nigerian economy. To ensure that the winners
succeed in the transport business,heexplainedthatGlohad concluded arrangements to provide financial management and wealth training for them. This, he noted, will provide them the skills to manage the business. To qualify for the 16-seater buses, luxury taxis or the N100,000, the subscriber is expected to recharge with a minimum of N200, while a minimum recharge of N3,000 within the promotion period is required to stand a chance of winningthetwo52-seaterluxury bus grand prizes.
TECNO, Etisalat tie deal to offer 40MB free data on T608 leading mobile phone brandinAfrica,TECNO has announced its partnership with Etisalat, Nigeria’s most innovative network service provider, to launch a promo that offers Etisalat subscribers 40MB free data bundle on purchaseofaTECNOT608phone from September, this year to February, next year. The partnership is an ongoing one intended to provide customers with fast and reliable data connectivity and a
By Bolanle Abass
range of affordable phones, with both companies stating that they are set to offer other joint products within the smartphone category. TECNO T3islikelytobethenextphone included in their partnership offer. Chidi Okonkwo, Deputy General Manager, TECNO Nigeria, explains that “currently, customers are longing for better internet experience and this cooperation precisely
brings them what they want. Customers who buy TECNO T608 phones can enjoy an extraordinary internet experience compared to most other mobile phones in the same class while they can enjoy the amazing free data at the same time .”TECNO T608, the model being offered for the promo, is the first TECNO Opera phone specially developed for fast, mobile internet experience, pre-loaded with the world’s
TECNO T608, the model being offered for the promo, is the first TECNO Opera phone specially developed for fast, mobile internet experience, pre-loaded with the world’s most popular mobile browser, Opera Mini, the phone maker says
most popular mobile browser, Opera Mini and many other distinctive apps such as Palmchat, a phonebook-based free chat app and TECNO App Store T-ZONE on which users can download lots of free apps. Wael Ammar, Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, adds that the telecoms industry has seen increased demand for data and smartphones in recent times. “It is important for network providers and phone manufacturers to continue to collaborate and initiate products and services to satisfy this need. Etisalat’s fast Easyblaze, 3.75G broadband service combined with these TECNO phones is yetanotherexampleofourcontinuous effort to bring our customers easy access to the internet.” According to the companies, “TECNO and Etisalat must emphasise that market competition has encouraged more mobilephonebrandsandoperators to seek new ways to meet customers’ different needs and maintain their market position. While cooperation between mobilephonebrandsandoperators is currently the trend, such collaborations will not only publicise their products and increase sales, but will encourage an increased adoption of broadband services.”
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MTN plans Nano-SIM launch to tap iPhone 5 uptake among Nigerian smartphone users Page 8
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Monday October 8-14 2012
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TN Nigeria, the leading mobile phone by market share plans to release the Nano-SIM come October 5, this year in a move by the operator to explore stakes in expected subscriber uptake of the new iPhone 5 launched recently into the handset and device market by US technology company, Apple. The new nano-SIM is actually the fourth generation of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card that has been used since the introduction of GSM phones in the early 1990s, the first three being the 1FF, Micro SIM or 2FF, and the Mini SIM or the 3FF. The new Nano-SIM which is the only SIM compatible with the newly released Apple iPhone 5 and other new generation and future phones has no different functions with that of the current Micro and Mini SIM cards except the size. Announcing the planned unveiling of the new SIM, MTN Nigeria says that, “the NanoSIM is 40% smaller
MTN Nigeria is taking a plunge into offering NanoSIMs into the local market in expectation of subscriber uptake of iPhone 5 launched recently into the global handset market by Apple Photo credit: Apple
By Bola Abbas than micro SIM and about 0.67mm thicker than Micro SIM made for the new iPhone 5 and other new generation phones” adding that the NanoSIM will be available at MTN Walk-in
Centres nationwide from October 5, 2012. According to PC Advisor, “This new nano-SIM card measures just 12.3 x 8.8mm, and its thickness has also been reduced fractionally, from 0.76mm of the 1FF, 2FF and 3FF cards, to 0.67mm.”
The release of the new Nano-SIM by MTN will enable Nigerians purchase and use the newly released iPhone 5 in Nigeria. According to the phone maker, “when we envisioned the new iPhone, we landed on a remarkably thin and
light design. But it’s nearly impossible to make a device so thin and so light without sacrificing features or performance.” Apple says the iPhone 5, the thinnest, lightest, fastest iPhone ever, is the result of playing that balancing act
between achieving a lighter device that is still packed with performance. “iPhone 5 is just 7.6 millimeters thin. To make that happen, Apple engineers had to think small, component by component. They created a nano-SIM card, which is 44 percent smaller than a microSIM. They also developed a unique cellular solution for iPhone 5. The conventional approach to building LTE into a world phone uses two chips — one for voice, one for data.” According to Apple, “on iPhone 5, both are on a single chip. The intelligent, reversible Lightning connector is 80 percent smaller than the 30-pin connector. The 8MP iSight camera has even more features – like panorama and dynamic low-light mode – yet it’s 25 per cent smaller. And the new A6 chip is up to 2x faster than the A5 chip but 22 per cent smaller. Even with so much inside, iPhone 5 is 20 per cent lighter and 18 per cent thinner than iPhone 4S.”
Labour honours Globacom for telecoms development in Nigeria lobacom, the second national operator, has been awarded the Labour Legend Community Award by the FCT Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and also inducted into the 1st Labour Legend Hall of Fame by the council. Globacom received the honour at an elaborate induction ceremony organized by the FCT Council in conjunction with African Labour Watch Magazine at Chelsea Hotel, Abuja, on Monday, October 1, this year coinciding with the Nigerian Independence Day, the telecoms company announced in a statement. Organisers of the award say the ceremony was held to recognise labour leaders, labour-friendly Nigerians and organizations that have made significant contributions to the welfare and culture of Nigerian workers. In an earlier notification sent to Globacom by Comrade Ossai Ilome, Secretary of Induction Committee, the NLC Council said Glo was selected for the honour because of the company’s commitment to affordable services, spon-
sorship of Glo Heritage Series and the country’s national football teams, among other outstanding contributions. Globacom pioneered per second billing as its launch platform,
thereby reducing the cost of mobile telephony services and establishing the basis for widespread affordable telecoms services across the country. The NLC Council says that
Globacom has lived up to its promise of affordability, as a cardinal point of good corporate citizenship. Globacom has also supported community initiatives, especially
Sina Thumandiwire, Director, International Labour Organisation (ILO), West Africa (left), presents the Labour Crown Award to Lorenzo Gomez, Glo Divisional Director, Abuja at the ceremony
in the areas of sports development, poverty alleviation, job creation, and youth empowerment, music, art and culture. Globacom commenced business on August 29, 2003, with the launch of its GSM service in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It was the major mobile phone operator using the GSM technology platform to launch operations, two years after other operators had rolled out. Glo has about 25 million subscribers on its Nigerian network and has covered all parts of the country and has also extended its operational footprints to the Republic of Benin and Ghana. Globacom’s overall success in service delivery and product innovation stems from its continued deployment of latest technology, from 2.5G to 3G and 4G LTE. The company is also revamping the nation’s fixed telephone services with the launch of Glo Fixed while it addressed Africa’s bandwidth requirement by singlehanded building an international submarine cable called Glo 1, the company says.
Meet Nigeria’s broadband road map cartographers Monday October 8-14 2012
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
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News
echnology Times has obtained a comprehensive list of the 15-man Presidential team on broadband inaugurated rec-ently by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to come up with plans to leverage benefits of highspeed internet services for economic growth in Nigeria. According to the list, the President’s Broadband Com-mittee puts together a rich mix of telecoms operators, key industry thought leaders, private sector players as well as international technology businesses and industry groups. GSM industry big players like MTN Nigeria, Etisalat Nigeria as well as search engine giant, Google are among a rich mix of private sector players in the banking and financial services sector as well as ICT policymakers and administrators including operator pressure group, the CDMA Development Group. The team includes Ernest Ndukwe, the exExecutive Vice Chairman, N i g e r i a n Communications Commission (NCC), who is currently Chairman of Open Media Group, an ICT consultancy based in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, as one of the key industry professionals on the broadband team. Under Ndukwe’s watch as boss of NCC, Nigeria recorded significant growth in the telephony sector during the mobile phone boom in what analysts regard as the industry umpire’s policy consistency and transparent regulation of the sector. Also on the team is Jim Ovia, Chairman, Visafone Communications and former Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, who is also a wellknown ICT enthusiast with passion for promoting technology innovation among Nigerian youths.
Ernest Ndukwe , Chairman, Open Media Group
Lynda Saint Nwafor, Chief Technical Officer, MTN Communications
Chief Technical Officer of MTN Nigeria, Lynda Saint Nwafor comes from the nation’s telecoms market leader with over 40 million active connections and owned by South Africa’s MTN Group, will also be on the team. So also is Junaid Dikko, a Director with Etisalat Nigeria, the number four telecoms operator by subscriber number owned by Dubai, UAE-based Etisalat Group, who will be bringing to the team his regulatory expertise as well as expertise in allied
financial services sector. Rasheed Adegoke, Chief Information Officer, First Bank of Nigeria, one of the key banks in the country, is also on the team and expected to provide perspectives from the investment community. Gbenga Sesan, currently Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria is also a former ICT Youth Ambassador and a wellknown Nigerian youth leader is part of the team. Sesan, who is well-known for promoting ICT for development issues, is
Jim OviaChairman, Visafone Communications
John Ayodele,Director, Telecoms & Postal Services, Ministry of Communication Technology
also a seasoned speaker at various local and international fora. Another key member of the team is Juliet Ehimuan Chiazor, Country Manager; Google Nigeria expected to bring to the broadband committee the expertise of running the local operations of the search giant. Also, Stanley Jegede, CEO of Phase 3 Telecoms, will bring to the team his experience in business leadership of one of the biggest players in providing aerial optical fibre
transmission service that also maintains the largest private fibre optic network in Nigeria and the West African sub-region. Also on the team is Philip Chukwueke, Regional Director of Africa, CDMA Development Group (CDG), a trade association formed to foster the worldwide development, implementation and use of CDMA and other complementary wireless solutions with membership including many of the world’s leading service
providers and equipment manufacturers. The group works towards the development of advanced features and services, evolution of standards, technical education, advocacy, regulatory affairs, global roaming and device availability for the CDMA mobile telephony standard. On the other hand, the public sector draws representations from the Ministry of Communication Technology, the supervisory ministry of various ICT and allied government agencies; the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms regulatory agency; some state ICT administrations; the National Technology Development Agency, the IT implementing agency of the Federal Government, among others. John Ayodele, who is Director, Telecoms & Postal Services, Ministry of Communication Technology, will be representing the ICT supervisory ministry on the team. So also is Bala Mohammed, who is also Commissioner of Science & Technology, Kano State and Kayode Jegede, SA to Ekiti State Governor on Infrastructure & ICT as well as Joshua Atah, Head, ICT Projects, National Universities Commission who are also part of the public sector team. The public sector team also include Fidelis Onah, Assistant Director, Spectrum Management, N i g e r i a n Communications Commission and Vincent Olatunji, Deputy Director, Corporate Strategy & Research, National Information Technology Development Story by Technolgy Times Reporter Photography: Bankole Damilare
Stakeholders canvass coalition to safeguard Nigerian child against online vulnerability
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he vulnerabilities of children online in this era of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) preoccupied experts at a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos today. More so, because children know more about ICT than their parents and even some of their teachers. And whereas parents reserve the right to determine what their children learn or otherwise, the children have moved, in the words of an expert, from just-in-case learning to just-in-time learning. The first Stakeholders Tech4D Forum organised by Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN) brought the experts together to rub minds on the beneficial use of the Internet as contrasted with its drawbacks under the theme, “ICT and Child Development.” Their conclusion was that the combined efforts of stakeholdersintheICTindustryare very essential in addressing the challenges of children’s vulnerability online. Speaking at the forum, Eugene Juwah, Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), dilated on the doubleedgedswordtheInternetis:he said that Internet has raised the issue of children’s vulnerability and it is very important that all stakeholders mount a concerted effort to ensure that the cyber world is a safe place for children to learn. Juwah, represented by Henry Ikemadu, Head, Policy Economic Analysis, NCC, stated that the Internet is a wonderful resource for pro-
The ITU Child Online Protection (COP) initiative was endorsed by UN Secretary-General, heads of states, ministers and heads of international organisations around the world. It aims at promoting global awareness about the importance of child safety in the online world, developing practical tools to assist
Olubunmi Adeniyi viding information on education, research and entertainment. Contrarily, it has also exposed children and young people to bullying, extremism, gambling, pornography and violent games, among other vices. Fouryearsago,International Telecommunication Union (ITU) launched the Child Online Protection (COP) initiative, an international collaborative effort led by ITU within the framework of the union’s Global Cybersecurity Agenda. The COP initiative was endorsed by UN SecretaryGeneral, heads of states, ministers and heads of international organisations around the world. It aims at promoting global awareness about the importance of child safety
in the online world, developing practical tools to assist governments, industry and educators and sharing experiences to ensure a safe and secure online experience for children. As such, Juwah said Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), NCC and the industries they regulate seek to work together in this direction in the overall best interest of the Nigerian child. Indeed, in partnership with the private sector, he said NCC would develop the technical capacity on national Internet content control mechanisms as the nation’s overall Internet content governance response and preventive strategy against the escalation of child abuse and exploitation, materials’ distribution and regulation of content injurious to national secu-
rity. Moreover, he added, there shall be capacity building in collaboration with Nigeria Union of Teachers in public andprivateschools,sothatthe commission would come up with a massive initiative on child protection online. Chris Uwaje, President, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), said that “the Internetisagoldenopportunity for global competitiveness. So, all nations must take the global ICT revolution seriously.” But he advised in the topic, “Future and Survivability of Nigerian Children,” that parents need to read more to catch up in gap because when talking about Internet, children know more than the parents. Corroborating this, Veronica Adeyemo, Acting Director (IT Department),
Federal Ministry of Information, said ICT today is sine qua non and fundamental to development, including child development. Consequently, the desire of parents, governments, education planners and developers is to introduce children to it early in their development stage in life is understandable. We all know that parents naturally reserve the responsibility for the initial development and up-bringing of their children.Itis,therefore,imperative that parents have good understanding of ICT and its importance or correlation to early child development,” Adeyemo said. According to her, ICT is a potentially powerful tool for enhancing educational opportunities to previously underserved constituencies, scattered and rural populations and groups traditionally
excluded from education due to cultural or social reasons. “ICT generally motivates children to learn. Therefore, achieving positive impact on learning and development using ICT depends to a large extent on how it is deployed and used,” she adds. To guard against children’s vulnerability, she advised that parents should watch attentively and discreetly how their children spend their time online, what they do, who theymeetandwhatiscurrently their main interest. In his speech, Ernest Ndukwe, former EVC of NCC and current Chairman of Open Media was emphatic that ICT is very essential to children and that the future of media and technology lies in better integration of digital experiences with the real world. Ndukwe noted that “the combination of technology and computer have been known to deliver results in the way we live today.” Moreover, ICT remains imperative in planning and development of the nation’s economy and that growth has been recorded in ICT applications while others still require urgent attention. Gerald Ilukwe, CEO, GalaxyBackbone,represented by Amara Nwankpa, Head, Marketing, Galaxy Backbone, said in the Internet age, the teacher is no longer the expert because there are multiple channels of learning today. “We have moved from just-incase learning to just-in-time learning,” Ilukwe adds. “ICT has the potential to transform the capacity of a new generation through education.”
Nigerian banks plan to capture biometric information of customers By Bola Abbas lans are underway by Nigerian banks to collect biometric information of their customers for real-time and easier identification of account holders in the country. Biometric information uniquely distinguishes one person from another and are used to establish a record of and confirm an individual’s identity with the most common being photographs and fingerprints. Iris scans and voice recognition are also other forms of biometric information. Under the plan, the Bankers’ Committee has invited reputable IT companies with requisite expertise and experience to set up a biometric verification system for customers of all the 21 deposit money banks in the country. The Bankers Committee is the powerful group of chief executive officers of all the DMBs chaired by the Governor of Central Bank, the apex bank that regulates the bank-
ing sector estimated to have more than 44.5million customers at the end of last year. Applicants for the technology project must be legally-registered companies in Nigeria, or their partners and must have executed similar large scale biometric verification contracts worth N800 million
($5m) for clients covering five million persons, according to the Bankers’ Committee that announced the deal. The proposed centralised platform would provide an online realtime database accessible by all the DMBs to enable them identify and authenticate each customer unique-
ly in their Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification processes. The Bankers’ Committee requires all applicants to submit their applications by October 5, 2012. With the proposed project, the banks in Nigeria will join the growing list of public and private organisations that require individuals to
Banner promoting the Cashless programme designed by the Central Bank to reduce carrying physical cash in the country at an event by BusinessWorld Newspaper in Lagos. Banks expect that the proposed biometric database for customer identification will enhance confidence in the banking sector
submit their biometric data for requisite databases. In February, last year, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) registered 67,764,327 voters nationwide capturing their biometric data. About four months later, National Communication Commission (NCC) followed up with supplementary registration of Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards by the private mobile phone networks for the total number of users which currently stands at 103.43 million active subscribers at last July. Biometric verification systems capture the unique biological features of any individual, such as finger-print and by law all data captured are warehoused by National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the government agency says. According to NIMC, a secure identity helps both citizens and businesses to reduce fraud, make false applications, minimise identity theft, enhance commercial transac-
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Invest in Broadband Nigeria, NCC woos investors at ITU Telecom World 2012
h e N i g e r i a n Communications Commission (NCC) says it is taking the campaign for international investors to ITU Telecom World event in Dubai holding October 14-12, this year to attract more investors in government’s push to deepen national broadband deployment. NCC says that under the platform of Nigeria@ ITU Telecom World 2012 it hopes to connect an influential mix of participants drawn from across the global ICT industry along with Heads of State and Government, Regulators, Innovators, Digital Entrepreneurs, investors and many more at the event organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Executive Vice Chairman NCC, Eugene Juwah says that due to the success recorded at the last year’s conference ITU Telecom World 2011 in Geneva, NCC is hoping this year to pitch to international investors from around the world to explore investments opportunities in Nigeria. “Our outing last year was a great success, we did concentrate a lot on investment on broadband in Nigeria, and we want to build on our success of last year”, he says in a video interview with
ITU TV ahead of the global event. According to the Nigerian telecoms regulator, “Africa has very low penetration of broadband. Africa has done very well in voice telephony but the penetration of broadband is low, and in many cases is below one per cent.” While Nigeria today has recorded major strides in boosting voice telephony with the market counting over 100 million active phone connections, telecoms administration have accorded priority to broadband as the next phase of growth in the vibrant market. According to Juwah, “what I will like to tell the investing public is that they have to encourage Africa, they have to come to Africa. They have to encourage government in Africa to develop policies, talk to stakeholders on broadband and see how to elevate the penetration of broadband in
Africa.” The NCC chief sees broadband as a key platform for innovation, growth and development and notes that, “major issue with government in Africa is to enable competitiveness for their citizens, broadband does it very well, I hope everybody knows about the influence of broadband if 10 per cent increase in broadband penetration generates about 1.3 percent improvement in GDP.” He adds that broadband access will help to improve competitiveness, the economy of Africa and develop the world at large, while adding that “I hope that this will contribute a lot to this agenda that you are talking about.” To encourage among young entrepreneurs in Africa, Juwah adds that, “the innovation centres in Africa are currently based in the universities, so we must look at a way of taking connectivity to
the universities. Right now the connectivity to the universities are quite inadequate, so we must take connectivity there and help develop local content so that the resources we have in the universities can be channeled towards developing local contents. In this way, a lot of innovation will come out of Africa.” Juwah adds that ITU Telecom World is an event where the bywords are knowledge and action, adding that it usually convenes a high-quality, influential mix of participants drawn from across the ICT industry along with heads of state and government, regulators, innovators, digital entrepreneurs and many more. A dynamic series of conferences will tackle core issues such as using ICTs to create a new future, optimization of spectrum resources, innovation, development and the economic crisis,
“Our outing last year was a great success, we did concentrate a lot on investment in broadband in Nigeria, and we want to build on our success of last year”
convergence and transformation of the ICT value chain, the impact of social networks and more. NCC expects the event will also focus on a number of varied and innovative showcasing, sponsorship and hospitality options, and also provide extensive opportunities for networking and doing business with top-level participants. “We enjoin you to be part of this global connecting event with Nigeria at ITU Telecom World 2012, and take the Nigeria ICT industry to a greater height,” he adds.
EVC,NCC, Eugene Juwah.
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Services Sector dominates technology imports into Nigeria with 55%, NOTAP says NOTAP says it has recorded savings for the economy; the increased inflow of technology to the Services Sector was mainly attributable to the increase in the acquisition of Software Agreements as a result of the increased awareness and application of IT in systems automation in the country.
nalysis of the inflow of technology into the country has shown that the Services sector led in new technology acquisitions with 55.14 per cent of technology agreements registered with the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP). NOTAP, the government agency responsible for registration of Technology Transfer Agreements saysthedealweresealedbybusinesses that are leveraging technology usage and acquisitions in the services sector comprises Banking, Insurance, Hotels as well as Information Technology sub-sectors. Major sources of technology inflow are Asia and Far East countries followed by Europe particularly, the United Kingdom. Indeed, with Japan, India, South Korea and China ascending as Asian comparatively cheaper technological powerhouses, it’s no wonder European countries like Germany, France and UK, which are favourite trading partners with high quality technology, fell to second position, the government agency says. NOTAP says that a total of 1,237
By Bola Abbas
Technology agreements were registered from 1999 to December 2010 with the breakdown showing that the Services sector had the highest number with 570 agreements. This was followed by the Solid Mineral and Chemical Sector with 256 agreements. The Engineering sector follows with 233 agreements and the Agro-Allied sector with 178 agreements. According to NOTAP, the increased inflow of technology in the Services sector was mainly attributable to the increase in the acquisition of Software Agreements as a result of the increased awareness and application of IT in systems automation in the country. NOTAP drew these conclusions in a statement that evaluated its 2006 data and underscored the usefulness of its Computerised Registry Information System (CORIS), the Windows-based application system which stores information from technology agreements evaluated by the government agency, retrieves and disseminates it easily to interested users.
CORIS captures information on technology inflow into all sectors of the economy, types of registered technology agreements, subjects of focus such as sources of technology, new investments/projects, financial savings, among others, the agency says. “The system provides for easy access to data on Technology Agreements for statistical and policy formulation purposes,” NOTAP says noting that, “it facilitates generation of reports on previous agreements evaluated which are useful for reference purposes when evaluating new agreements. It eliminates time-consuming and cumbersome manual preparation of Reports on technology agreements, among others.” In recognition of the importance of such information to the economic andtechnologicaldevelopmentofthe country, NOTAP prepares Quarterly Reports on information stored in the system for purpose of dissemination to all interested end-users, the statement concluded. Umar Buba Bindir, Director General, NOTAP, says that, “In the present era of globalisation and liberalisation in the world economy, a
nation must be able to harness her ideas, inventions, innovations and creative works towards technological advancement and global competitiveness. To nurture national talents, Nigeria requires identification of her researchers and inventors; creation of an enabling environment and to initiate strategies to protect all the stakeholders and their creative works.” According to him, the Federal Government, recognising this had set up the Ministry of Science and Technology which has NOTAP as one of its parastatals. NOTAP’s activities include Evaluation/Registration of Technology Transfer Agreements; Promotion of Intellectual Property; Technology Advisory and Support Services; Commercialization of R&D Results; Research Industry Linkage; Production of Compenduim Management Information System; Publication of Project Profiles on R&D Results, among others. “It is my humble belief that, NOTAP, through its current and future activities, backed with dedicated and efficient personnel, adequate Government support and funding, would take this country to
greater heights scientifically and technologically”, Bindir adds.
Umar Buba Bindir, Director General, NOTAP, says that “In this present era of globalisation and liberalisation in the world economy, a nation must be able to harness her ideas, inventions, innovations and creative works towards technological advancement and global competitiveness. To nurture national talents, Nigeria requires identification of her researchers and inventors.
Governments grow increasingly repressive online as activists fight back, report says Monday October 8-14 2012
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Cross section of attendees at the Nigeria Broadband Forum hosted recently in Lagos by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to explore options for high-speed internet growth across Nigeria Photo: Damilare Bankole
rutal attacks against bloggers, politically motivated surveillance, proactive manipulation of webcontent,andrestrictivelawsregulating speech online are among the diverse threats to internet freedom emerging over the past two years, according to a new study released today by Freedom House. Despite these threats, Freedom on the Net 2012: A Global Assessment of Internet and Digital Media found that increased pushback by civil society, technology companies, and independent courts resulted in several notable victories. Sanja Kelly, Project Director for Freedom on the Net at Freedom House, says that, “The findings clearly show that threats to internet freedom are becoming more diverse. As authoritarianrulersseethatblockedwebsites and high-profile arrests draw local and international condemnation, they are turning to murkier—but no less dangerous—methods for controlling online conversations.” The battle over internet freedom comes at a time when nearly one third of the world’s population has used the internet. Governments are responding to the increased influence of the new medium by seeking to control online activity, restricting the free flow of information, and otherwise infringing on the rights of users. The methods of control are becoming more sophisticated, and tactics previously evident in only the most repressive environments—suchasgovernmentsinstigating deliberate connection disruptions or hiring armies of paid commentators to manipulate online discussions—are appearing in a wider set of countries. Freedom on the Net 2012, which identifies key trends in internet freedom in 47 countries, evaluates each country based on barriers to access, limitsoncontent,andviolationsofuser rights. The study found that Estonia had the greatest degree of internet freedom among the countries examined, while the United States ranked second. Iran,
Cuba, and China received the lowest scores in the analysis. Eleven other countries received a ranking of Not Free, including Belarus, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Thailand. A total of 20 of the 47 countries examined experiencedanegativetrajectoryininternet freedom since January 2011, with Bahrain, Pakistan, and Ethiopia registering the greatest declines. Several downgrades, particularly in the Middle East, reflected intensified censorship, arrests, and violence against bloggers as the authorities sought to quell public calls for reform. In Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, and China, authorities imposed new restrictionsafterobservingthekeyrole that social media played in the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia. At the same time, 14 countries registeredapositivetrajectory,withTunisia and Burma experiencing the largest improvements following dramatic political openings. The remaining gains occurred almost exclusively in democracies, highlighting the crucial importance of broader institutions of democratic governance in upholding internet freedom. Countries at Risk: As part of its analysis, Freedom House identified a number of important countries that are seen as particularly vulnerable to deterioration in the coming 12 months: Azerbaijan, Libya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Rwanda, and Sri Lanka. Key Trends *Newlawsrestrictfreespeech:In19 of the 47 countries examined, new laws or directives have been passed since January 2011 that either restrict online speech, violate user privacy, or punish individuals who post content deemed objectionable or undesirable. * Bloggers and ordinary users increasingly face arrest for political speech on the web: In 26 of the 47 countries, including several democratic states, at least one blogger or ICT user was arrested for content posted online or sent via text message. * Physical attacks against government critics are intensifying: In 19 of
the 47 countries assessed, a blogger or internet user was tortured, disappeared, beaten, or brutally assaulted as a result of their online posts. In five countries,anactivistorcitizenjournalist was killed in retribution for posting information that exposed human rights abuses. * Paid commentators, hijacking attacks are proliferating: The phenomenon of paid pro-government commentators has spread over the past two years from a small set of countries to 14 of the 47 countries examined. Meanwhile, government critics faced politicallymotivatedcyberattacksin19 of the countries covered. *Surveillanceisincreasing,withfew checks on abuse: In 12 of the 47 countries examined, a new law or directive disproportionately enhanced surveillance or restricted user anonymity. In authoritarian countries, surveillance often targets government critics, while in middle-performing countries, safeguards for user rights and oversight procedures are lagging far behind governments’ technical capacities and legal powers, leading to abuse. * Citizen pushback is yielding results: A significant uptick in civic activism related to internet freedom, alongside important court decisions, has produced notable victories in a wide set of countries. Advocacy campaigns, mass demonstrations, website blackouts, and constitutional court decisions have resulted in censorship plans being shelved, harmful legislation being overturned, and jailed activists being released. In 23 of the 47 countries assessed, at least one such victory occurred. Other Significant Country Findings: * China: China is home to the world’s largest population of internet users, but also the most advanced system of controls—one that has become even more restrictive. In 2011, the authorities abducted dozens of activists and bloggers, holding them incommunicado for weeks and sentencing several to prison. The governmentalsotightenedcontrolsoverpop-
ular domestic microblogging platforms, pressuring key firms to more stringently censor political content and to register their users’ real names. Meanwhile, China’s influence as an incubatorforsophisticatedrestrictions was felt across the globe, with governments such as Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Iran using China as a model for their own new internet controls. * Iran: The Iranian authorities used more nuanced tactics in a continued campaign against internet freedom that began after disputed elections in 2009. These tactics included: upgrading content filtering technology, hacking digital certificates to undermine user privacy, and moving closer to establishing a National Internet. Iranian judicial authorities also meted out some of the harshest sentences in the world for online activities, including imposing the death penalty on three bloggers and IT professionals. *Russia: The internet is the last relatively uncensored platform for public debate in Russia. However, since January 2011, massive distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and smear campaigns to discredit online activists have intensified. After online tools played a critical role in galvanizing massive anti-government protests that began in December 2011, the Kremlin signaled its intention to further tighten control over internet communications. * Pakistan: Disconcerting recent developments in Pakistan include a ban on encryption and virtual private networks (VPNs), a death sentence imposed for transmitting allegedly blasphemouscontentviatextmessage, and a one-day block on all mobile phone networks in Balochistan province. Several other initiatives to increase censorship—including a plan to filter text messages by keyword and a proposal to develop a nationwide internet firewall—were officially shelved in response to civil society advocacy campaigns, although some suspect that the government is still working on them behind closed doors.
*Egypt:TheSupremeCouncilofthe Armed Forces (SCAF) maintained many of its predecessor’s tactics of internet control, while intensifying others. Mobile phones, the internet, and social media remained under vigorous surveillance, bandwidth speeds were throttled during specific events, and SCAF-affiliated commentators manipulated online discussions. Several activists and bloggers were intimidated, beaten, shot at, or tried in military courts for “insulting the military power” or “disturbing social peace.” Despite recent elections, the futuretrajectoryofinternetfreedomin Egypt remains precarious and uncertain. *United States: Internet access in the United States remains open and fairly free compared with the rest of the world. Courts have consistently held that prohibitions against government regulation of speech apply to materialpublishedontheinternet,but the government’s surveillance powers are cause for some concern. In early 2012, campaigns by civil society and technology companies helped to halt passage of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA),whichwerecriticizedfortheir potentially negative effects on free speech. *Azerbaijan: As the host of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in November 2012, the government of Azerbaijan has been eager to promote itself as a leader of ICT innovation, but has also slightly increased restrictions on internet freedom. Rather than significantly censoring online content, the government has employed tactics such as raiding cybercafes to gather information on user identities, arresting politically active netizens on trumped-up charges, and harassing activists and their family members. In aworrisomedevelopment,theauthorities ramped up their surveillance capabilities of mobile phones in early 2012.
RIM spurs rare optimism with surprising growth, new phone Page 14
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esearch in Motion offered investors a ray of hope on Tuesday, announcing an unexpected increaseinsubscribernumbers that sent its shares up 5 percent as the company worked hard to drum up enthusiasm for its crucial Blackberry due 2013. Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM, a pioneer in the smartphone arena, has in past years lost market share in North America to Apple Inc and Samsung, whose more versatile and user-friendly devices took off. RIM is trying to reinvent itself through a line of jazzed-up smartphones that will run on theBlackBerry10orBB10operating system on which the company has staked its future. In an attempt to create a buzz around the new devices, Chief Executive Thorsten Heins gave a preview of the smartphone and its features to its developers at a gathering on TuesdayinSanJose,California. Dressed in an outfit few Silicon Valley executives sport - a grey pinstriped suit - Heins said the company was fighting for its future. "There is new energy and a new fighting spirit in this company," he said as he listed new features from Internet browsing to multitasking between applications. Heins said BlackBerry's subscriber base had risen to 80 million in the quarter ended
Google set to take Facebook's crown in US display ads
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oogle Inc is set to become the biggest earner in U.S. display ads this year, taking the No. 1 rank away from Facebook Inc and cementing its dominant presence in online advertising. Google's rising clout in display ads - the boxes with images and video found on websites -- has come on the back of growth in video advertising on its YouTube subsidiary, as well as mobile advertising through Admob, a company acquired by Google in 2009. This year, Google will claim 15.4 percent of display ad dollars, or $2.31 billion, compared to Facebook's 14.4 percent, or $2.16 billion, according to projections by
eMarketer, a digital advertising research firm. But it added that publishers across the board have been bruised by weaker-than-expected display advertising demand this year as large brands withheld splurging on costly digital campaigns. Top display ad earners Google and Facebook were followed by Yahoo Inc, Microsoft Corp and AOL Inc, which all have advertising networks across their digital content properties. Facebook said this week that it would begin developing a mobile ad network that would allow advertisers to target ads using Facebook data across the web and not just Facebook's website.
Research In Motion CEO Thorsten Heins discusses features of the Blackberry 10 during his keynote address during the Blackberry Jam Americas in San Jose, California September 25, 2012. Photo: Reuters
September 1 from the 78 million it reported earlier this year. The addition of subscribers surprised many on Wall Street and sparked a bounce in the company's share price. Most analysts had expected RIM to begin losing subscribers in the recently ended quarter, for the first time in its history. In a presentation that lacked the customary pizzazz of major Silicon Valley events,
executives showed off some of the key features of the new phone like the browser, and 'flow' and 'peek' features that let users access important features without leaving an open application. RIM has completely focused on the launch of its new line of revamped devices in recent months, while its aging line-up of smartphones in the market have struggled to compete
against the recently launched iPhone 5 and a slew of new Android devices. It badly needs a hit. The launch of BB10 has been delayed to nextyearfromthefinalquarter of this year, a decision that had not gone down well with RIM shareholders.BlackBerry 10 is our most important launch ever," he said.
HP's profitable printers to buy Whitman time
eg Whitman has a laundry list of things to do at HP: Arrest a rapid decline in its personal computer unit, compete better on enterprise services, and figure out a strategy as mobile devices eat into personal computer sales. That leaves one still-bright spot in Hewlett-Packard's beaten-up portfolio - printing. The HP chief executive in past months has punctuated talk about her years-long turnaround plan with sweeping goals such as battling IBM and Dell Inc on corporate services and products, using Silicon Valley buzzwords such as "cloud" and "social" and "big data." In the short run, however, its printers are buying time for the CEO of one year to turn around the sprawling company with over 300,000 workers. Whitman on Wednesday will host HP's annual presentation to investors in San Francisco, and Wall Street is keeping one eye on a division that her predecessor once considered spinning off.
NEWS
Hewlett Packard CEO and President Meg Whitman attends the Allen & Co Media Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho July 12, 2012. Photo: Reuters
Though it has lost some of its shine, the unit still generates close to a fifth of total revenue and 35 percent to 40 percent of HP's annual profit. Printing is "not as much a problem as some of the other businesses," said Shaw Wu, analyst with Sterne Agee. "It's still a cash-cow business. The profits have declined but they
are still very strong." Revenue from all of HP's main business units fell in the July quarter, with the PC unit seeing a slide of 10 percent. Operating profit declined by 28 percent in the PC group, the largest slide among HP's divisions, followed by a 22 percent slide in services. Printing revenue declined
2.7 percent last quarter, but operating profit increased by 8 percent. The group accounted for $949 million of HP's $3.1 billion in operating income that quarter. Wu is expecting HP's annual printing revenue to decline by about $1 billion to $25 billion this fiscal year, which ends in October.
Sony game unit pegs profit hope on PS3, handhelds weak ony Corp is relying more heavily on its PlayStation 3 game consoles to make money for its game unit in the year to March, as weak sales of handhelds threaten to undermine a business the company's CEO is banking on to help return his company to profit. Sony's new CEO, Kazuo Hirai, has said growing sales in games, digital cameras, smartphones and tablets, along with new businesses such as medical equipment, will help the consumer electronics company return to profit as it draws back from money-losing TVs. "I think we will be profitable this year," Andrew House, the executive in charge of Sony's gaming unit told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of the Tokyo Game Show on Thursday. "We have a growing installed base, growing connectivity of the PS3." He declined to say whether his division would improve on the 29 billion yen ($371 mil-
lion) operating profit posted in the year ended March 31. On August 2, it cut its forecast for sales of Vita and PSP handheld consoles this business year to 12 million from 16 million. Sony's game unit is maintaining its target of an 80 billion yen operating profit on sales of 1 trillion yen in the year to March 2015, the timetable the firm has set for the planned turnaround on which the CEO will be judged. Investors are concerned that Sony will struggle to achieve a turnaround. It has already slashed its earnings outlook since Hirai took office in April. After its first quarter it lowered its annual operating profit prediction to 130 billion yen from 180 billion yen. In the previous twelve months it posted a loss of 67 billion yen. The average estimate of 14 analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters since then is for operating profit of 110 billion for the 12 months.
Facebook reaches one billion IBM aims for Amazon, Salesforce.com monthly active users with midsize cloud plan: WSJ Monday October 8-14 2012
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ocial media company Facebook Inc reported on Thursday it reached the 1 billion user mark last month, while Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said it would keep pursuing growth through mobile devices. The No. 1 social network has faced a rough road since its May initial public offering. Investors and analysts have fretted over a sharp slowdown in revenue growth and questioned how Facebook will make money from users as people access its site on mobile devices. Facebook shares have lost more than 40 percent of their value since the stock debuted at $38. Facebook, based in Menlo Park, California, hit the 1 billion milestone on September 14 at 12:45 p.m. Pacific time, the company said on its website. This is up by 45 million users since June. It said it had 600 million mobile users, according to a fact sheet the company posted. In an interview on NBC's "Today" show broadcast on Thursday, Zuckerberg was askedbyco-anchorMattLauer about how, with 1 billion users, the company wasn't "killing it," by making money. "I think it depends on your definition of 'killing it.' I mean we are making billions of dollars,"Zuckerbergsaid.Initslast earnings report, Facebook said
nternational Business Machines Corp will announce on Wednesday that it will ramp up efforts to sell cloud computing services to midsize businesses, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. The move by IBM, a bellwether for the IT industry because of its global span and breadth of businesses, is aimed at grabbing market share from companies like Amazon.com Inc and Salesforce.com Inc, which have been successful in the mid-market, the paper said. For Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM, midsize companies refer to
Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg gestures as he addresses students at the Moscow State University in Moscow October 2, 2012 Photo: Reuters
revenue increased by 32 percent to $1.18 billion in the second quarter. The 28-year-old CEO talked about the growth potential from mobile users. "There's 5 billionpeopleintheworldwho have phones, so we should be able to serve many more people and grow the user base there," he said. In September, Zuckerberg said the company's new mobile ads were delivering better results for advertisers than its traditional ads on personal computers. As for his own phone habits, he said he has several devices,
but recently had been using an iPhone 5 he received from Apple CEO Tim Cook. Zuckerberg acknowledged that morale at the company could be better but that its 4,000 employees remained focused on building and improving Facebook's products. "We are obviously in a tough cycle now ... that doesn't help morale," he said. The 1 billion user count is up from the end of June, when it had 955 million active monthly users. Zuckerberg, Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg and
board member Marc Andreessen have been courting investors this week with appearances on the CNBC business channel and on panels at a high-profile advertising conference in New York. It also unveiled a video touting Facebook's connection with people across the world. Facebook has rolled out a spate of initiatives to spur more growth, including a new advertising platform and measurementmethodstoshowcompanies they are getting their money's worth with Facebook ads.
Samsung allowed to sell Galaxy Tab in U.S. as court lifts ban
U.S. court removed a temporary sales ban against Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's Galaxy Tab 10.1 won by Apple Inc in a patent dispute, allowing the South Korean company to sell the product in the United States. While the Galaxy 10.1 is an older model, the lifting of the ban could still help Samsung in the run-up to the pivotal holiday shopping season. "We are pleased with the court'sactiontoday,whichvindicates our position that there was no infringement of Apple's design patent and that an injunction was not called for," Samsung said in a statement. Separately, Samsung filed a motion against Apple saying the iPhone 5 had infringed on some of the company's patents. The world's top two smartphone makers are locked in patent disputes in 10 countries as they vie to dominate the lucrative market. Thelegalfightbeganlastyear when Apple sued Samsung in multiple countries, and Samsung countersued. TheinjunctionontheGalaxy tablet had been put in place
those with less than 1,000 employees, the newspaper said. The company's general manager in charge of small and medium-sized businesses, Andy Monshaw, told the Journalthatthecheapercostof cloud computing will let the companyreachabiggerbaseof smaller customers. Cloud computing is the delivery of computing and storage capacity that allows users to, for instance, rent servers and software to store data over a network. IBM officials could not be reached for comment outside regular U.S. business hours.
A man passes by an illuminated IBM logo at the CeBIT computer fair in Hanover February 27, 2011. The world's largest IT fair CeBIT opens its doors on March 1 and runs through March 5. Photo: Reuters
Barnes & Noble launches new tablets in e-books fight arnes & Noble Inc's first high-definition tablets, unveiled on Wednesday, were well received by analysts who said the devices keep the bookseller in the fight with Amazon.com Inc, Apple Inc and Google Inc - for now. The largest U.S. bookstore chain has staked its future on success in the growing ebooks industry in the face of declining sales of physical books that last year led to the bankruptcy of the Borders bookstore chain. Barnes & Noble introduced a $199 7-inch Nook HD tablet that will go up against similar, recently launched products by Google and Amazon.com this holiday season. The company also unveiled a $269 9-inch Nook HD+ tablet that will compete with the Apple iPad. "Thedevicesareanimprovement in important ways over thepreviousgenerationsofthe Nook, and they one-up Amazon in some areas," Forrester Research analyst
Sarah Rotman Epps told Reuters. While the new products are thinner and lighter than rivals and follow a few months after Microsoft said it would invest $605 million in Barnes & Noble's Nook e-reader and college business, the bookstore chain still faces a daunting task. "Barnes & Noble is the smallestplayertryingtodothe software and the hardware development, and they don't have the financial means beyond what Microsoft has already fronted them to keep up in the arms race," said Morningstar analyst Peter Wahlstrom. In many ways, Barnes & Noble, which operates nearly 700 stores, has defied expectations. It beat Amazon to the marketplace with touchscreen devices and a color reader in recent years, and won plaudits from reviewers this year for its glow-in-thedark Nook that allows someone to read with the lights off so as not to disturb others.
Models hold Samsung Electronics' new tablet 'Galaxy Tab 10.1' as they pose for photographs during its launch ceremony at the company's headquarters in Seoul July 20, 2011 Photo: Reuters
aheadofamonth-longtrialthat pitted the iPhone maker against Samsung in a closely watchedlegalbattlethatended in August with a victory for Apple on many of its patent violation claims. However, the jury found that Samsung had not violated the
patent that was the basis for the tablet injunction and Samsung argued the sales ban should be lifted. The sole basis for the preliminaryinjunctionnolongerexists since the jury found that Samsung's Galaxy Tab had not violated Apple's D'889 patent.
"The court does not agree with Apple that Samsung's motion for dissolution of the June 26 preliminary injunction cannot be fairly decided without resolving Apple's post-trial motions," Judge Lucy Koh said in her ruling.
The NOOK HD+ in an image courtesy of Barnes & Noble . Photo: Reuters
CAPDAN seeks Fashola’s support for conducive business in Ikeja Computer Village Page 16
Continue from Page 1 utilised, they can also go there to form another GSM Village. Ifthesethingskeeponhappening constantly, the whole place will be neat and the environment will be smooth and conducive for the running of businesses,” he added. Ezeh, who condemned the influx of grey, substandard products in the market, blamed miscreants and landlords who take advantage of roadside traders seeking business space in order to exploit them.CAPDAN'snumbertwo man disclosed that the traders pay as low as N50,000 but mount display glasses on the streets around the Ikeja Computer market. According to him, “They charged one man having his shop as a kiosk on the roadside N100,000; another person here paid about N50,000 for putting show glass here and that’s the way they go round everyday to collect money from them." Meanwhile, some of the affected roadside traders who spoke on condition of anonymity appealed to the government to provide an alternative market for them, noting that displacing them without rehabilitating them at an alternative location would do more harm than good. On the relocation of Computer Village to Katangua Market, the CAPDAN executive urged the government to continuously involve the asso-
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
ciation in the relocation of the markettoanalternativespotin
the state. According to him, “There is
no way they will force the vendors to go there without com-
Monday October 8-14 2012
pleting the place. But what government can do is to
involve us more in building the new market.”
NCC denies racketeering in allocation of frequency slots to Open Skys, Smile Communications Continue from Page 1 Leadership Newspaper of Thursday, October 4, 2012 which alleged frequency racketeering, with an insinuation that the management of the commission has sold a frequency slot belonging to the Nigerian police to a private firm, Open Skys.” Denying the report, Muoka says, “that the story in its entirety lacks basic understanding of frequency allocation and its processes involved, resulting in unsubstantiated information capable of misleading the public and industry stakeholders.” NCC says the frequencies
Euguene Juwah, EVC/NCC
CAPDAN, the umbrella group of businesses in Ikeja Computer Village which is seeking the assistance of the Lagos State government, has told Technology Times that activities of roadside traders continues to undermine patronage of its members Photo: Damilare Bankole
allocated to Open Skys and Smile Communications are in two separate frequency bands while due process was followed in the allocation which started in 2009 for similar frequencies at the commission. According to the regulator, “the frequency spectrum allocated to the Police by the commission is intact and has not in any way affected by the allocation.” NCC adds that the allocation of frequency to Open Skys followed due process and began in 2008 following a Presidential directive to the commission for allocation of a portion in the 450 MHz to NIGCOMSAT, the publiclyowned satellite services com-
pany. NCC adds that its Board acceded to the request, “on the condition that NIGCOMSAT, being a government agency, must seek private sector partnership before qualifying for such allocation. Upon compliance and submission of the name of Open Skys, the company applied for the licence and frequency in 2009.” According to Muoka, “The use of 450 MHz for commercial telecommunications was approved by the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) on Nov 5, 2004. After this approval, occupants in this band, like the Police, Shell PDC, Agip, Chevron, and some others, were relocated to specific portions of the band from where they had indiscriminately occupied. The Nigerian Police was specifically on 18th of October 2005, approved to be moved to 469.375 – 469.975 MHz / 459.375 – 459.975 MHz of this spectrum. Open Skys, in which NIGCOMSAT has interest, was to pay the police for the relocation cost estimated at N350 million, which from our records, was complied with.” He adds, “Open Skys was thereafter invoiced for the sum of N1.141 billion, for 5 years to enable the re-farming of the frequency while it paid the sum of N892,455,010.60
as frequency fee destined for the Federation Account while the balance of N247,544,989.40, later adjusted to N350 million to cover the additional cost of replacement of the old radios belonging to the Police since they will not be attuned to the new frequency spectrum, was paid.” NCC faulted the alleged claim of racketeering by its leadership on any frequency belonging to the Police and allocation to a private company while noting that “the Nigerian Police, Shell, AGIP and others still have allocation on the different portions of the 450MHz band.” Muoka maintains that all the decisions on the matter were taken by the Board of NCC and all the due processes were followed while noting that it is the commission that also decides which of the available allocation processes as prescribed by the relevant laws, are applied during any allocation of frequencies. He adds that in the case of Smile Communications Ltd, the company was in 2009 awarded a Unified Access Service License (UASL) for a 10-year period that expires on June 30, 2019 alongside a Private Networks Link (PNL) and a spectrum in the 850 MHz band for implementation of the licences having applied since 2008. According to NCC, the
company’s applications were processed in line with Sections 123 and 33 of the Act and in compliance with our licensing procedures. According to the regulator, Smile Communications was licensed to provide broadband multimedia services on the 850 MHz Band nationwide and was assigned 15 MHz spectrum based on Time Division Duplexing (TDD) in the 850 MHz band to provide wireless access services in 2009. “In March. 2010, Smile Communications appealed that their 15 MHz Time Division Duplexing, TDD, assignment to 10 MHz Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD). While this application was undergoing consideration, the commission, first and foremost, took a decision to allocate additional 5MHz frequency on the TDD as earlier requested by Smile Communications to ensure effective use of the 15 MHz which it already had as the current status of the 15MHz would constitute a waste. The consideration of its request, which implied a conversion of the spectrum from TDD to FDD for a lower value, is yet to be decided as this would require time and costs for re-farming all the frequencies, and also to accommodate many applications that are being made for
its use due to the digital dividend opportunities,” adds Muoka NCC says further that its UASL licence, Smile Communications paid N320,250,000.00 on June 26, 2009; for the PNL license, it paid N46,830,000.00 on February 26, 2009 and for its Spectrum License with 10 years validity from July 2009, it paid N2,154,600,000 which is for the Federation Account and also paid N718,200,000 for the additional 5 MHz. “We have taken efforts to provide details of these transactions to show clearly that Dr. Juwah has not even resumed at the NCC when the process of the allocations began. We also make bold to say that all due processes were taken in the allocations contrary to the allegations contained in the report”, adds the agency’s spokesman. According to Muoka, “we advise newsmen to always seek clarifications from the Commission before going to press with sensitive information that are false but capable of misinforming the public and casting the commission and its management in bad light. The commission restates that in all its regulatory activities, due processes are followed, just like in the cases reported by the newspaper.”
Classifieds Monday October 8-14 2012
Computers
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Peripherals
Innovation
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Consumer Technology
Phones
Samsung Galaxy Pocket leads Top 5 Selling Mobile Phones in Nigeria A shop displays different brands of handsets in Ikeja Computer Village: Growth in the telecoms market has boosted the growing demand for handsets and other mobile devices in Nigeria
By Bola Abbas
he Samsung Galaxy Pocket, an entry-level Smartphone that bundles the affordability edge, is the top-selling mobile handset in Nigeria, according to the Technology Times Intelligence Unit that tracks the retail ecosystem to profile the Top 5 Selling Mobile Phones in the country. Nigeria, ranked as Africa’s biggest telecoms market with over 103.4 million active lines and penetration of 73.88 per cent at July, 2012, is home to a vibrant marketplace for handset makers pumping various models from basic feature phones to sophisticated smart phones to meet the needs of an increasingly trendy consumer base. While Blackberry may not occupy the top spot on the ranking, RIM’s trendy Smartphone remains a favourite among Nigerian mobile phone users. Three models from the Canadian company, which is lately refocusing its local market growth, featured in the Top 5 Selling Mobile Phones ranking.
Samsung Galaxy Pocket: the Galaxy Pocket has been able to capture a large number of users in the lower budget Smartphone segment due largely because it is very pocket-friendly both in physical appeal and affordability.
#1 Samsung Galaxy Pocket
According to the mobile phone market retail ecosystem tracked by Technology Times Intelligence Unit, the market research division of Technology Times, within the month of September, 2012,
Samsung led the Top 5 Selling Mobile Phones ranking among growing buyers who prefer to be on the technology cutting edge but balance their desire with consciousness of their pockets. That makes the phone, currently sold below the N20,000 price tag, prudent buyers’
top choice. This is largely because feature phones are emerging in the marketplace packing features reflecting market needs like multiple-SIM phones. So far, none of the threeSIM models feature in the Top 5, but they are undoubtedly rising in profile and it is no surprise that the Nokia Asha 202, a dual-SIM handset, emerged on the Top 5 list, albeit at the bottom. The Nokia Asha 202, the number five selling mobile phone in Nigeria in September, 2012, features a dualSIM, and is rising in profile among buyers despite the relative trendy Blackberry which is hot in the market thanks to its BBM Messenger service which has triggered a pinging rave among Nigeria’s growing connected user family. Nokia Asha 202’s position reflects the growing consumers’ appetite for mobile phones with dual SIMs which are becoming commonplace in a market where phone users use multiple SIMs but now see the need to carry fewer handsets. In a marketplace where multiple mobile phone lines are the norm,
Photo: Damilare Bankole
Nokia’s response to reclaiming market share with dual-SIM handsets shows market promises for the Finnish phone maker’s efforts to reclaim its share of the handset market in Nigeria. The leader of the pack, the Samsung Galaxy Pocket, is the market’s favourite as it packs the powers of a good Smartphone that does not punch a hole in the buyers’ pockets at a pocket-friendly price averaging N18,500. Social media is the in-thing in Africa’s most vibrant telecoms market currently counting over 102 million active phone lines and mobile phone makers are mindful that it is now cool to be linked to these cool sites from Facebook, Twitter and the likes as shown by the Top 5 Selling Mobile Phones in Nigeria: Samsung Galaxy Pocket
The Samsung Galaxy Pocket is one of the fastest-mover among Android smart phones in the mobile phone market space. With its tiny form and Google’s Smartphone OS, the Galaxy Pocket
Classifieds Page 18
micro USB, 3.5mm headphone connection and sets a trend of being a device that lets users with low budget savour the Smartphone experience. Blackberry Curve 4 (9360)
The Blackberry Curve 9360 (Curve 4, as popularly known) by Research In Motion (RIM), has again connected very well with fans and lovers of the Curve series of the Blackberry range of smart phones by emerging number 2 among the
the back and despite the smooth rear battery cover (Near Field Communication antenna on the underside); grip is excellent because of a thin rubberized strip between the cover and the metal rim. The clunky side buttons of earlier Blackberry smart phones has been replaced by small contoured rubberized fins (buttons) that are part of the rubber casing. Curve 4 has a micro USB port for charging and sync while the standard 3.5mm audio out slot is on top with a lock button. The keypad is
Blackberry Curve 4 (9360): Curve 4 has been updated to give the Curve series more punch among lovers of the Smartphone. #2 Blackberry Curve 4 (9360)1
Top 5 selling phones. The Curve series is one of Blackberry’s most popular, affordable (though hardly cheap), sleek and not-too-flashy device. However, Curve 4 has been updated to give the Curve series more punch among lovers of the Smartphone. Curve 4 is 11mm and 100gms meaning the phone is very slim, lightweight and sleek, also making it the lightest Blackberry around at dimensions of 109mm x 60mm x 11mm. An elegant, grey metal rim is at
#4: Blackberry Curve 7 (9320)
better than the older Curve series and in another welcome change, the microSD card is swappable. The 9360 Curve comes with a 2.44-inch, 480 x 360 pixel transmissible TFT LCD that is quite sharp due to Blackberry 7 OS’ Liquid Graphics technology. The 800 MHz 32-bit Marvell PXA940 is powerful enough to ensure a smooth user experience. The Curve comes with 512 MB RAM and 512 MB ROM. The microSD/SDHC slot supports up to 32 GB memory cards for additional media storage. GPS and WiFi support are included in the Curve 4. Blackberry Bold 5 (9900)
Blackberry Curve 7 (9320): The new Blackberry Curve 9320 Smartphone features all the core Blackberry messaging and social-centric features that keep people connected, and it offers global 3G connectivity
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Even though this Smartphone has been in the market for a while, the Blackberry Bold 9900 still continues to be a trend-setter among other smart phones in the mobile phone market. The Smartphone, which is among those released when RIM went down, can be said to have revived the Blackberry market. The Bold 9900 looks like the Bold 9000 from the front, but is thinner, slightly smaller. Being one of the thinnest Blackberry at 115 x 66 x 10.5mm dimension, the Bold 5 looks great and very business-like. It comes in a brushed metal rim with a thin polished edge and under the rear cover is the Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna. The rear had to be smooth carbon fibre, so there would be no signal disruptions. Weighing in at 130gms, the Bold 9900 is heavier and bigger than its immediate predecessor. Button positioning is a bit different from the standard Blackberry style. On the right of the 9900, there are now four buttons compared to the previous three. Three are media buttons with a welcome Pause button in the middle and the bottom one is a convenience key that enables users personalize to their preference. There is also a micro USB port for charging and sync and a standard 3.5mm audio out slot with a nice contoured design. On the top, there is a single lock button placed in the centre and far easier to click than the top lock button on some earlier Blackberry smart phones. Bold 5 boasts of a 2.8-inch, 640 x 480 pixel capacitive Touchscreen that is incredibly sharp courtesy of Blackberry 7 OS Liquid Graphics technology. The Touchscreen is very precise and responsive and the trackpad plus Touchscreen combo works great. Although the Bold 5 is quite expensive, it sure gives users value for their money and shows class without going overboard. Blackberry Curve 7 (9320)
Research in Motion recently launched the Curve 9320, which has some features that had not been found on Blackberry handsets (except 9220). These include a dedicated BBM button and FM radio capabilities. The new Blackberry Curve 9320 Smartphone features all the core Blackberry messaging and socialcentric features that keep people connected, and it offers global 3G connectivity backed by a long battery life that allows 7 hours of talk time or up to 30 hours of FM radio listening or music playback with headphones. 3G connectivity is an addition found on this handset, which the Blackberry Curve 9220 did not feature. The new Social Feeds 2.0 app is also pre-loaded on the Curve 7 allowing users to post updates to multiple social networks simultaneously and capture updates from news sources (RSS), social apps and instant messaging apps, all in a consolidated view. The Curve 7’s integrated camera includes a flash and supports video recording, and pictures can be tagged with their location due to the Smartphone’s built-in GPS. The Blackberry Curve 9320 comes with the new BlackBerry 7.1 OS, which supports features, such as Mobile Hotspot and Wi-Fi call-
Monday October 8-14 2012
ing where available. Parental Controls is a brand new, on-device feature that provides parents and guardians with simple options to help protect children by restricting access to specific functions, features and applications. The new Curve could be said to be relatively cheap with the newlyadded features and the durability. And it comes in really handy for those who love to have their radio on the move as well as socialites. Nokia Asha 202
works to catch updates and multitasks, all on the go. Nokia Asha 202 features dual SIM with Easy Swap technology and a dedicated SIM manager to personalize the phone and save up to five SIM cards with unique information. The device comes with a 2 megapixel camera, music player, FM radio, Nokia Browser, and Bluetooth connectivity, and has expandable memory of up to 32GB. The Nokia Asha 202 comes in four colours to match users’ mood
Blackberry Bold 5 (9900): Even though this Smartphone has been in the market for a while, the Blackberry Bold 9900 still continues to be a trend-setter among other smart phones in the mobile phone market.
#3: Blackberry Bold 5 (9900)
A dual SIM-touch and type phone, the Nokia Asha 202 is designed for cost effective web browsing, social networking, gaming and entertainment. The Nokia Asha 202 is packed with a range of features and services, such as the EA games pack and Nimbuzz chat client. The Asha 202 aims to offer faster, richer and a more cost-efficient web experience through the Nokia Browser. And has got a lot in store and very affordable for average mobile phone users. Nokia’s Asha 202’s combination of a traditional keypad with a 2.4inch Touchscreen is ideal for mobile phone users seeking easy ways to connect to the web and social net-
and personality: black and gold, silver white, dark grey and dark red. Display is 2.4 inch resistive Touchscreen, which serves as the navigation tool, Camera is 2 MP, with resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels which is not for high quality recording but still does well for basic capturing. Nokia Asha 202 s internal memory is 10MB and 16MB RAM memory but it can be expandable up to 32GB over microSD slot. The basic internal memory is enough to make archive of 20 dialed, 20 received and 20 missed calls. Nokia Asha 202 has a battery of only 1020 mAh which is enough for 5 hours of talk. Connection is possible over USB, Bluetooth, GPRS and EDGE but there is no WiFi. #5: Nokia Asha 202
Nokia Asha 202: The Asha 202 aims to offer faster, richer and a more cost-efficient web experience through the Nokia Browser. And has got a lot in store and very affordable for average mobile phone users.
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Monday October 8-14 2012
D.T. TELE
Phones for sale
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C AND O HOSSANA NIG LTD
Computers for sale
All kinds of original batteries, original pouches, original Blackberry pouch, batteries, chargers, IPad, IPad pouch, phone accessories, IPod Mp3.
SOUTHERN SIDE DESIGNS Good Proffessional And Affordable Web Design That Will Put Your Business Online And In The Global Village.
UZO COMMUNICATION NIG. ENTERPRISES Tel:08033047113
Phones for sale
Address: Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
Address: Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
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Dealers In All Kinds Of Phones And Accessories, Computers, Lcd’s And General Assortment.
Address:Block Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
MCDONLYE LTD
Tel: 07085355966, 08035844226
Phones for sale
Address: : Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
Address:Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
Dealers Of Various Types Of Phones, Accessories And Repair, Digital Cameras And Accessories, Laptops Chargers.
KENNOMEJ RESOURCES LTD
Address: :12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos.
Laptops, Uk Used Phones, Accessories And Repairs.
Sales Of Gsm Phones Such As Nokia, Samsung, Sony, Blackberry, Iphone, Techno, Itel, Accessories And Laptops.
Tel: 08055557115, 08023536241
UK used phones, Nokia phones (New), Techno phones, software setting and configuration on all types of phones.
: Dealers In All Kinds Of Phones And Accessories
Address:Suite B3/U, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos.
Phones Accessories for sale
INFOGREEN
Tel; 08023641234
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VISION TELECOMS
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Address: 12 , Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
Tel; 08036227277 08056179080
Tel; 08023120471
EJILINK COMMUNICATION
Communication consultant, sales and services of computers and phones, laptops and accessories, general assortments.
Address:Shop Db 10 Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
Web hosting and Designing
Page 19
Tel:08055640294
Phones for sale
OLINIQ
Dealers In Internet Configuration, Laptop, Phone, Downloads Of Various Apps. Address: Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos EMAIL:kay4dance86@yahoo.com
GOD’S TIME COMMUNICATION Tel:08060347222
Phones for sale Phones, Accessories, Cables For Laptops, Computer Accessories And London Used Phones Address: : Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
FORBTEX CONCEPTS SERVICES
Tel:08027270062, 08035440900
iPads for sale
: Dealers In Nokia, Samsung, Blacberry, Techno, Itel Phones And Original Accessories. Address: Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos EMAIL:amfob_2002@yaho o.com
Tel:08037431766, 08026395715
Tel:08024317472, 08063633266
Tel:08038315797, 08084954857
Classifieds Page 20
V.KENS SERVICES NIG. LTD
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JOSS COMMUNICATION COMPANY Dealers In All Gsm Phones And Accessories Such As Nokia, Blackberry, Techno And Samsung.
Repair Of Laptops, Computers, Ipad, Iphone, Blackberry, Htc, Galaxy Tab And Samsung Galaxy. Address: Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos EMAIL: k.johnpress@yahoo.com
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Tel:08033552507
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Address: Suite C8, Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
Original and London used phones and Accessories and new Blackberry charger, batteries, car charger, screen protector, desktop charger and all original phones chargers ,USB covers e.t.c
SUNRISE COMMUNICATION
We Sell Blackberry,Nokia, Samsung, Htc Phones And Phone Accessories, Including Ipad, Iphone And London Used Phones.
Address: Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
Tel: 08090655003
Phones for sale
We deal on London used phones such as-Nokia, Samsung, SonyEricsson ,LG, HTC, Blackberry, Ipad ,I-phones, memory card. Also we deal on new warranty phones such asNokia(12mnths), Samsung(24mnths),LG(12 mnths),Blackberry(12mnth s), Tecno(13mnths). Quality is our watchword.
Address: Block E shop 10 GSM Village Email; ambaby11@yahoo.com
Tel:08066165720
YOMIFAD TELECONSULT ENT.
Phones for sale
Phones for sale
Sales Of Handset All Blackberry Accessories, Laptop Charger, Bluetooth And All Phone Accessories.
Dealers in all kinds of phones such as- Nokia, Blackberry, Samsung, HTC, SonyEricsson, Tecno e.t.c quality Guaranted
Address: Suite A10, Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
Address: Shop Db4, Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
Tel:08038947166, 08089324030
Phones for sale
DIVINE FAVOUR KLEEMS ENT
Tel:08033293282, 08099744551
Address: Block H, Shop 6 , G.S.M Village, Ikeja Email: ifenastic@yahoo.com
BIOZED INTERNATIONAL LTD
UGOPHONIC VENTURES
Tel:08033026751, 08030606287
Address: Db 9, Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos Email; ugophonicventures95@yaho o.com
Email: blahaka04@yahoo.com
ANYI-BEST MOBILE COMMUNICATION
Address: Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos Email: evachime@yahoo.com
Suppliers Of All Kinds Of Spare Parts, Electronics And Electrical, Import/Exportn Of Communication Equipment And General Contractor.
Repairs, Unlock Phones Such As Blackberry, Iphones, Nokia, Ipad, Htc And Galaxy Tab.
Tel:08066660522, 08077737331
Dealers In Phones, Accessories, Computer And Accessories, Original Blackberry Phones, Ipads, Htc, Nokia And Techno Phones.
Address: Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos EMAIL: josscom2004@yahoo.com
Tel:08033158099
BLACK TECH COMMUNICATION COMPANY
EVAROYAL GLOBAL RESOURCES
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Phones Engineer
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Monday October 8-14 2012
Tel:08023865872
YOULEAD COMMUNICATION
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We Deal In Blackberry, Nokia, Samsung, Htc Phones, Iphone, Ipad 2 And Ipad 3 And Accessories Of All Phones Types And Chargers. Address: Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos
Tel:08037770685
Phones for sale
DEDON TELECOMMS We Sell Uk Used Phones Such As Blackberry, Htc, Nokia, Ipad. We Also Trade In. Address: Gsm Plaza, 12, Saka Tinubu, Vi, Lagos Email: dtexintltd@gmail.com
Email:youlead@yahoo.com
Tel:08035511543, 08091903610
Tel:07089530088
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Monday October 8-14 2012
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ARMSTEL TECHNOGIES NIG
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GSM Phones and accessories information Technologies consultants and engineering services
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Phones for sale
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Dealers in tokunbo fairly used phones and laptops of all brands
Dealers in any kind of GSM Phones, Nokia,Blackberry,
Address: Shop 1A Onisha line GSM village Email: Cizze2020@yahoo.com
Address: Onitsha Line N 1D GSM Village Along Agege Motor Road Ikeja Lagos
Address: Shop A6 GSM village, Ikeja Email:chine.84real@yahoo.com
Email: worldfamousafam@yahoo.com
Tel:08036429660, 08182530119
Tel:0812220044 & 07065615665
S.M ODESUN NIG LTD
PHYLUM COMMUNICATION Phones for sale
We sell phones such as Nokia Tecno Blackberry Phones and Samsung, LG.
Phones, Cameras, Accessories, Memory Card, Laptop. Address: Suite H7 GSM village Ikeja Lagos
Address: 1, Onitsha line GSM village Ikeja,B12 Oshodi market AB 85, 95 Alaba international market. Email;princeforlive@yahoo.co m
Email: phylumugonia@yahoo.com
Original and London used phones and Accessories and new Blackberry charger, batteries, car charger, screen protector, desktop charger and all original phones chargers ,USB covers e.t.c
INNOTHUNDERS ENGR & CO Phones for sale
Address: Block H, Shop 6 , G.S.M Village, Ikeja Email: ifenastic@yahoo.com
Tel:08038947166, 08089324030
B.HARYTEX COMMUNICATIONS Dealers in all kinds of phones, Computers, Accessories, Auto spare parts and General Electronics
Email; ambaby11@yahoo.com
Tel:08066165720
CHIBEST COMMUNICATIONS Phones for sale Original phones such as London used phones,Samsung, Nokia, Erickson and new phones Address: Block I, shop 1, G.S.M Village Ikeja
Address: Block E Shop 6 GSM Village, Agege Motor Way, Lagos
Tel:08035623150, 08026436477
C.O BRIGHT COMMUNICATIONS Phones for sale
Phones for sale
Dealers in all kinds of phones such as- Nokia, Blackberry, Samsung, HTC, SonyEricsson, Tecno e.t.c and All kinds of Laptops. We work with one year warranty. Trusted and tested
Dealers in all kinds of phones and Accessories @ cheaper and affordable price. Address: Block D, shop 9, G.S.M Village, Ikeja Email: Modebe_praise@yahoo.com
We deal on London used phones such as-Nokia, Samsung, SonyEricsson ,LG, HTC, Blackberry, Ipad ,I-phones, memory card. Also we deal on new warranty phones such asNokia(12mnths), Samsung(24mnths),LG(12 mnths),Blackberry(12mnth s), Tecno(13mnths). Quality is our watchword.
Address: Block E shop 10 GSM Village
Tel:08023693769
Tel:08033010991
Phones for sale
DIVINE FAVOUR KLEEMS ENT Phones for sale
Phones for sale
ANYI-BEST MOBILE COMMUNICATION
Tel:07034761601
Tel:07085665481
O & 2 COMMUNICATIONS Phones for sale Dealers in all kinds of phones. The place where price meets quality. Address: Block G, shop 4, G.S.M Village, Ikeja
Address: Block D, shop 14 G.S.M Village Ikeja Email:Jtimo2m@yahoo.com
Tel: 08033506204, 08182669002,
Tel:08077799972,08131119065
Tel:07088720566
To list your products free, visit classified.technologytimesng.com
Classifieds Page 22
Phones for sale
JOVARIN RESOURSES
Go to where the winners go for all kinds of phones, Blackberry and accessories social researches and consultancy services. (Sales, maintenance and repair)
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Computers for sale
Monday October 8-14 2012
D.P VENTURES
OTHELSUN INTEGRATED Phones for sale A one stops Shopping Centre for all your mobile phones both new & fairly used.
Sales of phones and laptops, Computer Accessories and Phone Accessories
Address: Block B, Suite 17, GSM Village, Airport B/Stop Ikeja, Lagos.
Address: : Block i, Shop 2 GSM Ikeja Village Airport B/stop Ikeja
Address: Shop 9 H Line GSM Village Airport B/Stop, Agege Motor Rd
Email: odogwuzobodor@yahoo.com
Email:Jovares.org@yahoo.com
BONLEN SYSTEM
Tel:08034039496, 07072019552
Computers for sale
Computers, Laptops, Networking, iphone and Accessories e.g. Laptop Speakers, Ups, Printers Keyboard, Laptop-Bags, Mouse, Flash drive, Memory-Cards.
VIAD INVESTMENT LIMITED Tel:08067907781
Phones for sale
Address: Block B shop 15 GSM Village Ikeja
SIRCON COMMUNICATION
Phones Accessories for saleDealers in all kinds of original
phone accessories: Casings, Chargers, Batteries, MP3, Memory cards, Earphones, Bluetooth, Head phones, Screens (LCD) Tools, Car Chargers, Leather case. Accessories an such as- Ipad Leader case with Keyboard, Galaxy Leather Case with keyboard, Screen Protectors, Car MP3 etc.
Phones for sale
Address:Block A Shop 3 GSM Airport B/Stop, Divine Plaza Computer Village suit 45, Pepple St., Ikeja Email:Viad_investment@yahoo.com
Email:boniensystem@yahoo.com
Tel:08066229910, 07026373575
Dealers in all kinds of Kinds of GSM Headset & Accessories, Importers & Exporters, Manufactures Representative and General Merchandise.
JUDEST NIG LIMITED Tel:08036758712
DAAB SYSTEM GLOBAL LIMITED
Address: Block H, Shop ll GSM Village Ikeja ,11 Otigba Street Computer Village 2nd Floor Ikeja
Address: : Block 4 shop 3, IHL shopping mall GSM village Ikeja, Suite 17, Ola-Yemi Street Computer Village Ikeja. Email:judestnigltd@yahoo.com
PLEASANT COMMUNICATIONS
Tel:08033163571, 07031538809
Tel:08034704774, 08033272128
Phones for sale
New phones, London used (Tokunbo) Blackberry, Nokia, HTC, Ericson, Laptop, and Bluetooth GSM Accessories: Charger, Battery, Hand free, Memory Card
Phones for sale
Come and Experience the difference in service, Quality and comprehensive explanation on every customer. *Sales of GSM phones *Accessories*Memory Card*London Used Phones*Homes & Office Deliveries
We sell mobile Phones & Digital Equipment, Laptops, Memory Cards, Phone Accessories. All products come with warrant and very Affordable.
Address: : Block E, Shop3, GSM Village, Airport, B/Stop Ikeja
Address: Block C Suite 17 GSM Village Ikeja.
Email:odionsteven@yahoo.com
Email: dayo4ui976@yahoo.com
EBONY COMMUNICATION VENTURES Tel: 08020942160, 08166611118
Phones for sale
London used phones, laptop and accessories. Basically Blackberry (All Types) used Nokia, Ericsson, L.G and Samsung. Address:Block F Shop 12 GSM Village, Airport B/Stop Email: ndupunnamdi@yahoo.com
Tel:08033449742
GOD GIFT COMMUNICATION
Tel:08084474444, 08033903318.
Phones for sale
iPads for sale
Dealer in all kind of Phones,Blackberry, Erickson,Nokia and general merchant.
iPhones, Blackberry, Nokia, Samsung etc.
Address: 2, Onitsha line E m a i l gloriandukauba@yahoo.com
Tel:08066286002, 08175526994
BERTEMEK COMMUNICATIONS Tel:08030779836
:
Address: : Block 1 shop 6 GSM Village Ikeja
Tel:08023027597, 07030144714
Classifieds Monday October 8-14 2012
MAC PEREZ SYSTEM LIMITED
Phones for sale
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
SUPER BASIC COMPUTER AND COMMS. Phones for sale
Address: Shop 9 Block B G.S.M village Ikeja Lagos
DIVINE INCREASE COMMUNICATON
Phones for sale
Address: Block I, shop 7, G.S.M Village Ikeja Brightprince2015@yahoo.com
EVASON COMMUNICATION
Tel:08067541297
Phones for sale
Blackberry phones,iPhones, Nokia phones and accessories cameras etc Address: GSM village Airport B/stop Email: temitope@yahoo.com
Tel: 08038385728
Dealers in new phones and London used Blackberry, HTC, Nokia, Sony-Ericsson, I-phone, Laptop-HP, Dell e.t.c . Bluetooth. Also we sell Phone Accessories.
Address: Block F, Shop 4, G.S.M Village, Ikeja Email;smithever@yahoo.co.uk.
Address: Suite 5, No 17,Ola-yent str. Computer Village Ikeja
Email: Chido_4me@yahoo.com
Email; judestnigltd@yahoo.com
MICRO-DIGITS
Tel:08033163571, 07031538809
BENEVA COMMUNICATIONS
Phones for sale
Sales of phones and Accessories such as Blackberry, Nokia, Samsung, Tecno, Itel e.t.c. Also phones sold come with one year warranty.
Original phones such as London used Blackberry phones, Nokia, LG and new phones Address:Block F, shop 1, G.S.M Village Ikeja
Address: Block I, shop 4, G.S.M Village Ikeja
Address: Block I, Shop 8, G.S.M Village Ikeja
Phones for sale
JUDE CHIZOBA ANYABOLU
Phones for sale
Tel:08067939345
Phones Accessories such as-Original phone casing, batteries, chargers, memory card, desktop chargers, hands free, fancy purse, screensaver, phone stand e.t.c
TOPSNE TELECOM
Tel:08030923054, 08081915496
Nokia, Samsung, Tecno, and LG phone blackberry other China phones
Address: Block E, shop 11, G.S.M Village Ikeja
Tel:08037261722, 08021288282
We have brands like Nokia, Samsung, LG, Tecno, Hei, Bird, Motorola and the likes. For high quality handset, we set the pace while others copy. A trial in our Ikeja outlet will convince you that we are best of all.
Email: Superbasic2@yahoo.com
Phones for sale
Phones for sale
Phones for sale
Address: Shop Block B shop 3 G.S.M village Agege motor road
Tel:08033374031, 08029783278
Dealers in all kinds of Blackberry phones, Nokia, LG and Accessories.
FELIMARK INDUSTRIES LTD
BRIGHTANGEL COMMUNICATIONS
Dealers in laptop, computer sales, services phones, accessories cameras, consultancy networking system importer and exporter
Sales of New Phones London use Phones Blackberry Phone and Accessories
Tel:08169893545, 08082263375
Page 23
Email:benmbagwu1@yahoo.com
Email: c-valik@yahoo.com
Tel:08033568700, 08057001316
STARDOM CONNECT CONCEPT LTD
Phones for sale
We sell warranty and quality phones we attend to our customers politely, we don’t quarrel with them if the phone they bought has problem. Sales of tokunbo and new blackberry, tecno, Nokia, Samsung, LG and other warranty phones
Address: Block D shop 11 G.S.M village, Ikeja Email: Modebe_praise@yahoo.com
Tel:08023085621, 08035682577
Tel:08023030201
2PAC COMMUNICATIONS
Phones for sale
All kinds of accessories, such as Bluetooth, hand free, Blackberry chargers, Nokia Charges, Ipad Charges, Pause, Beat by Dr. Dre earphones, Galaxy push xiii, and xii etc. Including all kinds of phones and Tecno Phones. Address: Block D, shop8, IHL shopping mail GSM village
Tel:08030583558
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Classifieds Page 24
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
BETTER-DAY COMMUNICATION
Phones for sale
Monday October 8-14 2012
ONE LOVE COMMUNICATIONS
Phones for sale
Sales and marketing of all original phones with one year warranty and London used original phone.
HIS GRACE COMMUNICATION
Phones for sale
We sell good quality phones. One year warranty on item you purchase.
Dealers in telecom phones such as Nokia, Samsung, Tecno, and LG. Good quality with guarantee.
Address: Block E, shop 1, G.S.M Village, Ikeja,Block D, shop 12, G.S.M Village, Ikeja
Address:Block I, shop 9, G.S.M Village, Ikeja Email:nikeodunola@yahoo.com
Address: Block D, shop 10, G.S.M village, Ikeja Email: benclams@yahoo.com
Email: onyekase@yahoo.com
Tel:08037201684, 08028310134
Phones for sale
GLOBAL MAKO LTD
Tel:08060009557
CHIBCHYBU DIGITAL INVESTMENT Phones for sale
Different kinds of phones Accessories such as Original Car Mp3, flash drive, memory card, batteries, handsfree, porch purses, casing and chargers. Also, we sell U.K used Blackberry.
Tel:08034237909
Tel:08033343450
Phones for sale
ORJI MICHEAL OBINNA
Address:Block D Shop 13 Gsm Village
Tel:07039475819
Phones for sale
Phones, Memory Card, laptop, Bluetooth, Car Mp3, Mp3 & Mp4 1pad Mp3, Flash drive different type Led Reader e.t.c
Dealers in all phones such as Blackberry, Nokia, Tecno etc.
Address:Block D Shop 14 Gsm Village
web address: www.micheal.com.ng
Email:ambaby11@yahoo.com
Tel:08066165720
ELDER CHUCKS COMMUNICATIONS
Phones for sale
Tel:08065741152
ADVANT DIGITAL SOLUTION TECH.
Phones for sale
We sell Blackberry phones,iPhones, Nokia phones and accessories Address: Block D Shop 15 Gsm Village
ADST LTD is a recognize shop in terms of mobile business, where you can get your dependable phones, with our warranty on the every phone purchase. Address: 13b osbitelu Street computer village
OBISON TECH NIG LTD Dealers in all kinds of phones and accessories, mp3, flash drives, car mp3, mp4, laptops, bluetooth.
Address: Block D Shop 14 GSM Village airport road Ikeja Lagos
Address: Block E, shop 10, G.S.M Village Ikeja Lagos
BLESSED INFOTECH Dealers in new phones and London used Blackberry, HTC, Nokia, Sony-Ericsson, I-phone, Laptop-HP, Dell e.t.c . Bluetooth. Also we sell Phone Accessories.
Address: Block D Shop 2 Gsm Village Email: Chido_4me@yahoo.com
Email:globalmakoltd@yahoo.com
Laptops for sale
Phones for sale
Uk Used Phones, Samsung, Nokia, LG etc
Address:Block C, shop 12, G.S.M Village
OKOROGU CHINEDU
Tel:08060759283
Tel:08065741152
SHALLOMS TECHNOLOGY COMM.
Phones for sale
Mechanical accessories such as screen flex, tools, batery chareger, casing and different kind of phones Address: Block F, GSM Ikeja Village Airport B/stop Ikeja
Email: demola_a2003@yahoo.com
Tel: 08037107307
Tel:08033186627
Tel:08037716350,08038624329
To list your products free, visit classified.technologytimesng.com
Monday October 8-14 2012
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
CORPORATE INVESTMENT SANDLINKS COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED Phones for sale
Phones and Accessories for sale
Dealers in all brands of original phones and accessories, also in all kinds of phone batteries and geared towards solving all battery related problems.
Classifieds
Page 25
BONYII TECHNOLOGIES LTD
Laptops for sale
Laptops sales, iPad, computer accessories & maintenance, financing & Warranty available.
Sales of mobile phones, Samsung, Nokia, LG and communications.
Address: Block 1 Shop 5 GSM Village Ikeja Airport Bus-stop 1 Idowu lane shop 19 Ground Floor (Elizabeth Plaza) computer Village
Address: Block D Shop 4 GSM Village Ikeja
Address: Block H Shop 4 ibile shopping mall, GSM Village
Email: infotebony@yahoo.com
Email: bonyii@yahoo.com
Email: emekakobi@yahoo.com
Tel:08033599134
LOBEK VENTURES NIGERIA ENTERPRISES Phones for sale
OKOLI CHIDI JUDE
Tel:07031340105,08023256501
Phones for sale
Tel:08066373972
MCDOLYNE COMM. LTD
DH TONEL CO LTD
Phones for sale
GOD’S LOVE TELECOMMUNICATION
Phones for sale
Dealers in all kinds of phones and accessories Address: Block B Shop 4, GSM village, IKeja, Lagos
Tel:08029487302, 08024270619
Address: GSM Village (Shop A1)
Tel: 08133416194
OGB LINE TELECOMMUNICATION
Phones for sale
Import, supplies & sales of all kinds of Nokia, Samsung, LG, Tecno, Blackberry & all China phones.
Address: GSM Village, Airport B/stop, Ikeja, Lagos.
All kinds of phones, Nokia,LG, Samsung, Android Blackberry and accessories Address: Block H Shop 1& 18 GSM Village
Address: Block C Shop 4, GSM Village Ikeja, Block D1 31 Olugbeda market egbeda Email: dht4madu@yahoo.com
Tel:08066559651
Tel:08036394242, 08029332555
FAITH COMMUNICATION
LOUIS NNAEMEKA AGBOGU
Phones for sale
Dealers in all kinds of phones and accessories, also deal in solar panels and routers. Address: Block H Shop 4, GSM village, Airport B/stop, Ikeja, Lagos
Tel:08033599134
Nokia phones: N200, N202, N303, N302, N300, N2-02, N103, N100, N101, N110, C205, N500 & N700. Samsung phones: Galaxy Note, Galaxy 10.1, Galaxy Note II, Chat E222+, Galaxy 5512, Chat3222, E2152, E1182,
E1055 and Galaxy5111.
Email: Chido_4me@yahoo.com
Tel:08036394242, 08029332555
Tel:07084801536
Phones for sale
Address: Block E Shop 6 GSM Village, Agege Motor Way, Lagos
Address: Block H Shop GSM village Airport B/stop Ikeja Lagos
All kinds of original batteries, original pouch, original Blackberry pouch, batteries, chargers, screen protector. iPad, iPad pouch, phones accessories, iPod mp3.
OMEGATION INTERNATIONAL LTD
A home of phones where your choice is beyond your imagination. Patronize us and we’ll give you the best.
New phones. Nokia, Samsung, iPhones, Blackberry, Motorola, LG, all with one year Warranty and Samsung with two years’ Warranty.
iPads for sale
Tel:08037509178, 0813960128
iPads for sale Dealers In Kinds Of Mobile Phone, Accessories And General Merchant
Address: : BLOCK B Shop 16 GSM Village, Airport B/stop Ikeja Lagos
Tel:08060535991, 08055429226
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Page 26
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Monday October 8-14 2012
Consumer Technology iphone 5
DESIGN
he iPhone 5 brings with it a considerable re-design for the iPhone line. Measuring 7.6mm thick and weighing 112 grams, it's 20% lighter than the iPhone 4S. Available in two colours,eitherblackorwhite,therearpanelsaredifferentoneach. es, you can use your iPhone as a more than decent video camera, but if you want to get better, more professional results, wrap it in an mCAMLITE. The mCAMLITE give you the weight and heft you need to stabilize your hands while shooting. And because the pros don’t just use one standard lens when pushing for the perfect shot, the kit comes with two 37mm interchangeablelenses:awideangleforcapturingeverythingyouwant in the scene and a macro when you want to get up Close and personal. Together, they give you the chance to get shots that are downright impossible with the iPhone’s lens. Since the best videos have sound, the mCAMLITE comes with a 180-degree external microphone, allowing you to capture directional sound and reduce ambient noise. The mCAMLITE’s housing is designed with consideration of your growth as an auteur. It has mounts on top and bottom for accessories and tripods, and has a cold shoe on top for pro quality mics and lights. They even offer a pair of action carts so you can slide your cam along to get smooth action shots. So as you get better and demand more from your cam, the mCAMLITE can oblige. At only $159.95 it’s the perfect starter kit for any visionary filmmaker (or photographer), to add to their portfolio without spending a fortune . PRICE: $159.95 ---N25,592.00
The white version has a raw aluminium back plate, while the black version has an anodised blackfinishonitsrear.Thebiggest change comes with screen size. 4inches diagonally, it now sits in a taller, widescreen ratio. It'll still fit comfortable in one hand, but will also be better for viewing films on than previous models. Made entirely from aluminium and glass, it has a real premium feel to it.
PROCESSOR A new iPhone, a new processor. The iPhone 5 comes equipped with an A6 processor, which is saidtobe2timesasfastwithboth CPU and GPU processing. Shrinking down the transistor size, it's smaller and more energy efficient too. Apps will load as much as 2 times faster using the new chipset. *It's not yet clear how many cores the A6 chip uses, nor who makes it. There's a strong chance it's Samsung built, despite the ongoing legal battles. STORAGE It offers three different configurations when it comes to size. 16GB, 32GB and 64GB iPhone, with pricing rising appropriately. It's a crafty tactic though, as those opting for more storage space have to pop money directly into Apple's coffers, rather than picking up cheaper expandable storage elsewhere. With the iCloud back-up feature too you've got a little leeway with which to store files remotely too, though extensive cloud storage through Apple
doesn't come cheaply. Storage option are identical to iphone 4S.
BATTERY LIFE 225 hours of battery life on standby are quoted for the iPhone 5, with 8 hours 3G or LTE talk time, and 10 hours Wi-Fi usage. Though standby times have somehow been improved, it seems you're still going to need to charge the iPhone 5 at least once a day.* No real changes here.
CAMERA AND VIDEO RECORDING The iPhone 5 sees Apple's imaging systems again improved, but not by a gigantic step. A dynamic low-light mode for better night time shooting is added to the above, with 5-element lens and f/2.4 aperture. There's also a panorama shooting mode natively built into the camera app for the first time, with a 360-degree shot resulting in a giant 28 megapixel image. The A6 chip allows for faster photo capture too, as well as a smart filter for better colour matching and reduced no ise. Share Photo Streams allow you to share photos with pals, and receive messages on your snaps too. But enough about what the phone looks like - the killer question is how the thing feels in hand. And we'll sum it up by saying: smooth. It's a little slippery, and we were always worried we would drop the darned thing. But that's the only negative thing about the design (apart from thelowweightinitially)asitsitsinthepalmnicelyandallowsyou to do it all with one hand, including hitting the top-mounted power/lock button with ease. That lock button is actually still loose, as it was on the iPhone 4S, meaning when you shake the phone around you can hear it clicking away, which undoes a lot of the premium feel Apple is going for. Make no mistake, the iPhone 5 is one of the most beautifully crafted phones out there. PRICE RANGE; 16GB – 529 p ---- N132, 250.00 32GB-- 599 p ---- N149, 750.00 64GB-- 699p ---- N174, 750.00
Portable mCAMLITE Turns Your iPhone into a Versatile Video Camera
Sony’s Xperia Tablet S he Xperia Tablet S is considerably less notable, but that's probably a good thing: this is a much better-looking slate, handsome and minimalist with rounded edges, a classy silver-and-black color scheme, and a thin profile. The top edge rolls over into the back, giving it the look and feel of a folded-over magazine page — its grippy texture also makes it much more comfortable to hold one-handed. Tablet S fold prop the device up at a nice typing-friendly angle. It's a decent-looking device. The 9.4-inch display is surrounded by a big, glossy black bezel, with a Sony logo placed above the screen and to the left. Weirdly, the logo looks good there. It's just a quiet reminder that you're using a Sony tablet. The 1.3pound body is almost exactly the same weight as the iPad, and at 8.9mm it's about a sheet of paper thinner than Apple's latest
tablet. It feels like any other Android tablet to hold and use There's some space on the Xperia Tablet's edges created by the fold-over plastic flap, and that's where Sony hides most of the device's physical buttons. There's a power button and a volume rocker on the right side, and a headphone jack on the left side above a hard-to-open, easy-to-break flap that covers a full SD card slot. Having the full SD slot is pretty awesome — syncing any Android device with a computer is a pain, and it's much easier to just throw a document or movie onto a card and plug it into the tablet. Sony uses a proprietary charging port / dock connector. There are two cameras on the device, an 8-megapixel sensor on the back and a single megapixel on the front. Price: $399--- N63, 840.00
Monday October 8-14 2012
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Page 27
Consumer Technology iHome iD9
black and silver plastic that looks almost like metal. The system weighs 1.5kg and measures 103.1x52.3x327.7mm. It works simply by placing a dock-connectorequipped iOS device or iPod in the iD9's cradle. On the front of the iHome iD9 unit are the volume buttons to the left and a power button on the right, while it allows users to use their device volume controls. The power button illuminates when the iD9 is plugged in or powered on, and when running off battery power; a line of four LEDs to the left of the button indicate the current battery level. On the back, there is a connection for the included power adapter, a 1/8-inch (3.5mm) auxiliary input for listening to a non-dock-connector source, and a confusing switch.
he iHome's iD9 which is officially called the iD9 Portable App is a friendly
Rechargeable Speaker System for iPad/iPhone/iPod. It is an affordable, portable, rechargeable stereo
speaker dock for iOS devices and iPods. The iHome iD9's body is made of
Cherry KW 6000 keyboard for iPad herry, a German owned manufacturerofcomputeraccessories has been developing and producing keyboards since 1967.TheKW6000istheirlatest model, which embraces both Bluetooth wireless technology and Apple's best selling iPad. With a slightly smaller footprint than Apple's iMac keyboard, the KW 6000 is designed for those on the move. Although a painless process, after charging via the supplied
USB cable, the keyboard needs to be installed on the iPad. A small connect button on the back of the keyboard needs to be held down briefly for the two to be introduced before the iPad asks for a Bluetooth confirmation code to be entered. The process takes less than a minute and has the potential to save hours using a real keyboard.
Battery life is quite good, and the keyboard can be turned off when not in use. The Cherry KW 6000 is built for iPad users who need a little more from their tablets, especially those who wish to study or have business needs. It reduces the time consuming process of typing with one finger on a virtual keyboard.
remote if the iD9 is running off battery power, this is to keep the remote from accidentally turning on the iD9. The iD9's internal battery packs 2600mAh and lasts for about 4.5 hours of reasonable-volume playback. The iD9 charges users docked device if the speaker is connected to AC power, but not when the iD9 is powered by its own battery. The iD9 uses SRS TruBass sound enhancement, Reson8 speaker chambers, and digital sound processing to give the music extra bass and clarity. The iD9's two speakers sit at either end of the iD9, facing out to the left and right, rather than forward.
The Remote Switch, toggles between On and Auto modes. In On mode, the iD9 always responds to signals from iHome's optional Rz7 remote control. In Auto mode, the iD9 doesn't respond to the
Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Pro
The KW 6000 keyboard feels responsive and comfortable during extended use.
y Mophie, the Juice Pack Powerstation Pro is a large external rechargeable battery for all mobile tech. The Powerstation Pro packs a massive 6,000mAh capacity enough to charge a flat iPhone nearly two and a half times over, and enough to watch a movie on a flat iPad which on the long run means 36% battery charge. The powerstation weights just over 200g and is 115mm long, 75mm wide and 30mm deep. And also comes with an impact and
splash-resistant casing that makes it quite rugged. The battery charger is IP65 rated, and dust and partial water resistant when its ports are closed. The Mophie Powerstation Pro is compatible with most of the popular mobile devices, including all the Apple iPhones, iPad and iPods, and smartphones and tablets from Samsung, BlackBerry, HTC, LG, Motorola, etc. The bottom side houses both a full-sized USB port
and micro USB port – each protected with a chunky rubber cover. There’s a button on one side, which turns on the four battery indicator lights. It comes with a micro USB cable for charging with a computer, and the USB end could be pluged into a wall power outlet adapter, like with the iPhone or iPad.
Nigerian mid-year Telecom Sector Report 2012 Page 28
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Monday October 8-14 2012
Industry Insight
GSM Village in Ikeja, Lagos
ata is king and numbers don’t lie.However,anyresearcheror data lover will tell you how harditis tohappenuponsomemuchneeded data in Nigeria. I’ve often had to use multiple primary sources to get data, which should already exist, for reports and research work around the Nigerian technology space. This explains why, for example, the number of Internet users in Nigeria is still a subject of debate. According to Wikipedia (quoting the International Telecommunications Union), there are now 47,143,356 Internet users in Nigeria. Many industry experts disagree, and the fact that there’s no trusted local source where such data can be verified doesn’t help. One would expect the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which now sits on more money than it needs to host press conferences, to keep such records but please don’t hold your breath. Now that the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, whose ministry supervises NITDA, has announced plans for Nigeria’s Internet penetration (e.g. growing broadband access from current 7% to 35% by 2017), it is hoped that NITDA will be put under pressure to measure this. Whatever we can’t measure can’t be improved, as it’d be difficult to even know when we have truly made progress – except wewanttocontinueplayingtheinaccurate guesstimate game. All hope isn’t lost for data in Nigeria’s ICT sector though. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), another agency within the same Ministry of Communication Technology, keeps an impressive record of industry data
Photo: Damilare Bankole
–frominvestmentstosubscribersand more. Having worked with both NITDA and NCC in the past, I can give NITDA free advice about something NCC does and they don’t – focus on numbers. NCC has economists and researchers who focus on getting thesenumbersoutandNITDAcando the same, if they want to. The former excuse used to be about money, but with NITDA Act’s provision (signed into law by the president as far back as April 24, 2007) for a National Information Technology Development Fund (NITDEF), let’s hope NITDA turns a new (good) leaf. NITDEFisatax-deductiblelevyof1% of profit before tax to be paid by telcos, ISPs, pension managers, banks and insurance companies with annual turnover of N100 million and above.Back to NCC and data, the June 2012 data for telecom subscribers shows a continuation of growth for GSM companies but decline for CDMA service providers – and near-death decline for Fixed (Wired/Wireless) service providers. That’s why the announcement of a merger between Multi-Links, MTS and Starcomms didn’t come as a surprise to industry watchers. We wish CAPCOM all the best with the $200 million from core investors. With a teledensity of 73.12, there is the temptation to assume that Nigeria’s telecom sector will soon inch closer to saturation but that isn’t the case. With a popular multiple phone ownership culture in Nigeria (a step that was taken to make up for the poor quality of service from providers but has since gained status symbol),therealteledensitywouldbe better calculated per user – and not per SIM card. Thankfully, the recently concluded
Gbenga Sesan SIM registration exercise will throw up the accurate number of users (telecom subscribers) in Nigeria, and we can have a more realistic teledensity. I won’t be surprised if it’s closer to 40 than the current 73.12. From the June 2012 data released by NCC on their website, Nigeria had 136,041,999 connected and 102,369,999 active (used in the last 3 months) phone lines as at June 30, 2012. Of these, there are 133,715,146 connected mobile lines and 2,326,853 connected Fixed lines. 101,855,094 or 76.17% of the connected mobile lines are active while only 514,905 (or 22.13%) of the connected Fixed lines are active. When you break mobile down into GSM and CDMA, it’s easier to see that while 81.66% of GSM linesareactive,only26.57%ofCDMA lines are active. Compared to the previous month (May 2012), month-on-month growth for the various telecom servicesshowsatrendthatindustrywatchers have seen over the past few months. Connected GSM lines grew by 1.29%, connected CDMA lines grew by 0.91% and connected Fixed (Wired/Wireless) lines grew by 0.07%. The total number of telephone lines in Nigeria grew by 1.19% for the period. The numbers for active lines paint a better picture: GSM grew by 0.78% month-on-month, CDMA recorded 4.75% (~5% drop is a whole lot; no pressures, CAPCOM), Fixed (Wired/Wireless) takes a -5.17% hit but the total number of active phone lines in Nigeria increased by 0.55% in June 2012. GSM service providers increased capacity by 4.37% while CDMA and Fixed (Wired/Wireless)
didn’t bother. I took a good look at the industry players to see what market share looked like as at June 2012. For the Fixed (Wired/Wireless) segment of the market, does it surprise you that only 58,750 Nigerians use NITEL lines? Before you call NITEL the worst, note that some 80 people use WiTEL (pray, tell). Of the 16 Fixed (Wired/Wireless) service providers, Starcomms is the market segment leader with 191,816 lines (37.25% market share) even though they suffered a huge decline of -26.19% between Quarter 1 (Q1) and Quarter 2 (Q2) of 2012. Visaphone, which controls only 5.21% of the market segment, and is only 6th in terms of market share, recorded a much higher quarter-onquarter growth with 4.72%. The industry segment bronze medalist, 21st Century Technologies, with a 13.75% market share grew by 0.96% within the same period. The new player, CAPCOM, now controls 55.17% of the Fixed market (based on June 2012 numbers) with 284,082 active lines managed by the merged Starcomms (industry segment #1), Multilinks Telkom (#2) and MTS Ist Communications (#7). In the CDMA segment of Nigeria’s telecom market, Visaphone rules (well,asatJune2012)withanimpressive 68.56% market share. However, they were not immune to industry declineasatendJune2012astheylost 2.72% (quarter-on-quarter) of their active subscribers. Multilinks and Starcomms, now part of the new CAPCOM (which seeks to become Nigeria’s biggest retail broadband operator) controlled 14.87% and 13.44%, respectively, of the market. Starcommslost34.45%ofsubscribers between Q1 and Q2 2012 while
Multilinks lost 22.7%. The 4th player, Reliance Telecoms (Zoom) controls only 3.14% of the market and lost none of their 111,077 subscribers between Q1 and Q2 2012. In the GSM corner of the Nigerian telecom ring, MTN continues to lead with 43.93% market share (as at June 2012) and they improved subscriber base by 0.67% between Q1 and Q2 2012. Globacom grew their number of subscribers by 5.47% during the same period and has a market share of 22.36%. Airtel grew subscriber base by 6.56% and is number 3 with 20.16%. Though Etisalat holds only 13.29% of the market, their continued strong growth may worry earlier entrants. Between Q1 and Q2 2012, Etisalatrecordedanimpressive9.52% growth.TherearenotmanyNigerians thathaveactiveMTELSIMs(258,520 did as at June 2012), so the only industry segment loss of -0.26% by MTEL doesn’t come as a surprise.
Director, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, Gbenga Sesan: the June 2012 data for telecom subscribers shows a continuation of growth for GSM companies but decline for CDMA service providers – and near-death decline for Fixed (Wired/Wireless) service providers. That’s why the announcement of a merger between Multi-Links, MTS and Starcomms didn’t come as a surprise to industry watchers. We wish CAPCOM all the best with the $200 million from core investors. Photo credit: Elon University
Can electronic voting work for Nigeria’s electoral reform? Monday October 8-14 2012
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
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Industry Insight
President Goodluck Jonathan (in picture) votes at the last General Elections
he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recentlyhintedatthepossibility of introducing electronic voting (Punch August 4, 2012). INEC is a Nigerian government institution. For that simple reason, we must consider its actions and inactions as well as the projected consequences of both within the context of the Nigerian factor. Theoretically, electronic voting without any iota of doubt is a vital key to solving a reasonable portion of the problems associated with Nigeria’s elections. From issue of transparency to election induced violence orchestrated by thugs and their sponsors as well as the roles of highly prejudiced electoral umpires, electronic voting can help force these typical maladies into the dustbin of history. However, to make these objectives a reality, that is, to take attaining the goals of the introduction of electronic voting beyond mere theory and make them practical reality of the nation’s electoral space requires that certain basic conditions must be met. Essentially, the only way the new system of electronic voting can achieve its intendment is if it is imbued with protective guidance and self-governing transparency regime that cannot be breached. How can this be achieved? Whatarethestepsthatmustbeputin place? First I must dispel a popular myth against electronic voting, the assertion that Nigeria is not ready or ripe for electronic voting. This is a myth without ‘street credence’ or empirical evidence.Therearetwocategoriesofproponents of this myth. The first category is made up of those who genuinely think Nigerians are so backward as to comprehendtheuseofwhattheyconsider super sophisticated technology. Those who belong to this group are sincere. The do not know. All they need is adequate education to make
Tunji Ariyomo them understand what electronic votingisandhowtheabsenceoforlackof citizen sophistication is no barrier to itsuse.Oncetheyrealisethatelectronic voting is not as sophisticated as the ubiquitous Sharp calculator or the popular Nokia handsets and that we have successfully conducted online registration for WAEC examinations for over a decade as well as the reality that the staff that would attend to each electronic station would do the ‘difficult computing job’ (there is none) rather than abandoning each old person or unsophisticated voter to his or her fate on election day, you can get this category to ‘cooperate’. To secure the support of the second category of people is however not that simple. This category is against electronic voting solely because it would undermine and impede its traditional capabilityandmonopolyovertheelectoral processes – its ability to manipulateeachstepandoutcomes.Ofcourse nobody would admit that the reason for his protestation against electronic votingisbecauseofahiddenagendato preserve the status-quo. Something must be projected as an excuse and the easiest excuse is that ‘Nigerians are not ripe for electronic voting’. There is nothing that can be done to get this second category to support electronic voting. The reform must be driven against its adherents point blank! Thatsaid,Imustnowgobacktothe earlierquestionsborderingonhowwe can ensure that we attain the gains of electronicvotingratherthanintroducing same only for it to become a weaponinthehandsofwouldbeelectoralmanipulators.Yes,electronicvoting can be manipulated! The very first step INEC must take is to develop a policy document and a legal frame-
work for the protection and preservation of electronic voting system. This framework will enumerate the dos and don’ts of the entire process, protecttheidentity-relatedorprimary data of individuals that would be in the custody of the agency, itemize the procedures for data validation in instances of dispute by providing scientific and fool-proof guidelines and procedures to be followed in courts or tribunals during adjudication as well as embed an unmatched regime of transparency that would confer credibility upon the electoral processes and the resultant dispute resolution phase. Imagine the impact this could have on election litigation by reducing period of judicial review from several months (some took years) to a few hours or days and the realisation by both petitioners and respondents that the processes involved in the adjudication oftheirelectoraldisputeareofunquestionableintegrity.Suchisthepotential when the power of technology is properly harnessed (read more by me at http://tinyurl.com/c2pds7z). The aforementioned are minimum critical requirements. Their absence was responsible for the directionless nature of INEC’s 2010/2011 electronic registration exercise such that INEC’s earlier promise of technology use as a majorenhanceroffreeandfairelection onlyultimatelyplayedmarginalrolein the success of the elections whereas the public and the National Assembly’s tacit support for INEC’s N89billion budget was built around a technology enhanced fool-proof electronic register as the transformational elixir required to get identity verification right for the voting age and permanently ensure only real living people can vote and that only one legitimate vote can come from one genuine person for one particular candidate seeking one specific post. INEC would however do a better
job by developing this overall policy instrument and legal framework in conjunction with stakeholders, sister organizations like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian Identity Management Agency, the Ministry of Justice and related professional institutions like theNigerianComputerSocietyaswell as the relevant division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. Because of my peculiar experience as one of the pioneers(Iusethatwordwithallsenseof modesty) in the application of electronic technology in managing enterprise and large public record using fingerprint identification system in Nigeria and who understands the distinctive ‘Nigerian factor’, I strongly advocate that for the policy document to accomplishits intended objective, it must expressly support an independent cross agency check and balance routine. It must also support independent people-driven regime of transparency, transparency affirmation and monitoring. In essence the system must not only grant absolute confidence to all stakeholders (citizens, political parties, law enforcement agencies, election monitors etc) that it is absolutely reliable, effective and beyond manipulation, it must beenseen–andverifiablyso–thatitis doing just that. In theory and in practice, this is doable. There is no doubt that electronic voting would bring a major change to theexistingelectoralsystem.Anysuch change must be matched by changes in the system as well as the processes involved, hence the reason for the policy stipulates and legal framework advocated above. Also, in order to eliminatethechallengesoccasionedby inadequate power supply and logistics, the new legal framework would benefit immensely if the voting period isalteredfromthecurrentsingledayto
aperiodofabout30daystoaccommodate early voting. You think this would encourage electoral malpractices? No, not if the systemic checks advanced above are in place and definitely not when people’s votes are truly being matched to their fingerprint minutiae! This will also have the multiple benefits of reducing the need fortoomanyvotingstations,introducing permanent voting stations in securelocationsandenablingINECto drive political parties to utilize such voting stations for the conduct of their primaries thereby promoting real internal democracy in those parties. A leadership that does not want to profit from or implicitly or tacitly promote election manipulations would embrace this.
*Ariyomo is a chattered engineer and the pioneer Coordinator of the Ondo State Information Technology Development Centre (SITDEC). He is currently a Policy ChairoftheNationalDevelopmentInitiative NDi (an independent think-tank with focus on Nigeria). NDi Project can be accessed at www.nd-i.org*Torespondtothiscolumnand ask question from Tunji or make contribution,sendemailtooariyomo@nd-i.org
‘Tunji Ariyomo
iCircuit
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Mobile Monday
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
Monday October 8-14 2012
MoMo, Mobile Monday is a global community of mobile industry visionaries and developers. MoMo is organized in Nigeria by a group of volunteers. MoMo is a platform for young developers to meet with the big players in the industry. MoMo organises its event every first Monday of the month to know the latest trend in the industry and also share new ideals.
Ecosystem Director, MobileMonday, Mayowa Owolabi, Sales Director, Inmobi, Moses Kemibaro, Account Manager, Inmobi, Joel Rao and Integration and Development Manager, Nokia, James Fowe
Bankole Oluwafemi, Blogger
Francis Onwumere of Proworks
With
Bankole Damilare
damilare.bankole@technologytimes.com.ng
Events Branding Promotion Exposures
CEO, Eskimi, Vytas Paukstys
Francis Ebuechi of MIH Internet Africa, Sales Director, Inmobi, Moses Kemibaro and Account Manager, Inmobi, Joel Rao
Oge Peters and Olaitan Towny
A cross section of participants at the event
Lange Ben and Pradil Marius
iCircuit
Monday October 8-14
2012
TECHNOLOGY TIMES
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Developers Parapo At the September edition of the Developers Parapo, a networking forum for the developer community organised by social innovation centre, Co-creation Hub (CcHUB), the event attracted big player in the industry including Microsoft and young developers
Dele Akinsade of Microsoft, General Manager, West and Central Africa, Microsoft, Emmanuel Onyeje and CEO, CCHUB, Bosun Tijani
General Manager, West and Central Africa, Microsoft, Emmanuel Onyeje
Shina Oyetesho, Wale Olokundana of WECA and Dele Akinsade of Microsoft
Shina Oyetesho
Adetoun Eleso of CCHUB
Cross section of developers at the event
Cross section of developers at the event
Cross section of developers at the event
Cross section of developers at the event
Consolidating Nigeria’s position on Internet Governance
Technology Times technologytimes.com.ng
Monday October 8-14 2012
Weekly Newspaper of Nigerian ICT Sector
forum such as this – with its strong focus on multi-stakeholderism – to search for consensus; to be representative by allowing for views from each stakeholder “community”, as well as neutral and be open to the views of participants irrespective of their origin. MahatmaGhandicautionedagainsta society where rights existed without responsibility.Weall–government,the private sector and civil society – have responsibilitiesinensuringthatthebeneficial uses of the Internet far outweigh its manipulation to cause harm. I encourage you, therefore, to remember thatthedecisionsthataremadeingatherings such as this and the Global Internet Governance Forum have a major impact on the deployment of technologies,productsandservices,and the application of ICTs in our society.
Minister for Communication Technology, Omobola Johnson refocuses the role of the Nigerian Internet community in how the global computer network should be governed and managed INTRODUCTION
hen one thinks about inventions that have radically changed and now define the development of humanity, the culmination of inventions that gave us the Internet must surely sit among them. Alongside inventions such as the wheel,theplough,thesteamengineand electricity,theInternethaschangedparadigms and redefined the development of the world both economically and socially. The Internet increasingly informs how we live, work, learn, profit, govern and communicate. What started out as a predominantly academic network is becoming the lifeblood of finance, commerce and social relationships. Thirtythree percent of the world’s population currently use the Internet, including 13.5% of people living in Africa. While this percentage is low, the rate at which it is growing is not. Between 2000 and 2011,thenumberofAfricansthatusethe Internet grew by almost 3000%. Estimates are that as at December 2011, 45 million Nigerians had used the Internet at least once – this is up from a mere 200,000 in 2000. “Governing” The Internet The increasing availability of the Internet and the rapid rate at which it is being adopted have been accompanied by louder calls for international agreement on why, and how, it should be managed and governed. During the first phase of the World Summit on the Information Society – the process that gave rise to the Internet Governance
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Forum, and as such the purpose of our meeting here – the world agreed that: “….the international management of the Internetshouldbemultilateral,transparentand democratic,withthefullinvolvementofgovernments,theprivatesector,civilsocietyandinternationalorganisations. “Itshouldensureanequitabledistributionof resources, facilitate access for all and ensure a stable and secure functioning of the Internet, takingintoaccountmultilingualism.” It is my hope that your deliberations willidentifyandarticulatetheareasthat need to be addressed at a national level to help ensure that our country attains these goals. It is my hope that your deliberations will also articulate how we,asanation,cancontributemeaningfully to the attainment of these same goals on a global level. Recent unfortunate events in our country, in which the Internet has been usedasamediumtoperpetuateheinous crimesanddistributefalsehoods,should not diminish the broad scope your discussions require/dictate. Indeed, we mourn and commiserate
with the family and (real) friends of Cynthia Osokogu and all those that havesufferedatthehandsofpeoplethat use the Internet, much as they use any othermediumortool,forcriminalactivities. Yet, we should also remember that the successful and continual protection of our society requires that we have a holistic definition of governance, one akin to that provided in the Tunis Agenda as: “…the development and applicationbygovernments,theprivatesectorandcivil society,intheirrespectiveroles,ofsharedprinciples, norms, rules, decision-making procedures, and programmes that shape the evolution and useoftheinternet.”Governanceshouldnot, therefore,necessarilybeequatedtobans and restrictions. However, experiences now indicate the need for strengthening the sense of responsibility among users of the Internet and bringing more traditional, “off-line”toolsofgovernanceinlinewith our new digital “on-line” reality. This year’s Internet Governance Forum, with its theme of Internet GovernanceforSustainableHuman,Economic
andSocialDevelopmentandsub-themesof: Internetgovernancefordevelopment(IG4D) Issues that are emerging in the use of the Internet, The management of critical internet resources, Security,opennessandprivacy, Accessanddiversity,and TheneedtotakestockoftheIGFtodateand ponderthewayforwardreflecthowbroadyour deliberationsneedtobe. Local Concerns In A Global Space Even as you take your cue from the organisation and structure of the global event, you are expected to be mindful of our local circumstances. In Nigeria, we care about the freedom to seek, receive, impart and use information especially when it relates to the creation, accumulation and dissemination of knowledge. We also care about insecurity, (cyber)crime, piracy, privacy and spam aswellasthesecurityandstabilityofthe Internet infrastructure. These cares oftenfind expressionas competingconcerns; and it is the responsibility of a
Thirty-three percent of the world’s population currently use the Internet, including 13.5% of people living in Africa. While this percentage is low, the rate at which it is growing is not. Between 2000 and 2011, the number of Africans that use the Internet grew by almost 3,000%.
Conclusion WhileIwishyouasuccessfuldeliberation, I challenge you all again to produce useful outcomes which will assist the country in taking a leading position at the Global Internet Governance Forum later this year. Please permit me to commend the organisers, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), and other stakeholders collaborating with the Ministry of Communication Technology, for their patriotic commitment towards ensuring broad participation and engagement of cross-section of stakeholders. I can assure you that the ministry will articulate various submissions emanating from this forum and put themintouseduringmypresentationat the Global Internet Governance Forum in Baku.
CommTech Minister, Omobola Johnson
Technology Times Newspaper (ISSN 2141-2790) is published weekly by Technology Times Media Limited (RC 788322). Office: 9, Olufunmilola Okikiolu Street, off Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos. Nigeria. Email: info@technologytimes.com.ng Web: technologytimes.com.ng Phone: +234 1 8968161, 6820697 Editor: Shina Badaru