Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Regulatory Affairs and Special Projects, Osondu Nwokoro, has identified the exclusion of Telecommunications Operators (TELCOs) from playing very active roles in the implementation of mobile money as a major drawback to the uptake of the service.
Nwokoro made this submission, recently, in Lagos at NigeriaCom, an international ICT workshop that enjoys wide participation from prominent Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and other key players in the ICT value chain. He said that almost three years after the issuance of the first Mobile Money licences, only about 2.2% of adults with bank accounts have subscribed to the service while the unbanked population is yet to be reached.
According to him, Nigeria is yet to leverage her huge population and subscriber base of over 120 million to unlock Mobile Money potentials, saying the performance of the initiative is still far below expectation.
In a paper entitled, Low Mobile Money Uptake in Nigeria: Causes and Remedies, Nwokoro also identified lack of finance, absence of consistency in technical specifications, low public awareness and few agents availability as other causes for the slow uptake of the Mobile Money service.
To reverse the trend and improve the uptake of the Mobile Money initiative, he advised all stakeholders to collaborate to design, fund and implement a comprehensive, all segment inclusive Mobile Money public enlightenment programme.
He also urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to consider establishment of an intervention fund for the non-bank led Mobile Money Operators – like was done in the Agriculture Sector.
The Airtel Regulatory Director also called on the Federal Government to consider granting Mobile Money industry fiscal incentives, such as tax holidays and import duty waivers among others.
He said better collaboration between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is extremely important to the success of the initiative.
He, however, advocated a review of existing regulatory framework by empowering stakeholders capable of driving service uptake, saying the move will ensure the realization of Federal Government goal on financial inclusion.
"Telcos have demonstrated capability to address the constraints associated with the slow uptake of Mobile Money service. Therefore, the regulatory framework should be reviewed to allow Telco involvement, to conclusively eliminate these constraints," Nwokoro submittedLagos – Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Regulatory Affairs and Special Projects, Osondu Nwokoro, has identified the exclusion of Telecommunications Operators (TELCOs) from playing very active roles in the implementation of mobile money as a major drawback to the uptake of the service.
Nwokoro made this submission, recently, in Lagos at NigeriaCom, an international ICT workshop that enjoys wide participation from prominent Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and other key players in the ICT value chain. He said that almost three years after the issuance of the first Mobile Money licences, only about 2.2% of adults with bank accounts have subscribed to the service while the unbanked population is yet to be reached.
According to him, Nigeria is yet to leverage her huge population and subscriber base of over 120 million to unlock Mobile Money potentials, saying the performance of the initiative is still far below expectation.
In a paper entitled, Low Mobile Money Uptake in Nigeria: Causes and Remedies, Nwokoro also identified lack of finance, absence of consistency in technical specifications, low public awareness and few agents availability as other causes for the slow uptake of the Mobile Money service.
To reverse the trend and improve the uptake of the Mobile Money initiative, he advised all stakeholders to collaborate to design, fund and implement a comprehensive, all segment inclusive Mobile Money public enlightenment programme.
He also urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to consider establishment of an intervention fund for the non-bank led Mobile Money Operators – like was done in the Agriculture Sector.
The Airtel Regulatory Director also called on the Federal Government to consider granting Mobile Money industry fiscal incentives, such as tax holidays and import duty waivers among others.
He said better collaboration between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is extremely important to the success of the initiative.
He, however, advocated a review of existing regulatory framework by empowering stakeholders capable of driving service uptake, saying the move will ensure the realization of Federal Government goal on financial inclusion.
"Telcos have demonstrated capability to address the constraints associated with the slow uptake of Mobile Money service. Therefore, the regulatory framework should be reviewed to allow Telco involvement, to conclusively eliminate these constraints," Nwokoro submitted
Source:Codewit
Monday 30 September 2013
SA Internet population close to 14 million
Research reveals that 39% of South African adults have access to the internet, SA internet users grew by over 2 million in last 12 months says DMMA
The research conducted by the Digital Media and Marketing Association (DMMA) and Echo Consultancy estimates the total internet population in South Africa in 2013 to be almost 14 million users. This represents 39% of the adult population.
The figure was derived from the All Media Products Survey (AMPS) and independently validated by Effective Measure (EM), the DMMA’s official measurement provider for digital audience data.
This comes as good news for advertisers, as it reflects a larger internet audience than basic AMPS levels.
"We needed to provide our members with a more realistic view of the total internet population in South Africa," said Jarred Cinman, Chair of the DMMA Steerco.
"The validated figure of 14 million users is significant as it indicates that a greater percentage of South Africans are consuming media online than previously reported."
Calculating Internet users in SA
"EM derives its figures through tagged sites, which count Unique Browsers. Some users access the internet from more than one device –i.e. laptop, mobile phone and home computer," explained Peter Langschmidt, the Managing Director of Echo.
"EM will count this as three Unique Browsers, but marketers are interested in reaching people not machines. Therefore, we weighted EM’s Unique Brower data against AMPS’ multiple device usage and the EM panel to translate the number from browsers to people."
"In the case of internet penetration in South Africa from AMPS, there is most definitely respondent confusion regarding internet usage, with many respondents not equating websites accessed via their mobile phones with internet browsing. Through recoding AMPS to take mobile access into account, we were able to provide a figure that matched the EM online universe," said Langschmidt.
This methodology can be simplified into three steps:
The time periods of the AMPS and Effective Measure data sets were matched, going back to June 2012.
EM’s Unique Browsers accessing the internet at that time was 15 million. This was reduced by 23% using the EM panel and AMPS multiple device calculations, to arrive at a figure of 11.6 million monthly internet users.
The AMPS figures were recalibrated to include web browsing via mobile phones as well as computers, which increased the numbers from 8.6 million to 11.3 million monthly internet users.
"In the middle of last year EM reported that there were 15 million Unique Browsers. In the last year this number has grown to 20 million. By applying the derived formula, we can say that that these 20 million Unique Browsers represent just under 14 million adult users," said Langschmidt.
"This is great news for all of our publisher members in particular as it is predicted that ad spend across online channels will grow as a result, as marketers will attribute greater weight to digital media," said Cinman.
Source: Businesstech
The research conducted by the Digital Media and Marketing Association (DMMA) and Echo Consultancy estimates the total internet population in South Africa in 2013 to be almost 14 million users. This represents 39% of the adult population.
The figure was derived from the All Media Products Survey (AMPS) and independently validated by Effective Measure (EM), the DMMA’s official measurement provider for digital audience data.
This comes as good news for advertisers, as it reflects a larger internet audience than basic AMPS levels.
"We needed to provide our members with a more realistic view of the total internet population in South Africa," said Jarred Cinman, Chair of the DMMA Steerco.
"The validated figure of 14 million users is significant as it indicates that a greater percentage of South Africans are consuming media online than previously reported."
Calculating Internet users in SA
"EM derives its figures through tagged sites, which count Unique Browsers. Some users access the internet from more than one device –i.e. laptop, mobile phone and home computer," explained Peter Langschmidt, the Managing Director of Echo.
"EM will count this as three Unique Browsers, but marketers are interested in reaching people not machines. Therefore, we weighted EM’s Unique Brower data against AMPS’ multiple device usage and the EM panel to translate the number from browsers to people."
"In the case of internet penetration in South Africa from AMPS, there is most definitely respondent confusion regarding internet usage, with many respondents not equating websites accessed via their mobile phones with internet browsing. Through recoding AMPS to take mobile access into account, we were able to provide a figure that matched the EM online universe," said Langschmidt.
This methodology can be simplified into three steps:
The time periods of the AMPS and Effective Measure data sets were matched, going back to June 2012.
EM’s Unique Browsers accessing the internet at that time was 15 million. This was reduced by 23% using the EM panel and AMPS multiple device calculations, to arrive at a figure of 11.6 million monthly internet users.
The AMPS figures were recalibrated to include web browsing via mobile phones as well as computers, which increased the numbers from 8.6 million to 11.3 million monthly internet users.
"In the middle of last year EM reported that there were 15 million Unique Browsers. In the last year this number has grown to 20 million. By applying the derived formula, we can say that that these 20 million Unique Browsers represent just under 14 million adult users," said Langschmidt.
"This is great news for all of our publisher members in particular as it is predicted that ad spend across online channels will grow as a result, as marketers will attribute greater weight to digital media," said Cinman.
Source: Businesstech
How mobile is lifting South Africa’s GDP
South Africa’s GDP per capita is anticipated to grow by US$241 a year between 2010 and 2020, due to an increase in mobile phone subscriptions.
This is the finding of a study implemented by the Cologne Institute for Economic Research on behalf of the Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications.
Entitled "Mobile technologies – The digital fabric of our lives", the report says that mobile subscriptions’ contribution to South Africa’s per capita GDP will be 11% (2010-2012), 3.6% (2012-2015) and 2.4% (2015-2020).
The report puts the country’s GDP per capita at $8,070.
The report notes that South Africa is probably the African country whose mobile phone adoption is the one most similar to figures in Europe. As early as 2000, 19% of South Africans had a mobile phone subscription. In 2010, statistically every South African had a mobile phone subscription.
The experts surveyed for the study estimate that this figure will grow to 165% in 2020.
Interestingly, the report noted that, unlike many other markets, South Africans like Blackberry handsets as they enable Blackberry Messages (BBM), which are free of charge.
The report notes further that, though South Africa’s mobile market is one of the most developed in Africa, there are some draw-backs.
Broadband penetration is still very low due to its high costs and bad infrastructure. In 2010, less than 2% of the population used a DSL connection.
"Instead many people used and continue to use mobile broadband. The dominance of mobile broadband will grow in the future due to high investments in network infrastructure," the report said.
In 2010, only 1 in 100 inhabitants had a fixed broadband subscription. The report says that this will only grow to 3% in 2020.
"By 2020 a positive effect will have been observed in all surveyed countries. Mobile phone adoption will continue to make a significant contribution to economic growth," said Dr. Karl Lichtblau, MD of the research and consultancy services company, IW Consult.
"However, after the mobile communications boom of recent years, a decline in its contribution to economic growth is to be expected in the emerging markets in the years up to 2020. This is a normalisation effect that sets in when the initial high contribution to growth during the first years of mobile communications ends."
Source: Businesstech
This is the finding of a study implemented by the Cologne Institute for Economic Research on behalf of the Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications.
Entitled "Mobile technologies – The digital fabric of our lives", the report says that mobile subscriptions’ contribution to South Africa’s per capita GDP will be 11% (2010-2012), 3.6% (2012-2015) and 2.4% (2015-2020).
The report puts the country’s GDP per capita at $8,070.
The report notes that South Africa is probably the African country whose mobile phone adoption is the one most similar to figures in Europe. As early as 2000, 19% of South Africans had a mobile phone subscription. In 2010, statistically every South African had a mobile phone subscription.
The experts surveyed for the study estimate that this figure will grow to 165% in 2020.
Interestingly, the report noted that, unlike many other markets, South Africans like Blackberry handsets as they enable Blackberry Messages (BBM), which are free of charge.
The report notes further that, though South Africa’s mobile market is one of the most developed in Africa, there are some draw-backs.
Broadband penetration is still very low due to its high costs and bad infrastructure. In 2010, less than 2% of the population used a DSL connection.
"Instead many people used and continue to use mobile broadband. The dominance of mobile broadband will grow in the future due to high investments in network infrastructure," the report said.
In 2010, only 1 in 100 inhabitants had a fixed broadband subscription. The report says that this will only grow to 3% in 2020.
"By 2020 a positive effect will have been observed in all surveyed countries. Mobile phone adoption will continue to make a significant contribution to economic growth," said Dr. Karl Lichtblau, MD of the research and consultancy services company, IW Consult.
"However, after the mobile communications boom of recent years, a decline in its contribution to economic growth is to be expected in the emerging markets in the years up to 2020. This is a normalisation effect that sets in when the initial high contribution to growth during the first years of mobile communications ends."
Source: Businesstech
ICT, BPO sectors to benefit from new submarine cable
By Lawrence Agcaoili, The Philippine Star
Globe Telecom Inc. said it expects the country’s information and communication technology (ICT) and business process outsourcing (BPO) industries to benefit from the newly launched $400 million Pan-Asian submarine cable system.
Globe Telecom chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said the South-East Asia Japan Cable (SJC) would improve the competitiveness of the Philippines.
"Globe’s participation in the SJC system will help with the overall competitiveness of the Philippines helping achieve goals of economic stability and position it at par with the most technology advanced countries in the world," Zobel stressed.
The country’s domestic output, as measured by the gross domestic product (GDP), expanded 7.5 percent in the second quarter of the year, bringing to 7.6 percent the economic growth in the first half.
"Today’s inauguration of Globe SJC system could not have come at a better time as the Philippines is currently basking in an economic renaissance," Zobel added.
Apart of the 36.1 million subscribers of Globe, Zobel pointed out that the IT and BPO sectors would benefit from the new cable system.
"One of the main beneficiaries of this system will be the IT and business process outsourcing industry which employs more than 700,000 Filipinos and contributing more than $25 billion in revenues," he said.
No less than President Aquino attended the launching of the SJC system in the new P8-billion Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City Friday evening.
Gil Genio, head of international and business markets at Globe, told reporters that the link-up of Globe with SJC marks a high point in the advancement of telecommunications in the Philippines and in South East Asia.
"The addition of SJC to the existing network of international submarine cable systems will address the increasing requirements for much higher bandwidth in the continent and the rest of the digitally-connected world. Its high-capacity systems also bolster the capabilities of Globe Telecom, particularly in telecommunications and Internet, making it the foremost telco provider in the Philippines," Genio stressed.
Genio said the interconnection reinforces the dominance of Globe in the local telecommunications industry as it significantly bolsters the competitiveness of the Philippines as a prime destination for business investment.
"One of the main beneficiaries of Globe having SJC will be our local business process outsourcing and the outsourcing-offshoring sectors, currently regarded as the ‘sunshine industries’ of the Philippines," he added.
He explained that the SJC system is a fitting complement to the telco’s landmark network modernization, with the rollout of fiber optic cables enabling a richer digital experience for its 36-million plus subscribers:
"The Philippines ranks high in Internet usage worldwide, propelled by the onslaught of smartphones, the rise of social media, and general Internet usage, with Globe as a key purveyor in this phenomenon," he said.
He pointed out that the huge bandwidth of the SJC system would be able to meet the capacity needs of future applications and innovative solutions and at the same time spur the further development of information and communications technology in the region.
Spanning almost 9,000 kilometers, the submarine cable has one of the highest capacities in the world addressing bandwidth-intensive applications such as Internet TV, online games and enterprise data exchange. It could support simultaneous streaming of up to three million high-definition (HD) videos.
Genio said Globe Telecom chipped in $65 million to the submarine cable system together with other proponents including Brunei International Gateway Sendirian Berhad, China Mobile International Ltd., China Telecommunications Corp., China Telecom Global Limited, Donghwa Telecom Co. Ltd., Google, KDDI Corp., SingTel, PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International, and TOT Public Co. Ltd.
Source:ABS-CBN
Globe Telecom Inc. said it expects the country’s information and communication technology (ICT) and business process outsourcing (BPO) industries to benefit from the newly launched $400 million Pan-Asian submarine cable system.
Globe Telecom chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said the South-East Asia Japan Cable (SJC) would improve the competitiveness of the Philippines.
"Globe’s participation in the SJC system will help with the overall competitiveness of the Philippines helping achieve goals of economic stability and position it at par with the most technology advanced countries in the world," Zobel stressed.
The country’s domestic output, as measured by the gross domestic product (GDP), expanded 7.5 percent in the second quarter of the year, bringing to 7.6 percent the economic growth in the first half.
"Today’s inauguration of Globe SJC system could not have come at a better time as the Philippines is currently basking in an economic renaissance," Zobel added.
Apart of the 36.1 million subscribers of Globe, Zobel pointed out that the IT and BPO sectors would benefit from the new cable system.
"One of the main beneficiaries of this system will be the IT and business process outsourcing industry which employs more than 700,000 Filipinos and contributing more than $25 billion in revenues," he said.
No less than President Aquino attended the launching of the SJC system in the new P8-billion Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City Friday evening.
Gil Genio, head of international and business markets at Globe, told reporters that the link-up of Globe with SJC marks a high point in the advancement of telecommunications in the Philippines and in South East Asia.
"The addition of SJC to the existing network of international submarine cable systems will address the increasing requirements for much higher bandwidth in the continent and the rest of the digitally-connected world. Its high-capacity systems also bolster the capabilities of Globe Telecom, particularly in telecommunications and Internet, making it the foremost telco provider in the Philippines," Genio stressed.
Genio said the interconnection reinforces the dominance of Globe in the local telecommunications industry as it significantly bolsters the competitiveness of the Philippines as a prime destination for business investment.
"One of the main beneficiaries of Globe having SJC will be our local business process outsourcing and the outsourcing-offshoring sectors, currently regarded as the ‘sunshine industries’ of the Philippines," he added.
He explained that the SJC system is a fitting complement to the telco’s landmark network modernization, with the rollout of fiber optic cables enabling a richer digital experience for its 36-million plus subscribers:
"The Philippines ranks high in Internet usage worldwide, propelled by the onslaught of smartphones, the rise of social media, and general Internet usage, with Globe as a key purveyor in this phenomenon," he said.
He pointed out that the huge bandwidth of the SJC system would be able to meet the capacity needs of future applications and innovative solutions and at the same time spur the further development of information and communications technology in the region.
Spanning almost 9,000 kilometers, the submarine cable has one of the highest capacities in the world addressing bandwidth-intensive applications such as Internet TV, online games and enterprise data exchange. It could support simultaneous streaming of up to three million high-definition (HD) videos.
Genio said Globe Telecom chipped in $65 million to the submarine cable system together with other proponents including Brunei International Gateway Sendirian Berhad, China Mobile International Ltd., China Telecommunications Corp., China Telecom Global Limited, Donghwa Telecom Co. Ltd., Google, KDDI Corp., SingTel, PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International, and TOT Public Co. Ltd.
Source:ABS-CBN
CTO Forum set for Abuja
The Nigerian Telecommunications Commission is hosting the 11th annual CTO Forum 2013 from 7 – 9 October in Abuja.
The event, the official flagship event of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO, will be staged at the Transcorp Hilton. Hosted by the Nigerian Communications Commission on behalf of the Nigerian Government, the CTO Forum will bring together Ministers, Senior Officials, Regulators, Universal Service Fund Administrators, Operators and Vendors.
Among the key speakers will be Nigeria’s Minister of Communications Technology, Omobola Johnson, the EVC of the NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah, Professor Tim Unwin, Secretary-General of the CTO, and Simon Milner, Policy Director, EMEA, at Facebook.
This year’s theme, ‘Innovation through broadband’, will provide critical updates and insight into infrastructure, security and application challenges. The two and half days program will include sessions and workshops focused on issues such as:
Future Networks – Infrastructure development and enabling business
Internet Security and Cybersecurity – Developing protocol and ensuring resilience
Beyond Social Media – From likes to learning
Cloud – Infrastructure development, security concerns and data management
Broadband as an enabler for women, young people and entrepreneurs
Source:
By BiztechAfrica
The event, the official flagship event of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO, will be staged at the Transcorp Hilton. Hosted by the Nigerian Communications Commission on behalf of the Nigerian Government, the CTO Forum will bring together Ministers, Senior Officials, Regulators, Universal Service Fund Administrators, Operators and Vendors.
Among the key speakers will be Nigeria’s Minister of Communications Technology, Omobola Johnson, the EVC of the NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah, Professor Tim Unwin, Secretary-General of the CTO, and Simon Milner, Policy Director, EMEA, at Facebook.
This year’s theme, ‘Innovation through broadband’, will provide critical updates and insight into infrastructure, security and application challenges. The two and half days program will include sessions and workshops focused on issues such as:
Internet Security and Cybersecurity – Developing protocol and ensuring resilience
Beyond Social Media – From likes to learning
Cloud – Infrastructure development, security concerns and data management
Broadband as an enabler for women, young people and entrepreneurs
Source:
By BiztechAfrica
Saturday 28 September 2013
Vodacom to Enter Exclusive Talks to Buy Tata’s Neotel (3)
By Christopher Spillane and Matthew Campbell
A worker lays cabling for a high speed telecommunications line for Neotel Ltd., a fixed-line operator part-owned by Tata Communications Ltd., in the center of Johannesburg. Photographer: Nadine Hutton/Bloomberg
Vodacom Group Ltd. (VOD), South Africa’s largest wireless operator, is set to enter exclusive negotiations to acquire Internet provider Neotel Pty Ltd., according to a person familiar with the discussions.
The Johannesburg-based carrier is in talks to buy Tata Communications Ltd. (TCOM)’s closely held South African unit for more than 5 billion rand ($502 million), the person said, asking not to be named because the negotiations are private.
Vodacom, which is 65 percent owned by Vodafone Group Plc (VOD), is increasingly focused on small- to medium-sized business customers and expanding data services to offset declining revenue from its domestic voice division. Neotel said in May that its corporate customer base rose 29 percent for the full year, driven by growth in managed and network services.
STORY: Will AT&T Try to Buy Vodafone?
Mobile operators are turning increasingly to fixed-line assets that allow them to sell a wider range of services and carry data traffic more efficiently. This year Vodacom’s parent, Newbury, England-based Vodafone, bid 7.7 billion euros ($10.4 billion) for Kabel Deutschland, a German fixed-line telephony, cable TV and Internet-access service provider.
Telkom SA SOC Ltd. (TKG), Africa’s largest fixed-line operator, sees a trend of greater interest in fixed-line assets even though it hasn’t received an approach itself, Chief Executive Officer Sipho Maseko said today.
Data Growth
"To be in fixed is fantastic because data is not finite," Maseko said at a media briefing in Johannesburg. "We’re about to enter a new era of telecoms, which is going to be around data growth, content and services. Sooner, rather than later, it’ll be good to be in fixed."
STORY: Five Questions on the Verizon Wireless Megadeal
Neotel spokeswoman Chuma Siswana declined to comment. Vodacom didn’t immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. Tata Communications spokeswoman Divya Andand didn’t respond to calls and an e-mail seeking comment on the matter.
Tata bought an additional 2.5 percent in Neotel, based in Johannesburg, for 922.4 million rupees ($14.9 million) in the previous year, according to its 2012-2013 annual report. That would value the company at $596 million.
Vodacom shares advanced as much as 2 percent, before falling 0.8 percent to 124.99 rand as of 4:30 p.m. in Johannesburg.
STORY: Net Neutrality Goes on Trial: A Guide to Verizon v. FCC
First Positive
Tata’s consolidated net loss from its stake -- 67.32 percent as of March 31 -- in Neotel was $45.29 million, according to the document. Neotel’s full-year earnings before interest and taxes were positive for the first time.
Bloomberg News reported in May that Vodacom was interested in buying Neotel for its spectrum access. MTN Group Ltd. (MTN), Africa’s largest wireless operator, had also participated in discussions before dropping out of the process, MTN Chief Executive Officer Sifiso Dabengwa said last month.
Rand Merchant Bank is advising Neotel shareholders and Rothschild is advising Vodacom, according to two people familiar with the talks. A spokesman for Rothschild declined to comment, while a spokeswoman for Rand Merchant Bank didn’t immediately respond to an e-mail and text message seeking comment.
STORY: Will Congress Enter the Fray Over Pay TV Blackouts?
Neotel was founded in 2006 after winning a license to compete with former fixed-line monopoly Telkom, building a second phone network and offering voice and Internet services. Tata bought a majority stake in Neotel in 2008, according to a statement at the time.
Source: Businessweek
A worker lays cabling for a high speed telecommunications line for Neotel Ltd., a fixed-line operator part-owned by Tata Communications Ltd., in the center of Johannesburg. Photographer: Nadine Hutton/Bloomberg
Vodacom Group Ltd. (VOD), South Africa’s largest wireless operator, is set to enter exclusive negotiations to acquire Internet provider Neotel Pty Ltd., according to a person familiar with the discussions.
The Johannesburg-based carrier is in talks to buy Tata Communications Ltd. (TCOM)’s closely held South African unit for more than 5 billion rand ($502 million), the person said, asking not to be named because the negotiations are private.
Vodacom, which is 65 percent owned by Vodafone Group Plc (VOD), is increasingly focused on small- to medium-sized business customers and expanding data services to offset declining revenue from its domestic voice division. Neotel said in May that its corporate customer base rose 29 percent for the full year, driven by growth in managed and network services.
STORY: Will AT&T Try to Buy Vodafone?
Mobile operators are turning increasingly to fixed-line assets that allow them to sell a wider range of services and carry data traffic more efficiently. This year Vodacom’s parent, Newbury, England-based Vodafone, bid 7.7 billion euros ($10.4 billion) for Kabel Deutschland, a German fixed-line telephony, cable TV and Internet-access service provider.
Telkom SA SOC Ltd. (TKG), Africa’s largest fixed-line operator, sees a trend of greater interest in fixed-line assets even though it hasn’t received an approach itself, Chief Executive Officer Sipho Maseko said today.
Data Growth
"To be in fixed is fantastic because data is not finite," Maseko said at a media briefing in Johannesburg. "We’re about to enter a new era of telecoms, which is going to be around data growth, content and services. Sooner, rather than later, it’ll be good to be in fixed."
STORY: Five Questions on the Verizon Wireless Megadeal
Neotel spokeswoman Chuma Siswana declined to comment. Vodacom didn’t immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. Tata Communications spokeswoman Divya Andand didn’t respond to calls and an e-mail seeking comment on the matter.
Tata bought an additional 2.5 percent in Neotel, based in Johannesburg, for 922.4 million rupees ($14.9 million) in the previous year, according to its 2012-2013 annual report. That would value the company at $596 million.
Vodacom shares advanced as much as 2 percent, before falling 0.8 percent to 124.99 rand as of 4:30 p.m. in Johannesburg.
STORY: Net Neutrality Goes on Trial: A Guide to Verizon v. FCC
First Positive
Tata’s consolidated net loss from its stake -- 67.32 percent as of March 31 -- in Neotel was $45.29 million, according to the document. Neotel’s full-year earnings before interest and taxes were positive for the first time.
Bloomberg News reported in May that Vodacom was interested in buying Neotel for its spectrum access. MTN Group Ltd. (MTN), Africa’s largest wireless operator, had also participated in discussions before dropping out of the process, MTN Chief Executive Officer Sifiso Dabengwa said last month.
Rand Merchant Bank is advising Neotel shareholders and Rothschild is advising Vodacom, according to two people familiar with the talks. A spokesman for Rothschild declined to comment, while a spokeswoman for Rand Merchant Bank didn’t immediately respond to an e-mail and text message seeking comment.
STORY: Will Congress Enter the Fray Over Pay TV Blackouts?
Neotel was founded in 2006 after winning a license to compete with former fixed-line monopoly Telkom, building a second phone network and offering voice and Internet services. Tata bought a majority stake in Neotel in 2008, according to a statement at the time.
Source: Businessweek
Samsung tries to dodge antitrust lawsuit
Samsung Electronics Co on Friday offered remedies that may settle a European Union probe over whether it breached antitrust rules through its use of patent lawsuits against rival Apple Inc.
Samsung Electronics Co on Friday offered remedies that may settle a European Union probe over whether it breached antitrust rules through its use of patent lawsuits against rival Apple Inc.
"Samsung has agreed to propose commitments that will be market tested," EU Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said in a speech in New York on Friday. "We hope to conclude this case."
The details of the offer were not disclosed, and Samsung could not immediately be reached for comment.
South Korean-based Samsung attempted to settle with the European Commission earlier but the antitrust regulator had said it wanted more concessions.
Samsung and Apple, the world’s top two smartphone makers by volume and sales, are locked in patent disputes in at least 10 countries as they vie for control of the lucrative and fast-growing mobile market.
Samsung dropped injunction requests against Apple in Europe after the Commission filed charges against it last year.
The Commission also charged Google’s Motorola Mobility with a similar anti-competitive offense in May.
The Samsung case may help bring clarity to technology patents known as standard-essential patents, or SEPs, across the industry.
Source: Businesstech
Samsung Electronics Co on Friday offered remedies that may settle a European Union probe over whether it breached antitrust rules through its use of patent lawsuits against rival Apple Inc.
"Samsung has agreed to propose commitments that will be market tested," EU Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said in a speech in New York on Friday. "We hope to conclude this case."
The details of the offer were not disclosed, and Samsung could not immediately be reached for comment.
South Korean-based Samsung attempted to settle with the European Commission earlier but the antitrust regulator had said it wanted more concessions.
Samsung and Apple, the world’s top two smartphone makers by volume and sales, are locked in patent disputes in at least 10 countries as they vie for control of the lucrative and fast-growing mobile market.
Samsung dropped injunction requests against Apple in Europe after the Commission filed charges against it last year.
The Commission also charged Google’s Motorola Mobility with a similar anti-competitive offense in May.
The Samsung case may help bring clarity to technology patents known as standard-essential patents, or SEPs, across the industry.
Source: Businesstech
Facebook to reduce unwanted ads
Facebook newsfeeds will contain fewer ads for products or services that users are not interested in, Facebook Inc said on Friday
Facebook newsfeeds will contain fewer ads for products or services that users are not interested in, Facebook Inc said on Friday, announcing changes in advertising policy.
It was the Web company’s latest effort to refine the newsfeed ads that have become more important to its business.
"When deciding which ad to show to which groups of people, we are placing more emphasis on feedback we receive from people about ads, including how often people report or hide an ad," Facebook said.
"If someone always hides ads for electronics, we will reduce the number of those types of ads that we show to them," the company said.
Facebook has been trying to make ads more prominent without triggering a backlash among its 1.15 billion users.
The world’s No.1 online social network, which generates roughly 85 percent of its revenue from advertising, now injects one paid ad into every 20 "stories" users see in their newsfeeds, the company said in July.
While big brands such as Toyota and AT&T advertise on Facebook, the company also makes money from marketers of weight-loss and teeth-whitening products. Analysts say some users may not welcome these less-glamorous pitches in their newsfeed.
Forrester Research analyst Nate Elliott said Facebook needs to take steps to keep the latter category of ads in the less intrusive, right-hand side of the Web page, while reserving the space within users’ newsfeed for higher-quality ads.
"If Facebook allows unappealing advertising to invade that space then they’re in trouble. That harms the user experience, and reduces the value of that inventory for high-quality marketers," Elliott said.
Facebook said some marketers "may see some variation in the distribution of their ads" in coming weeks. The company did not elaborate.
Shares of Facebook finished Friday’s regular trading session up 1.7 percent at $51.24, the highest closing level since the company went public in May 2012.
Source: Buisnesstech
Facebook newsfeeds will contain fewer ads for products or services that users are not interested in, Facebook Inc said on Friday, announcing changes in advertising policy.
It was the Web company’s latest effort to refine the newsfeed ads that have become more important to its business.
"When deciding which ad to show to which groups of people, we are placing more emphasis on feedback we receive from people about ads, including how often people report or hide an ad," Facebook said.
"If someone always hides ads for electronics, we will reduce the number of those types of ads that we show to them," the company said.
Facebook has been trying to make ads more prominent without triggering a backlash among its 1.15 billion users.
The world’s No.1 online social network, which generates roughly 85 percent of its revenue from advertising, now injects one paid ad into every 20 "stories" users see in their newsfeeds, the company said in July.
While big brands such as Toyota and AT&T advertise on Facebook, the company also makes money from marketers of weight-loss and teeth-whitening products. Analysts say some users may not welcome these less-glamorous pitches in their newsfeed.
Forrester Research analyst Nate Elliott said Facebook needs to take steps to keep the latter category of ads in the less intrusive, right-hand side of the Web page, while reserving the space within users’ newsfeed for higher-quality ads.
"If Facebook allows unappealing advertising to invade that space then they’re in trouble. That harms the user experience, and reduces the value of that inventory for high-quality marketers," Elliott said.
Facebook said some marketers "may see some variation in the distribution of their ads" in coming weeks. The company did not elaborate.
Shares of Facebook finished Friday’s regular trading session up 1.7 percent at $51.24, the highest closing level since the company went public in May 2012.
Source: Buisnesstech
BlackBerry reports $965 million loss
On Friday, struggling mobile handset maker BlackBerry reported a loss of $965 million, or $1.84 per share diluted, for the three months ended August 2013, compared with a prior loss of $235 million.
Revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 was approximately $1.6 billion, down 49% from $3.1 billion in the previous quarter and down 45% from $2.9 billion in the same quarter of fiscal 2013.
"We are very disappointed with our operational and financial results this quarter and have announced a series of major changes to address the competitive hardware environment and our cost structure," said Thorsten Heins, president and CEO of BlackBerry.
The revenue breakdown for the quarter was approximately 49% for hardware, 46% for service and 5% for software and other revenue.
During the second quarter the company recognized hardware revenue on approximately 3.7 million BlackBerry smartphones. By contrast, Apple recently reported the sale of 9 million of its new iPhone 5C and 5S models in the first three days post launch.
"Most of the units recognized are BlackBerry 7 devices, in part because certain BlackBerry 10 devices that were shipped in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 will not be recognized until those devices are sold through to end customers," the Canadian firm said.
During the quarter, approximately 5.9 million BlackBerry smartphones were sold through to end customers.
The company sees increasing penetration of BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 (BES 10) with more than 25,000 commercial and test servers installed to date, up from 19,000 in July 2013.
BlackBerry is set to go private in a $4.7 billion deal, following a $9 per share tentative offer from a consortium earlier this week, led by property and casualty insurer Fairfax Financial Holdings.
"While our company goes through the necessary changes to create the best business model for our hardware business, we continue to see confidence from our customers through the increasing penetration of BES 10, where we now have more than 25,000 commercial and test servers installed to date, up from 19,000 in July 2013," Heins said.
"We understand how some of the activities we are going through create uncertainty, but we remain a financially strong company with $2.6 billion in cash and no debt. We are focused on our targeted markets, and are committed to completing our transition quickly in order to establish a more focused and efficient company," the CEO said.
Source: Businesstech
Revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 was approximately $1.6 billion, down 49% from $3.1 billion in the previous quarter and down 45% from $2.9 billion in the same quarter of fiscal 2013.
"We are very disappointed with our operational and financial results this quarter and have announced a series of major changes to address the competitive hardware environment and our cost structure," said Thorsten Heins, president and CEO of BlackBerry.
The revenue breakdown for the quarter was approximately 49% for hardware, 46% for service and 5% for software and other revenue.
During the second quarter the company recognized hardware revenue on approximately 3.7 million BlackBerry smartphones. By contrast, Apple recently reported the sale of 9 million of its new iPhone 5C and 5S models in the first three days post launch.
"Most of the units recognized are BlackBerry 7 devices, in part because certain BlackBerry 10 devices that were shipped in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 will not be recognized until those devices are sold through to end customers," the Canadian firm said.
During the quarter, approximately 5.9 million BlackBerry smartphones were sold through to end customers.
The company sees increasing penetration of BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 (BES 10) with more than 25,000 commercial and test servers installed to date, up from 19,000 in July 2013.
BlackBerry is set to go private in a $4.7 billion deal, following a $9 per share tentative offer from a consortium earlier this week, led by property and casualty insurer Fairfax Financial Holdings.
"While our company goes through the necessary changes to create the best business model for our hardware business, we continue to see confidence from our customers through the increasing penetration of BES 10, where we now have more than 25,000 commercial and test servers installed to date, up from 19,000 in July 2013," Heins said.
"We understand how some of the activities we are going through create uncertainty, but we remain a financially strong company with $2.6 billion in cash and no debt. We are focused on our targeted markets, and are committed to completing our transition quickly in order to establish a more focused and efficient company," the CEO said.
Source: Businesstech
Thursday 26 September 2013
NCC keeps tabs on dominant GSM operator
 |
|
Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive, Nigerian
Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Eugene Juwah presenting the Most Innovative
Telco and Best Customer Services Operator Award to Chief Executive Officer & Managing
Director, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya at the Nigeria's Telecoms Awards in
Lagos.
|
Chuks Udo Okonta
The dominant Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) operator in the country, has been placed on a close watch by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure it keeps to the terms of agreement reached which is aimed at encouraging healthy competition, Inspentech has learnt.
Director, Public Affairs NCC, Tony Ojobo, who disclosed this, said the commission has reached an agreement with the dominant operator on some terms and conditions that must be met to ensure a fair play among operators in the industry.
He said: “We believe in smart and responsible regulations, since the Executive Vice-Chairman NCC, Eugene Juwah, came on the saddle, we have had a number of sanctions on the service providers, both for inability to meet the standard and those the flouted our directives.
“We are not shy of sanctioning operators where we observe that there is breach, what we have also done, especially, in regards to dominance, the commission has agreed some terms of compliance with the dominant operator and we have set out all of the perimeters that have to be met. Where we see that there is a breach, the commission will give sanctions.
“We are watching the developments and have continued to draw the attention of the dominant operator to some issues, they have been asked to ensure that they comply with the terms and conditions under dominance and we would ensure that is done, and where we observe any breach, we ensure that sanctions apply.”
MTN Nigeria leads other GSM operators in the country with subscriber base of over 51,274,654 subscribers in the first quarter of 2013.
Monday 23 September 2013
MTN: Africa’s top brand
MTN has been rated the most admired and valuable brand in Africa.
This was reportedly according to a study conducted by the non-profit initiative, Brand Africa, which included a consumer survey and financial evaluations.
The newspaper reported that cellphone company MTN was the most admired and valuable brand in Africa, followed by Woolworths, Shoprite and PicknPay.
Nigeria’s Globacom telecommunications service was fifth, and South African-based Castle beverages was sixth, followed by Kenyan beverage company Tusker, Nigerian conglomerate Dangote, and Nigeria’s Guaranty Trust Bank. South Africa’s Tiger Brands was 10th.
The most admired and valuable international brand in Africa was reportedly Coca-Cola, followed by Shell, Samsung, Vodafone, Nike, Toyota, McDonald’s, Pepsi Cola, Airtel and Honda.
Source: BusinessTech
This was reportedly according to a study conducted by the non-profit initiative, Brand Africa, which included a consumer survey and financial evaluations.
The newspaper reported that cellphone company MTN was the most admired and valuable brand in Africa, followed by Woolworths, Shoprite and PicknPay.
Nigeria’s Globacom telecommunications service was fifth, and South African-based Castle beverages was sixth, followed by Kenyan beverage company Tusker, Nigerian conglomerate Dangote, and Nigeria’s Guaranty Trust Bank. South Africa’s Tiger Brands was 10th.
The most admired and valuable international brand in Africa was reportedly Coca-Cola, followed by Shell, Samsung, Vodafone, Nike, Toyota, McDonald’s, Pepsi Cola, Airtel and Honda.
Source: BusinessTech
Microsoft's Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2. tablet faces challenges
Last year along with Windows 8, Microsoft released two tablets of its own.
The Surface RT and Surface Pro were meant to derail the iPad with productivity features like a different keyboard and Office, but despite millions in marketing and advertising, the tablet failed to impress.
If you need proof of that, just look at the $900 million write-down due to unsold inventory, the price cuts and the lackluster reviews. But Microsoft is back at it this year with the some much-needed updates to the tablet duo.
WHAT TO KNOW
Microsoft's hopes hardware improvements and Windows 8.1 will change the tide for its Surface tablets
The $449 Surface 2 is thinner, lighter, faster and only runs new Windows apps
The $899 Surface 2 Pro lets you run all types of Windows programs, but now with better battery life
"We're launching two of the most productive tablets on the planet," Panos Panay, general manager of Microsoft's Surface, told ABC News. "We really focused on making sure these are the most productive tablets people can buy."
The Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, which will ship with the improved Windows 8.1 on Oct. 22, directly addresses the criticism Microsoft has heard from customers and reviewers.
Surface 2: Thinner, Lighter, Faster
The Surface 2 is the replacement to the Surface RT tablet, which means similar to its predecessor, it runs Windows RT -- the stripped down version of Windows that only runs new Windows apps from the Windows Store. However, unlike its precursor, the Surface 2 is everything you'd expect from a second generation product -- it is thinner, lighter and faster.
The Touch Cover keyboard attachment now has a built in backlight.
Powered by a quad-core Nvidia Tegra processor, the tablet isn't only faster at running apps and multitasking, but it powers a higher-resolution 10.6-inch, 1080p screen. The screen is much crisper and so are the photos and videos taken by the cameras. It has an improved 5-megapixel rear camera and a 3.5-megapixel front-facing camera.
Windows 8.1: Eight of the New Features Coming to the New Software
The tablet remains just as tough as the first version with a magnesium build to withstand drops and bumps, and Microsoft has brought out the silver metal color on this version. It also now says "Surface" in big letters on the back because "people are proud that they bought Surface," Panay says.
It also has an improved two-stop kickstand. You can lock it in at a nice angle for typing on a desk and then a lower angle, which is better for your lap. The 32GB version of the tablet will start at $449.
Surface Pro 2: Better Battery Life
The more expensive $899 Surface Pro 2, however, has some more subtle changes.
"We really knew there were a few elements we had to get right and better," Panay said. "We spent every bit of energy improving the battery life on this product."
Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2: A First Look
Battery life, which was one of the main reasons we couldn't recommend the original Surface Pro, is said to be 60 to 100 percent better, with anywhere between 8 to 10 hours of endurance, depending on what you are doing. Panay says that it is a combination of the the new Intel Haswell chip and other parts that were reconfigured to get the thicker and more powerful tablet running longer.
Unlike the Surface 2, the Pro runs the full version of Windows 8.1, which allows it to run apps from the Windows Store and any older Windows programs. Both tablets will be available for pre-order on Sept. 24.
Keyboard Covers
Microsoft has also improved the two keyboard covers that you can buy with the tablets. The Touch Cover 2, which doesn't have physical keys but rather a touch layer built into the soft cover, is now 2mm thinner and has a built-in backlight. The light in the keyboard turns off when you aren't using it and automatically turns on when you are.
The Type Cover 2 is also thinner, available in four colors (blue, magenta, purple and black) and also has a built-in light. However, the keyboard covers are still not included in the price of the tablet. The Touch Cover 2 costs an additional $119.99 and the Type Cover $129.99. Microsoft is also adding a $199.99 Power Cover, which has a built-in battery that will add up to 50 percent more battery life.
What About the Software?
But beyond the hardware improvements, Panay says the integration with Microsoft's newest version of Windows -- Windows 8.1 -- and other Microsoft services is going to make a real difference. "To a large extent, Surface's woes have been tied to Windows 8's woes," Ross Rubin, a principal analyst with Rectile Research, told ABC News.
Windows 8.1 specifically addresses a lot of user complaints about the software and adds some features, including a Start button and instructions that make it easier to navigate the software. Additionally, both new Surface tablets will come with 200GB of Microsoft's SkyDrive Cloud storage space and unlimited free Skype calling to landlines.
Ultimately, Panay thinks those enhancements matched with the hardware improvements will allow the second generation of Surface to avoid the issues and compromises of the first product.
"When you look at the improvement at how many apps and the update from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1, I think people are excited about it," he said. "The hardware, the software and the services are all coming together to make sure we brought it to life right."
We'll know if that's the case after Oct. 22, when both the new tablets go on sale.
Source: ABC News
The Surface RT and Surface Pro were meant to derail the iPad with productivity features like a different keyboard and Office, but despite millions in marketing and advertising, the tablet failed to impress.
If you need proof of that, just look at the $900 million write-down due to unsold inventory, the price cuts and the lackluster reviews. But Microsoft is back at it this year with the some much-needed updates to the tablet duo.
WHAT TO KNOW
The $449 Surface 2 is thinner, lighter, faster and only runs new Windows apps
The $899 Surface 2 Pro lets you run all types of Windows programs, but now with better battery life
"We're launching two of the most productive tablets on the planet," Panos Panay, general manager of Microsoft's Surface, told ABC News. "We really focused on making sure these are the most productive tablets people can buy."
The Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, which will ship with the improved Windows 8.1 on Oct. 22, directly addresses the criticism Microsoft has heard from customers and reviewers.
Surface 2: Thinner, Lighter, Faster
The Surface 2 is the replacement to the Surface RT tablet, which means similar to its predecessor, it runs Windows RT -- the stripped down version of Windows that only runs new Windows apps from the Windows Store. However, unlike its precursor, the Surface 2 is everything you'd expect from a second generation product -- it is thinner, lighter and faster.
The Touch Cover keyboard attachment now has a built in backlight.
Powered by a quad-core Nvidia Tegra processor, the tablet isn't only faster at running apps and multitasking, but it powers a higher-resolution 10.6-inch, 1080p screen. The screen is much crisper and so are the photos and videos taken by the cameras. It has an improved 5-megapixel rear camera and a 3.5-megapixel front-facing camera.
Windows 8.1: Eight of the New Features Coming to the New Software
The tablet remains just as tough as the first version with a magnesium build to withstand drops and bumps, and Microsoft has brought out the silver metal color on this version. It also now says "Surface" in big letters on the back because "people are proud that they bought Surface," Panay says.
| "People are proud that they bought Surface." |
It also has an improved two-stop kickstand. You can lock it in at a nice angle for typing on a desk and then a lower angle, which is better for your lap. The 32GB version of the tablet will start at $449.
Surface Pro 2: Better Battery Life
The more expensive $899 Surface Pro 2, however, has some more subtle changes.
"We really knew there were a few elements we had to get right and better," Panay said. "We spent every bit of energy improving the battery life on this product."
Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2: A First Look
Battery life, which was one of the main reasons we couldn't recommend the original Surface Pro, is said to be 60 to 100 percent better, with anywhere between 8 to 10 hours of endurance, depending on what you are doing. Panay says that it is a combination of the the new Intel Haswell chip and other parts that were reconfigured to get the thicker and more powerful tablet running longer.
Unlike the Surface 2, the Pro runs the full version of Windows 8.1, which allows it to run apps from the Windows Store and any older Windows programs. Both tablets will be available for pre-order on Sept. 24.
| "We spent every bit of energy improving the battery life on this product." |
Keyboard Covers
Microsoft has also improved the two keyboard covers that you can buy with the tablets. The Touch Cover 2, which doesn't have physical keys but rather a touch layer built into the soft cover, is now 2mm thinner and has a built-in backlight. The light in the keyboard turns off when you aren't using it and automatically turns on when you are.
The Type Cover 2 is also thinner, available in four colors (blue, magenta, purple and black) and also has a built-in light. However, the keyboard covers are still not included in the price of the tablet. The Touch Cover 2 costs an additional $119.99 and the Type Cover $129.99. Microsoft is also adding a $199.99 Power Cover, which has a built-in battery that will add up to 50 percent more battery life.
What About the Software?
But beyond the hardware improvements, Panay says the integration with Microsoft's newest version of Windows -- Windows 8.1 -- and other Microsoft services is going to make a real difference. "To a large extent, Surface's woes have been tied to Windows 8's woes," Ross Rubin, a principal analyst with Rectile Research, told ABC News.
Windows 8.1 specifically addresses a lot of user complaints about the software and adds some features, including a Start button and instructions that make it easier to navigate the software. Additionally, both new Surface tablets will come with 200GB of Microsoft's SkyDrive Cloud storage space and unlimited free Skype calling to landlines.
Ultimately, Panay thinks those enhancements matched with the hardware improvements will allow the second generation of Surface to avoid the issues and compromises of the first product.
"When you look at the improvement at how many apps and the update from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1, I think people are excited about it," he said. "The hardware, the software and the services are all coming together to make sure we brought it to life right."
We'll know if that's the case after Oct. 22, when both the new tablets go on sale.
Source: ABC News
German group claims to have hacked Apple iPhone fingerprint scanner
By Jim Finkle; Editing by Edwin Chan and Christopher Cushing
A group of German hackers claimed to have cracked the iPhone fingerprint scanner on Sunday, just two days after Apple Inc launched the technology that it promises will better protect devices from criminals and snoopers seeking access.
If the claim is verified, it will be embarrassing for Apple which is betting on the scanner to set its smartphone apart from new models of Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and others running the Android operating system of Google Inc.
Two prominent iPhone security experts told Reuters that they believed the German group, known as the Chaos Computing Club, or CCC, had succeeded in defeating Apple's Touch ID, though they had not personally replicated the work.
One of them, Charlie Miller, co-author of the iOS Hacker's Handbook, described the work as "a complete break" of Touch ID security. "It certainly opens up a new possibility for attackers."
Apple representatives did not respond to requests for comment.
CCC, one the world's largest and most respected hacking groups, posted a video on its website that appeared to show somebody accessing an iPhone 5S with a fabricated print. The site described how members of its biometrics team had cracked the new fingerprint reader, one of the few major high-tech features added to the latest version of the iPhone.
The group said they targeted Touch ID to knock down reports about its "marvels," which suggested it would be difficult to crack.
"Fingerprints should not be used to secure anything. You leave them everywhere, and it is far too easy to make fake fingers out of lifted prints," a hacker named Starbug was quoted as saying on the CCC's site.
The group said it defeated Touch ID by photographing the fingerprint of an iPhone's user, then printing it on to a transparent sheet, which it used to create a mold for a "fake finger."
CCC said similar processes have been used to crack "the vast majority" of fingerprint sensors on the market.
"I think it's legit," said Dino Dai Zovi," another co-author of the iOS Hacker's Handbook. "The CCC doesn't fool around or over-hype, especially when they are trying to make a political point."
Touch ID, which was only introduced on the top-of-the-line iPhone 5S, lets users unlock their devices or make purchases on iTunes by simply pressing their finger on the home button. It uses a sapphire crystal sensor embedded in the button.
Data used for verification is encrypted and stored in a secure enclave of the phone's A7 processor chip.
Two security experts who sponsored an impromptu competition offering cash and other prizes to the first hackers who cracked the iPhone said they had reviewed the information posted on the CCC website, but wanted more documentation.
"We are simply awaiting a full video documentation and walk through of the process that they have claimed," said mobile security researcher Nick DePetrillo, who started the contest with another security expert, Robert Graham. "When they deliver that video we will review it."
The two of them each put up $100 toward a prize for the contest winner, then set up a website inviting others to contribute. While the booty now includes more than $13,000 in cash, it was not clear that the CCC would receive the full payout, even if DePetrillo and Graham declared them winners.
A micro venture capital firm known as I/O Capital, which had offered to pay $10,000 of the prize money, issued a press release late on Sunday saying that it would make its own determination about who won the contest.
Source: Reuters
A group of German hackers claimed to have cracked the iPhone fingerprint scanner on Sunday, just two days after Apple Inc launched the technology that it promises will better protect devices from criminals and snoopers seeking access.
If the claim is verified, it will be embarrassing for Apple which is betting on the scanner to set its smartphone apart from new models of Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and others running the Android operating system of Google Inc.
Two prominent iPhone security experts told Reuters that they believed the German group, known as the Chaos Computing Club, or CCC, had succeeded in defeating Apple's Touch ID, though they had not personally replicated the work.
One of them, Charlie Miller, co-author of the iOS Hacker's Handbook, described the work as "a complete break" of Touch ID security. "It certainly opens up a new possibility for attackers."
Apple representatives did not respond to requests for comment.
CCC, one the world's largest and most respected hacking groups, posted a video on its website that appeared to show somebody accessing an iPhone 5S with a fabricated print. The site described how members of its biometrics team had cracked the new fingerprint reader, one of the few major high-tech features added to the latest version of the iPhone.
The group said they targeted Touch ID to knock down reports about its "marvels," which suggested it would be difficult to crack.
"Fingerprints should not be used to secure anything. You leave them everywhere, and it is far too easy to make fake fingers out of lifted prints," a hacker named Starbug was quoted as saying on the CCC's site.
The group said it defeated Touch ID by photographing the fingerprint of an iPhone's user, then printing it on to a transparent sheet, which it used to create a mold for a "fake finger."
CCC said similar processes have been used to crack "the vast majority" of fingerprint sensors on the market.
"I think it's legit," said Dino Dai Zovi," another co-author of the iOS Hacker's Handbook. "The CCC doesn't fool around or over-hype, especially when they are trying to make a political point."
Touch ID, which was only introduced on the top-of-the-line iPhone 5S, lets users unlock their devices or make purchases on iTunes by simply pressing their finger on the home button. It uses a sapphire crystal sensor embedded in the button.
Data used for verification is encrypted and stored in a secure enclave of the phone's A7 processor chip.
Two security experts who sponsored an impromptu competition offering cash and other prizes to the first hackers who cracked the iPhone said they had reviewed the information posted on the CCC website, but wanted more documentation.
"We are simply awaiting a full video documentation and walk through of the process that they have claimed," said mobile security researcher Nick DePetrillo, who started the contest with another security expert, Robert Graham. "When they deliver that video we will review it."
The two of them each put up $100 toward a prize for the contest winner, then set up a website inviting others to contribute. While the booty now includes more than $13,000 in cash, it was not clear that the CCC would receive the full payout, even if DePetrillo and Graham declared them winners.
A micro venture capital firm known as I/O Capital, which had offered to pay $10,000 of the prize money, issued a press release late on Sunday saying that it would make its own determination about who won the contest.
Source: Reuters
Country to get cyber security commission in December
By Nahimah Ajikanle Nurudeen
Nigeria is set to establish a cyber security commission in view of the country's efforts a fighting criminal acts being perpetrated through the internet.
According to the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Communication (ICT), Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau in an interview at the 5th edition of Project management Conference in Lagos, the country's proposed cyber security bill will also be signed into laws by November or December this year.
He noted that reports on the bill which specifies laws on cyber crimes related issues and penalties is currently being sent to the senate for concurrent.
Gusau said: "It will interest you to know that we have a cyber security bill that has being passed in fact it is one of the fastest bills that passed through the house processes. It has being passed and it has gone through all the readings and the report is being considered where is going to be sent to the senate for concurrent."
"I assure you in the next two to three months that bill will be on the table of Mr. President for assent because we have done a very due diligent to that cyber crime security bill where we proposed a cyber security commission to be set up and all the laws that you are talking about and penalties will be speculated in those laws and of course with that in place Nigeria will be safer with regards to the cashless, e-payment and all other platforms that are being used."
Source: Daily Trust
Nigeria is set to establish a cyber security commission in view of the country's efforts a fighting criminal acts being perpetrated through the internet.
According to the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Communication (ICT), Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau in an interview at the 5th edition of Project management Conference in Lagos, the country's proposed cyber security bill will also be signed into laws by November or December this year.
He noted that reports on the bill which specifies laws on cyber crimes related issues and penalties is currently being sent to the senate for concurrent.
Gusau said: "It will interest you to know that we have a cyber security bill that has being passed in fact it is one of the fastest bills that passed through the house processes. It has being passed and it has gone through all the readings and the report is being considered where is going to be sent to the senate for concurrent."
"I assure you in the next two to three months that bill will be on the table of Mr. President for assent because we have done a very due diligent to that cyber crime security bill where we proposed a cyber security commission to be set up and all the laws that you are talking about and penalties will be speculated in those laws and of course with that in place Nigeria will be safer with regards to the cashless, e-payment and all other platforms that are being used."
Source: Daily Trust
From left: Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Publisher Nigerian telecomnews weekly, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye and President Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) at the Telecom Development Lecture (NITDEL) in Lagos.
 |
| From left: Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Publisher Nigerian telecomnews weekly, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye and President Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) at the Telecom Development Lecture (NITDEL) in Lagos. |
From left: Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Publisher Nigerian telecomnews weekly, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye and President Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) at the Telecom Development Lecture (NITDEL) in Lagos.
 |
| From left: Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Publisher Nigerian telecomnews weekly, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye and President Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) at the Telecom Development Lecture (NITDEL) in Lagos. |
From left: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Airtel, Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya and Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola at the Telecom Development Lecture (NITDEL) in Lagos.
 |
| From left: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Airtel, Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya and Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola at the Telecom Development Lecture (NITDEL) in Lagos. |
Saturday 21 September 2013
Telcos spend N4tn on infrastructure in 10 years
Chuks Udo Okonta
About N4 trillion has been
spent by telecommunications operators on infrastructure in the last 10 years,
the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Airtel, Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, has said.
He disclosed this yesterday
Friday, at the Telecom Development Lecture (NITDEL), organised by the Nigerian
Telecomnews weekly, in Lagos. He added
that telecoms operators have over 20,000 base stations and that Airtel Nigeria,
expense about N6.5 million to lay a cable within a kilometre.
Speaking on the topic, The
Nigerian Telecom Market: Championing the African Course, Ogunsanya, said the
nation’s telecoms sector has performed creditably well, stressing that the subscriber
base – active lines, presently stand at 120 million.
He noted that over 40
million Nigerians are connected to the internet and that the broadband
penetration stands at six per cent and that the sector contributes about 8.5
per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He noted that efforts are in
place to beef-up the broadband penetration to 21 per cent by 2015, 42 per cent
in 2018 and 80 per cent by 2018.
Governor
of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who spoke on the topic, ICT, A
Tool for Societal Development, said ICT has helped transformed governance in
the state. He noted that prior to his administration, the state’s internal revenue
was N300 million per a month, but with the deployment of ICT, the state now
generates over N1.6 billion in a month.
The
Governor urged telcos operators to unite to enable them reduce their overheads
especially on infrastructure. He frowns at the decisions of the operators in
seeking individual rights of ways in laying their cables.
On
the State’s e-learning education project – Opon Imo (Tablet of Knowledge), he
noted that the project has helped reduced the cost of text books from average
of N1000,00 to N23,00, adding that 150,000 pieces of the tablet is presently
being distributed to students in public schools in the state.
Wednesday 18 September 2013
Unlawful Sack - Gwandu, Ex-NCC Director, Sues Jonathan, Others
By Tony Amokedo
Former executive director of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Bashir Gwandu, has filed a suit before the National Industrial Court , NIC, in Abuja against President Goodluck Jonathan, challenging the legality of his removal from office .
The plaintiff, who also named the attorney -general of the federation (AGF) and the minister of justice , Mr Mohammed Adoke (SAN), as co-defendants to the suit, wants the court to take judicial notice of the fact that his removal from office fell short of set procedure.
When the case came up yesterday before Justice E. D. E Isele, lawyer to the defendants, Mr P C. Mbam from the Federal Ministry of Justice, told the court that he was not opposed to the matter.
He also claimed that Gwandu was yet to serve his client with his response against the preliminary objection raised against the suit.
He further claimed that he had just been shown a copy of the response by the claimant's lawyer , Mr Deji Morakinyo from Femi Falana Chambers .
Bu the development prompted Morakinyo to express dismay over the claim of Mbam
The defendants had earlier urged the court to grant them an extension of time to regularise their appearances and the court processes on their preliminary objection against the suit, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter. The defendants were yet to file their responses, about six months since the claimant filed the originating summons in February, leading to the plea for extension of time.
Morakinyo, who urged the court to grant his client an amendment to the originating summons, told the court that it was unfortunate to note that the response to the defendants' preliminary objection, which was filed since September 2, was yet to be served by the court bailiff.
Yesterday's court hearing had focused on clearing of pending applications including the president's request to be heard having responded four months late (in July) to the case that has been filed since February 8, 2013.
The court also permitted the claimant's amendment to the originating summons including claim of aggravated damages as a consequence of his removal from two international positions that cannot be recovered.
Justice Isele, who expressed displeasure over the development, stressed on the need for lawyers to show due diligence in following up to ensure proper services for their cases to be heard expeditiously, saying that justice delayed is justice denied. Gwandu has dragged the President to court over the unlawful termination of his appointment, asking the National Industrial Court to seek interpretation of sections 8, 10(2),10(3) and 10(4) of the Act 2003 as well as re-instatement if breach of statutory procedure is established by the Court.
He is also asking the court to determine the following questions :
-Whether by virtue of the provisions of S. 10 (2), (3) and (4) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, his purported removal as an Executive Commissioner of the Nigerian Communications Commission by the 1st defendant (President) via a letter dated November 26, 2012 is not illegal, unconstitutional, ultra vires, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.
-Whether having regard to the provisions of S. 10 (2), (3) and (4) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, his fundamental right to fair hearing was not breached having not been served with the statutory notice of the intention of the 1st defendant to remove him from office and the reasons thereof and afforded the statutory opportunity to make written submissionsthereto prior his removal from office.
-Whether having regard to the provisions of Sections 8 and 10 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, the appointment of the claimant by the 1st defendant does not havelegal status as to invest the Court with the power to order the reinstatement of the claimant and payment of his salaries and allowances since November, 2012.
-Whether if questions 1, 2, & 3 above are answered in the affirmative, the claimant is not entitled to exemplary and aggravated damages.
The damages apparently are to (1) Compensate for the loss of the two major International ITU Appointments lost which even when re-instated by the courts are lost for good, (2) Served as a exemplary, (3) cover the costs incurred for pursuing the case in court (4) damage to reputation in the manner removed.
Section 10 of the Act specifically provides the Procedure to be followed for suspension or removal of a Commissioner. Sections 10 (2), (3) and (4) of the Nigerian Communications Act States:
10(2) Prior to the suspension or removal of a Commissioner under subsection (1) of this section, the President shall inform the Commissioner by written notice, as soon as practicable, of his intention to suspend or remove the Commissioner from office and the reasons therefor.
10(3) The affected Commissioner under subsection (1) of this section shall be given a reasonable opportunity to make written submissions to the President within a time period specified in the notice and such time period shall not be less than 14 days from the date of the notice.
10(4) The affected Commissioner may, within the time period specified in the notice, submit a written submission and the President shall consider the submission in making his final decision on the Commissioner's suspension or removal from office.
Gwandu's Lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN , also contends that the President has failed to comply with what the law compulsorily requires of him in the rushed decision to remove Gwandu. The law requires a notice that must contain reason for intention to remove the Commissioner be issued and opportunity (of not less than 14days time frame) be given in such a notice.
But there was simply no notice from President or his agents with stated reasons of intention to remove Gwandu, and thus, no opportunity was granted for him to respond to the President to enable the president to make his final decision, as required by law.
The case has been adjourned till September 30, 2013.
Source: Leadership
Former executive director of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Bashir Gwandu, has filed a suit before the National Industrial Court , NIC, in Abuja against President Goodluck Jonathan, challenging the legality of his removal from office .
The plaintiff, who also named the attorney -general of the federation (AGF) and the minister of justice , Mr Mohammed Adoke (SAN), as co-defendants to the suit, wants the court to take judicial notice of the fact that his removal from office fell short of set procedure.
When the case came up yesterday before Justice E. D. E Isele, lawyer to the defendants, Mr P C. Mbam from the Federal Ministry of Justice, told the court that he was not opposed to the matter.
He also claimed that Gwandu was yet to serve his client with his response against the preliminary objection raised against the suit.
He further claimed that he had just been shown a copy of the response by the claimant's lawyer , Mr Deji Morakinyo from Femi Falana Chambers .
Bu the development prompted Morakinyo to express dismay over the claim of Mbam
The defendants had earlier urged the court to grant them an extension of time to regularise their appearances and the court processes on their preliminary objection against the suit, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter. The defendants were yet to file their responses, about six months since the claimant filed the originating summons in February, leading to the plea for extension of time.
Morakinyo, who urged the court to grant his client an amendment to the originating summons, told the court that it was unfortunate to note that the response to the defendants' preliminary objection, which was filed since September 2, was yet to be served by the court bailiff.
Yesterday's court hearing had focused on clearing of pending applications including the president's request to be heard having responded four months late (in July) to the case that has been filed since February 8, 2013.
The court also permitted the claimant's amendment to the originating summons including claim of aggravated damages as a consequence of his removal from two international positions that cannot be recovered.
Justice Isele, who expressed displeasure over the development, stressed on the need for lawyers to show due diligence in following up to ensure proper services for their cases to be heard expeditiously, saying that justice delayed is justice denied. Gwandu has dragged the President to court over the unlawful termination of his appointment, asking the National Industrial Court to seek interpretation of sections 8, 10(2),10(3) and 10(4) of the Act 2003 as well as re-instatement if breach of statutory procedure is established by the Court.
He is also asking the court to determine the following questions :
-Whether by virtue of the provisions of S. 10 (2), (3) and (4) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, his purported removal as an Executive Commissioner of the Nigerian Communications Commission by the 1st defendant (President) via a letter dated November 26, 2012 is not illegal, unconstitutional, ultra vires, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.
-Whether having regard to the provisions of S. 10 (2), (3) and (4) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, his fundamental right to fair hearing was not breached having not been served with the statutory notice of the intention of the 1st defendant to remove him from office and the reasons thereof and afforded the statutory opportunity to make written submissionsthereto prior his removal from office.
-Whether having regard to the provisions of Sections 8 and 10 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, the appointment of the claimant by the 1st defendant does not havelegal status as to invest the Court with the power to order the reinstatement of the claimant and payment of his salaries and allowances since November, 2012.
-Whether if questions 1, 2, & 3 above are answered in the affirmative, the claimant is not entitled to exemplary and aggravated damages.
The damages apparently are to (1) Compensate for the loss of the two major International ITU Appointments lost which even when re-instated by the courts are lost for good, (2) Served as a exemplary, (3) cover the costs incurred for pursuing the case in court (4) damage to reputation in the manner removed.
Section 10 of the Act specifically provides the Procedure to be followed for suspension or removal of a Commissioner. Sections 10 (2), (3) and (4) of the Nigerian Communications Act States:
10(2) Prior to the suspension or removal of a Commissioner under subsection (1) of this section, the President shall inform the Commissioner by written notice, as soon as practicable, of his intention to suspend or remove the Commissioner from office and the reasons therefor.
10(3) The affected Commissioner under subsection (1) of this section shall be given a reasonable opportunity to make written submissions to the President within a time period specified in the notice and such time period shall not be less than 14 days from the date of the notice.
10(4) The affected Commissioner may, within the time period specified in the notice, submit a written submission and the President shall consider the submission in making his final decision on the Commissioner's suspension or removal from office.
Gwandu's Lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN , also contends that the President has failed to comply with what the law compulsorily requires of him in the rushed decision to remove Gwandu. The law requires a notice that must contain reason for intention to remove the Commissioner be issued and opportunity (of not less than 14days time frame) be given in such a notice.
But there was simply no notice from President or his agents with stated reasons of intention to remove Gwandu, and thus, no opportunity was granted for him to respond to the President to enable the president to make his final decision, as required by law.
The case has been adjourned till September 30, 2013.
Source: Leadership
Kenya's Future As a Regional ICT Hub
By BOB COLLYMORE
Whenever I set out to speak on a subject that I am passionate about, I always begin with some context. The first element of which is to state, that I am a strong believer in the Kenyan ICT story.
A story that has its roots, 15 years ago this year, when retired President Daniel arap Moi signed in to Law the Kenya Communications Act of 1998. This single action was the beginning of the shift from the tightly controlled and largely inefficient ICT sector that characterised the late 90's to the fully liberalised and competitively robust telecommunications sector that we see today. It transformed the role of ICT from being the preserve of the wealthy and connected Kenyan to that of being an indispensable component of daily life in Kenya.
Ladies and gentlemen, I posit without any hesitation that of all the economic reforms that have occurred in the last couple of decades, the liberalisation of the communications sector, has perhaps had the most positive and catalytic effect on the growth of Kenya's economy over the last 15 years. I say this, because it is through the expansion of the communications sector,
" that we have empowered SME commerce that links rural and urban communities,
" that we have connected communities that were previously marginalised by their geography; and
" that we have most importantly, made life changing information and knowledge available at the touch of a button to over 30 million Kenyans.
The aspiration to be a top 10 global ICT hub is anchored in our national development blue print, Vision 2030. It is a very external facing aspiration, one that says to the rest of the world, "we are ready to compete with you on the global stage to not only attract ICT centric investment in to our economy , but to be the source of life changing innovation".
Beyond the just warm sentiment of the Vision 2030 ambition, we must take a dispassionate and introspective view of the status quo with respect to ICT uptake and investment within the country. This is primarily due to the fact that as country we cannot be seen to be marketing that which we do not consume or promote amongst our own people.
Source: Capital FM
Whenever I set out to speak on a subject that I am passionate about, I always begin with some context. The first element of which is to state, that I am a strong believer in the Kenyan ICT story.
A story that has its roots, 15 years ago this year, when retired President Daniel arap Moi signed in to Law the Kenya Communications Act of 1998. This single action was the beginning of the shift from the tightly controlled and largely inefficient ICT sector that characterised the late 90's to the fully liberalised and competitively robust telecommunications sector that we see today. It transformed the role of ICT from being the preserve of the wealthy and connected Kenyan to that of being an indispensable component of daily life in Kenya.
Ladies and gentlemen, I posit without any hesitation that of all the economic reforms that have occurred in the last couple of decades, the liberalisation of the communications sector, has perhaps had the most positive and catalytic effect on the growth of Kenya's economy over the last 15 years. I say this, because it is through the expansion of the communications sector,
" that we have empowered SME commerce that links rural and urban communities,
" that we have connected communities that were previously marginalised by their geography; and
" that we have most importantly, made life changing information and knowledge available at the touch of a button to over 30 million Kenyans.
The aspiration to be a top 10 global ICT hub is anchored in our national development blue print, Vision 2030. It is a very external facing aspiration, one that says to the rest of the world, "we are ready to compete with you on the global stage to not only attract ICT centric investment in to our economy , but to be the source of life changing innovation".
Beyond the just warm sentiment of the Vision 2030 ambition, we must take a dispassionate and introspective view of the status quo with respect to ICT uptake and investment within the country. This is primarily due to the fact that as country we cannot be seen to be marketing that which we do not consume or promote amongst our own people.
Source: Capital FM
Airtel boss to lead discourse at Nigerian Telecom Development Lecture
Chuks Udo Okonta
As Nigeria works on the development of a policy for broadband roll out and new telecoms marketing opportunities, Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Segun Ogunsanya, will lead discourse on the future of Nigeria’s Telecoms Market as key note speaker at the 7th annual Nigerian Telecom Development Lecture.
Organised by Logica Communications, publishers of the Nigerian Telecom Weekly, the Nigerian Telecom Development Lecture is an annual platform for thought leadership on the intersection between telecommunications and society.
The Lecture, which is scheduled to hold on Friday, September 20th, 2013 at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos, will commence at 10.a.m. The event will be chaired by Chief Peter Igho, Chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission and will also feature a keynote address from Dr. Eugene Juwah, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission.
Mr. Ogunsanya will speak on The Nigerian Telecoms Market: Championing the African Course at the lecture that will also feature a paper by Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, according to Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, publisher of Nigerian Telecom Weekly.
Ogunsanya will be mounting a platform that had featured distinguished speakers such as Prof Wole Soyinka; former Executive Vice Chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe; Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah; Harvard historian, Prof. Molefi Kete Asante, and former Governors of Lagos State and Cross Rivers State, Bola Tinubu and Donald Duke, respectively.
Ogunsanya is a technocrat and leader with management experience cutting across various sectors including food and beverages, manufacturing, financial services, government and telecoms.
He has over 24 years of rich industry experience across multiple geographies, organisations and diverse sectors such as Coca Cola (17 years), Banking (3 years) and Arthur Anderson (4 years).
He joined Airtel from The Coca-Cola Company, where he started his career in Finance and gradually transitioned into senior leadership roles with the various bottling operations of The Coca-Cola Company across diverse markets and countries in Africa. In his last stint, as the Managing Director and CEO of Nigerian Bottling company, he was responsible for over $1bn revenue operations.
Mr. Ogunsanya was also the CEO of the Kenya operations for Coca-Cola Sabco, where he was instrumental in successfully turning around the business. Prior to this, he has also worked with banking organisations such as Crystal Bank and Ecobank Transnational where, as the Managing Director of Retail Bank, he was responsible for the operations across 28 countries in the continent.
Apart from manufacturing and banking, Mr. Ogunsanya also comes with consulting experience having worked with Arthur Anderson & Co in Nigeria (1988-92) where he was involved in Audit, Tax Advisory, setting up new businesses and profit improvement services.
Mr. Ogunsanya is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelors of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from University of Ife, Nigeria.
As Nigeria works on the development of a policy for broadband roll out and new telecoms marketing opportunities, Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Segun Ogunsanya, will lead discourse on the future of Nigeria’s Telecoms Market as key note speaker at the 7th annual Nigerian Telecom Development Lecture.
Organised by Logica Communications, publishers of the Nigerian Telecom Weekly, the Nigerian Telecom Development Lecture is an annual platform for thought leadership on the intersection between telecommunications and society.
The Lecture, which is scheduled to hold on Friday, September 20th, 2013 at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos, will commence at 10.a.m. The event will be chaired by Chief Peter Igho, Chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission and will also feature a keynote address from Dr. Eugene Juwah, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission.
Mr. Ogunsanya will speak on The Nigerian Telecoms Market: Championing the African Course at the lecture that will also feature a paper by Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, according to Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, publisher of Nigerian Telecom Weekly.
Ogunsanya will be mounting a platform that had featured distinguished speakers such as Prof Wole Soyinka; former Executive Vice Chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe; Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah; Harvard historian, Prof. Molefi Kete Asante, and former Governors of Lagos State and Cross Rivers State, Bola Tinubu and Donald Duke, respectively.
Ogunsanya is a technocrat and leader with management experience cutting across various sectors including food and beverages, manufacturing, financial services, government and telecoms.
He has over 24 years of rich industry experience across multiple geographies, organisations and diverse sectors such as Coca Cola (17 years), Banking (3 years) and Arthur Anderson (4 years).
He joined Airtel from The Coca-Cola Company, where he started his career in Finance and gradually transitioned into senior leadership roles with the various bottling operations of The Coca-Cola Company across diverse markets and countries in Africa. In his last stint, as the Managing Director and CEO of Nigerian Bottling company, he was responsible for over $1bn revenue operations.
Mr. Ogunsanya was also the CEO of the Kenya operations for Coca-Cola Sabco, where he was instrumental in successfully turning around the business. Prior to this, he has also worked with banking organisations such as Crystal Bank and Ecobank Transnational where, as the Managing Director of Retail Bank, he was responsible for the operations across 28 countries in the continent.
Apart from manufacturing and banking, Mr. Ogunsanya also comes with consulting experience having worked with Arthur Anderson & Co in Nigeria (1988-92) where he was involved in Audit, Tax Advisory, setting up new businesses and profit improvement services.
Mr. Ogunsanya is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelors of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from University of Ife, Nigeria.
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