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	<title>Telecom Archives &#8212; NEWSVERGE</title>
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	<title>Telecom Archives &#8212; NEWSVERGE</title>
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		<title>MTN celebrates sports, technology impact</title>
		<link>https://newsverge.com/2026/08/11/mtn-celebrates-sports-technology-impact/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Babatunde Ogunrinde]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:04:27 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[BUSINESS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ECONOMY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Telecom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://newsverge.com/?p=193107</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>MTN Nigeria says its 25-year journey reflects the growing influence of technology on sports development and talent discovery across the country. The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Modupe Kadri, stated this on Monday during MTN’s 25th anniversary celebration at its headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos. Kadri spoke at the inauguration of the MTN Y’ello Street Museum, a [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/08/11/mtn-celebrates-sports-technology-impact/">MTN celebrates sports, technology impact</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>MTN Nigeria says its 25-year journey reflects the growing influence of technology on sports development and talent discovery across the country.</strong></em><br />
<span id="more-193107"></span></p>
<p>The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Modupe Kadri, stated this on Monday during MTN’s 25th anniversary celebration at its headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos.</p>
<p>Kadri spoke at the inauguration of the MTN Y’ello Street Museum, a project highlighting the impact of telecommunications on Nigeria’s development.</p>
<p>She said MTN had helped generations of young talents progress from grassroots competitions to international recognition through sustained investments and partnerships.</p>
<p>“Beyond telecommunications, our investments and partnerships in sports have contributed to greater visibility for Nigerian athletes and sporting events,” she said.</p>
<p>Kadri noted that mobile technology and digital platforms had transformed fan engagement by bringing supporters closer to their favourite teams and competitions.</p>
<p>“Today, technology is playing an increasingly important role in sports development, from digital broadcasting and social media engagement to data analysis.</p>
<p>“It is also enhancing performance monitoring and enabling online talent scouting across different sporting disciplines,” he said</p>
<p>According to her, improved connectivity offers opportunities to identify, nurture and expose Nigeria’s vast pool of young athletes to global platforms.</p>
<p>“The broader lesson from MTN’s 25-year journey is that technology is no longer simply about communication.</p>
<p>“It has become a vital tool for economic growth, youth development, entertainment and sports,” he said.</p>
<p>She added that technology was helping connect Nigerian talent with audiences, investors and opportunities around the world.</p>
<p>Kadri said MTN’s journey also mirrors Nigeria’s transformation from an era of limited telecommunications to a rapidly expanding digital economy.</p>
<p>Sports presenter Chukwuebuka Anyaduba, popularly known as Chuey Chu, praised MTN’s contributions to sports development over the past 25 years.</p>
<p>He described the company’s achievements as remarkable, noting that sports development had remained a major priority throughout its operations.</p>
<p>“MTN Nigeria heavily drives sports development across the nation, investing billions of naira in grassroots talent discovery and sponsorship.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/08/11/mtn-celebrates-sports-technology-impact/">MTN celebrates sports, technology impact</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
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		<title>MTN’s 25-year journey mirrors Nigeria’s digital transformation – CFO</title>
		<link>https://newsverge.com/2026/08/10/mtns-25-year-journey-mirrors-nigerias-digital-transformation-cfo/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stellamaris Ashinze]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:01:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[BUSINESS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ECONOMY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Telecom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://newsverge.com/?p=193074</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>MTN Nigeria on Monday said its 25-year journey reflected Nigeria’s transformation from basic connectivity to a thriving digital economy. The Chief Financial Officer, MTN Nigeria, Modupe Kadri, made this known at the inauguration of the MTN Yello Street Museum in Lagos. Kadri said the museum was a specially curated exhibition that captured how telecommunications had [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/08/10/mtns-25-year-journey-mirrors-nigerias-digital-transformation-cfo/">MTN’s 25-year journey mirrors Nigeria’s digital transformation – CFO</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>MTN Nigeria on Monday said its 25-year journey reflected Nigeria’s transformation from basic connectivity to a thriving digital economy.</strong></em><br />
<span id="more-193074"></span></p>
<p>The Chief Financial Officer, MTN Nigeria, Modupe Kadri, made this known at the inauguration of the MTN Yello Street Museum in Lagos.</p>
<p>Kadri said the museum was a specially curated exhibition that captured how telecommunications had reshaped communication, business, entertainment and everyday life since the company entered Nigeria in 2001.</p>
<p>He said the museum was not merely about MTN but also about Nigeria and what became possible when technology met human ingenuity.</p>
<p>He noted that in 2001, Nigerians had no WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, 4G, 5G or mobile banking as we currently know them now.</p>
<p>“Behind every old phone was somebody carrying the voice of a loved one.</p>
<p>”Successive technologies created businesses, industries, jobs and new opportunities,’’ he said.</p>
<p>Kadri said Nigerians’ humour, energy, ingenuity and resilience had helped transform technology from a communication tool into an engine of economic and social opportunity.</p>
<p>He urged Nigerians to view the museum as a reminder of how far the country had travelled and imagine what technology could unlock over another 25 years.</p>
<p>The CFO said emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital infrastructure and advanced connectivity could drive a deeper transformation in Nigeria.</p>
<p>Kadri thanked MTN customers, employees, government, regulators, shareholders, partners, suppliers and communities for contributing to its 25-year journey.</p>
<p>He said the museum represented “25 years of memories” and progress, while signalling the beginning of another chapter driven by innovation and possibility.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, MTN executives said the company’s evolution from 2G through 3G and 4G to 5G had expanded access to economic and social opportunities.</p>
<p>Nasir Hayatu, General Manager, Network, Access Planning and Optimisation, said that MTN had supported extensive supply and distribution ecosystems while enabling businesses, improving productivity and contributing to wider economic activity.</p>
<p>Hayatu stressed the need for supportive policies and infrastructure, particularly effective right-of-way regulations, to accelerate broadband deployment and digital inclusion.</p>
<p>He said Nigeria’s ambition to become a technology hub required sustained investment in infrastructure, innovation and policies that enabled technology to reach more Nigerians.</p>
<p>Hayatu also described infrastructure and power challenges as opportunities for innovation, citing network redundancy and alternative power solutions as examples.</p>
<p>On the creative economy, MTN said it remained committed to supporting Nigerian talent across music, video, gaming and other digital platforms.</p>
<p>Aisha Umar Mumuni, Chief Digital Officer, MTN Nigeria, said the company was preparing the second season of its creative platform after lessons from its inaugural edition.</p>
<p>Mumuni said the second season was expected to begin in October, with MTN also pursuing family-friendly and educational content with media partners.</p>
<p>She said MTN was deeply invested in Nigeria’s creative community and continued exploring opportunities across music, video, gaming and emerging digital platforms.</p>
<p>On shareholder value, the Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka highlighted the company’s share-price growth, dividends and expanding returns to its growing shareholder base.</p>
<p>Ikenna-Emeka said that MTN’s 25-year journey demonstrated how connecting people could unlock opportunities, strengthen businesses and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/08/10/mtns-25-year-journey-mirrors-nigerias-digital-transformation-cfo/">MTN’s 25-year journey mirrors Nigeria’s digital transformation – CFO</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
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		<title>Glo’s investments reinforce telecoms sector’s 9.19 GDP contribution -Analyst</title>
		<link>https://newsverge.com/2026/07/17/glos-investments-reinforce-telecoms-sectors-9-19-gdp-contribution-analyst/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Okeoghene Akubuike]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:35:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[BUSINESS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Telecom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://newsverge.com/?p=192420</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Mr Lanre Basamta, a Lagos-based Senior Strategist and Analyst, says sustained investments by Globacom in broadband infrastructure and digital connectivity continue to reinforce the telecommunications sector’s growing contribution to Nigeria’s economy. Basamta said in a statement on Friday that the telecommunications sector contributed 9.19 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/07/17/glos-investments-reinforce-telecoms-sectors-9-19-gdp-contribution-analyst/">Glo’s investments reinforce telecoms sector’s 9.19 GDP contribution -Analyst</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>Mr Lanre Basamta, a Lagos-based Senior Strategist and Analyst, says sustained investments by Globacom in broadband infrastructure and digital connectivity continue to reinforce the telecommunications sector’s growing contribution to Nigeria’s economy.</strong></em><br />
<span id="more-192420"></span></p>
<p>Basamta said in a statement on Friday that the telecommunications sector contributed 9.19 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2026, underscoring the importance of continued investment by operators in expanding digital access.</p>
<p>According to him, the sector’s contribution came as Nigeria’s economy recorded a 3.89 per cent year-on-year real GDP growth during the period, while the non-oil sector accounted for 96.08 per cent of total GDP, according to figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).</p>
<p>He said telecommunications had become a key enabler of economic activities by supporting digital payments, logistics, e-commerce, media, education, remote work and the operations of millions of small businesses.</p>
<p>Basamta noted that Globacom, as Nigeria’s indigenous telecommunications operator, had played a significant role in deepening competition and expanding digital infrastructure since its commencement of operations in 2003.</p>
<p>He said the company’s investments in network expansion and international connectivity, including the Glo-1 submarine cable, had strengthened broadband access and improved connectivity nationwide.</p>
<p>According to him, Globacom’s mass-market reach also connects it closely to Nigeria’s informal economy, where phones increasingly function as shopfronts, payment terminals and customer-service channels.</p>
<p>“Affordable and reliable connectivity can therefore raise productivity even among businesses that do not identify themselves as technology companies.”</p>
<p>Basamta said industry growth would continue to depend on sustained investments in fibre infrastructure, 4G and 5G networks, improved service quality and increased digital literacy.</p>
<p>He noted that broadband penetration reached 55.67 per cent in April 2026, which showed that more Nigerians were moving into data-intensive activities.</p>
<p>According to the analyst, as Globacom approaches its 23rd anniversary, the company has an opportunity to further expand its contribution to the economy by serving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), schools, content creators and enterprises.</p>
<p>He added that such investments would help translate digital connectivity into higher productivity and broader economic inclusion.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/07/17/glos-investments-reinforce-telecoms-sectors-9-19-gdp-contribution-analyst/">Glo’s investments reinforce telecoms sector’s 9.19 GDP contribution -Analyst</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
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		<title>NCC begins review of mobile termination rates after eight years</title>
		<link>https://newsverge.com/2026/06/16/ncc-begins-review-of-mobile-termination-rates-after-eight-years/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Funmilola Gboteku]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:22:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[BUSINESS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ECONOMY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Telecom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://newsverge.com/?p=191705</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a comprehensive review of Mobile Termination Rates (MTR), eight years after the current rates were introduced in 2018. The Head of Competition and Tariff at the NCC, Mrs Omotayo Mohammed, disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos while presenting a consultancy document on the review process. Mobile Termination Rates [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/06/16/ncc-begins-review-of-mobile-termination-rates-after-eight-years/">NCC begins review of mobile termination rates after eight years</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a comprehensive review of Mobile Termination Rates (MTR), eight years after the current rates were introduced in 2018.</strong></em><br />
<span id="more-191705"></span></p>
<p>The Head of Competition and Tariff at the NCC, Mrs Omotayo Mohammed, disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos while presenting a consultancy document on the review process.</p>
<p>Mobile Termination Rates (MTRs) are the wholesale per-minute charges that one telecoms operator pays to another to complete a call on a competitor’s network.</p>
<p>They are the fees charged by mobile operators to connect a phone call originating from a different network.</p>
<p>In Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) sets these regulated rates to manage competition and ensure fair pricing across networks.</p>
<p>Mohammed said the review became necessary because the existing rates no longer reflected prevailing economic and operational realities in the telecommunications industry.</p>
<p>“The foundation of wholesale interconnection affects every stakeholder in this room.</p>
<p>“Misaligned termination rates can enable dominant operators to foreclose smaller competitors, deter infrastructure investment and ultimately burden consumers through inflated retail prices,” she said.</p>
<p>The NCC official explained that the current MTR stood at N3.90 per minute for generic operators and N4.70 per minute for new entrants, rates that had remained unchanged since 2018.</p>
<p>According to her, significant changes in the economy, including naira depreciation, rising inflation and increasing energy costs, have altered operators’ cost structures over the years.</p>
<p>Mohammed noted that advancements in technology, particularly the deployment of 5G networks, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven services and Internet of Things (IoT) applications, had also changed network usage patterns beyond what was envisaged in the 2018 cost model.</p>
<p>She added that Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram were increasingly handling voice and messaging traffic, thereby reducing reliance on traditional interconnection services.</p>
<p>Mohammed said the commission had engaged KPMG to undertake the consultancy and stakeholder engagement process, expected to last four months.</p>
<p>According to her, the study will address issues relating to Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) services and Application-to-Person (A2P) Short Message Service (SMS), both of which have become increasingly important in the digital economy.</p>
<p>She said the review was being conducted in line with Sections 4, 96, 97 and 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which mandated the commission to promote investment, protect consumers and ensure fair competition.</p>
<p>Mohammed said the study would provide a cost-reflective MTR framework across different technology generations, operator categories and clearing house arrangements.</p>
<p>She added that it would also review International Termination Rates (ITR) to address grey-route traffic concerns, establish a pricing framework for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), and assess the current asymmetric rate structure between large and new entrant operators.</p>
<p>“The consultancy adopts an evidence-based and consultative approach. Stakeholders will have opportunities to submit their views and validate assumptions before any determination is made,” she said.</p>
<p>Mohammed said the review was expected to support retail affordability, improve access to digital financial services and enable operators to recover costs in line with current capital and operational expenditure realities.</p>
<p>She said transparent and cost-reflective rates would encourage infrastructure investment and enhance investor confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy.</p>
<p>Mohammed assured stakeholders that the NCC would make its methodology, key assumptions and cost model parameters available for review throughout the process to ensure transparency.</p>
<p>In her closing remarks, the Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, described the forum as one of the commission’s most important public-facing engagements because of its impact on the entire telecommunications value chain.</p>
<p>Ukoha said Mobile Termination Rates remained central to pricing structures, competition, service quality and consumer experience, making broad stakeholder participation essential to the determination process.</p>
<p>“We are particularly encouraged by the rapt attention, intellectual rigour and keen interest demonstrated by participants throughout today’s session.</p>
<p>“This active engagement reflects not only the relevance of the issues discussed but also a shared commitment to the sustainable growth and development of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector,” she said.</p>
<p>According to her, the presentations and discussions highlight both the complexities and opportunities in the MTR determination process and underscored the need for continuous stakeholder engagement.</p>
<p>She reiterated that the window for consultation remained open and encouraged stakeholders to submit additional inputs, data and perspepctives to support a balanced, forward-looking and sustainable outcome for the industry.</p>
<p>Ukoha assured stakeholders that the commission would continue to embrace collaboration and incorporate stakeholder feedback into its regulatory frameworks, while working towards a resilient, inclusive and future-ready telecommunications sector.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/06/16/ncc-begins-review-of-mobile-termination-rates-after-eight-years/">NCC begins review of mobile termination rates after eight years</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
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		<title>FCCPC earns praise as airtime credit services resume across major networks</title>
		<link>https://newsverge.com/2026/06/01/fccpc-earns-praise-as-airtime-credit-services-resume-across-major-networks/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Funmilola Gboteku]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:55:29 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[BUSINESS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Telecom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://newsverge.com/?p=191312</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has commended the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for restoring airtime credit services across major networks. Mr Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON, said this in a statement on Monday, describing the commission’s suspension of Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending regulations as a [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/06/01/fccpc-earns-praise-as-airtime-credit-services-resume-across-major-networks/">FCCPC earns praise as airtime credit services resume across major networks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has commended the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for restoring airtime credit services across major networks.</strong></em><br />
<span id="more-191312"></span></p>
<p>Mr Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON, said this in a statement on Monday, describing the commission’s suspension of Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending regulations as a boost to regulatory certainty.</p>
<p>He said the decision had enabled the return of airtime and data credit services after weeks of disruption that affected about 40 million active subscribers nationwide.</p>
<p>According to him, Airtel Nigeria has fully restored airtime credit services, while Globacom has also resumed operations, providing relief to millions of prepaid customers.</p>
<p>Adebayo described the FCCPC’s action as a critical step toward restoring confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory environment and strengthening investor confidence in the telecommunications sector.</p>
<p>“We commend the FCCPC for taking this decision in the interests of Nigerian consumers and the telecommunications industry,” Adebayo said in the statement.</p>
<p>He said recognising the Nigerian Communications Commission as the sector’s primary regulator was important for industry stability and effective governance of telecom products and services.</p>
<p>Adebayo noted that the disruption highlighted the extent to which airtime credit had become embedded in the daily economic activities of millions of Nigerians.</p>
<p>According to him, the episode demonstrates that airtime credit should not be viewed solely as a financial product as initially characterised by regulators.</p>
<p>He described airtime credit as economic infrastructure relied upon by millions of Nigerians, particularly those within the lower-income segment of the population.</p>
<p>Adebayo said the temporary suspension of the service had consequences extending beyond telecommunications, affecting communication, commerce and access to essential services.</p>
<p>He recalled that the airtime credit market, valued at between N300 billion and N400 billion annually, was effectively frozen in early April.</p>
<p>According to him, operators suspended the services after an FCCPC directive classified airtime credit as consumer lending under regulations targeting digital lending applications.</p>
<p>The ALTON chairman noted that the classification triggered a jurisdictional dispute between the FCCPC and the Nigerian Communications Commission over regulatory authority.</p>
<p>He said subsequent court orders issued in Lagos and Abuja restrained aspects of the enforcement process and eventually paved the way for service restoration.</p>
<p>Adebayo observed that Airtel’s prompt restoration of the service reflected confidence in the legal and commercial environment following regulatory clarification.</p>
<p>He added that Globacom followed shortly afterwards, while MTN Nigeria had yet to restore its airtime credit service at the time of reporting.</p>
<p>According to him, industry sources indicate that there are no regulatory or legal impediments preventing the restoration of the service by remaining operators.</p>
<p>“The regulatory environment is now clear, and we are confident that full restoration is imminent,” Adebayo said.</p>
<p>He expressed optimism that all operators would restore services swiftly, noting that subscribers deserved urgent action following the prolonged disruption.</p>
<p>Looking ahead, Adebayo called for stronger collaboration between the FCCPC and the NCC to prevent similar regulatory conflicts in the future.</p>
<p>He said both agencies should establish formal coordination mechanisms to address issues arising at the intersection of telecommunications and financial services.</p>
<p>“The FCCPC’s consumer protection mandate and the Nigerian Communications Commission’s telecom regulatory mandate can coexist without either displacing the other,” he said. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/06/01/fccpc-earns-praise-as-airtime-credit-services-resume-across-major-networks/">FCCPC earns praise as airtime credit services resume across major networks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
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		<title>Airtime/data lending: Subscribers want transparent, flexible, user-friendly service</title>
		<link>https://newsverge.com/2026/04/28/airtime-data-lending-subscribers-want-transparent-flexible-user-friendly-service/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Somtochukwu Nnajiofor]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:13:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[BUSINESS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ECONOMY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Telecom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://newsverge.com/?p=190482</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Some Nigerians on Tuesday urged the new firms that have recently been approved to take over airtime and data lending from the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to be transparent, flexible, and user-friendly. The subscribers, who spoke with our correspondent in Lagos in separate interviews, said that these were their expectations and requests for the new [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/04/28/airtime-data-lending-subscribers-want-transparent-flexible-user-friendly-service/">Airtime/data lending: Subscribers want transparent, flexible, user-friendly service</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>Some Nigerians on Tuesday urged the new firms that have recently been approved to take over airtime and data lending from the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to be transparent, flexible, and user-friendly.</strong></em><br />
<span id="more-190482"></span></p>
<p>The subscribers, who spoke with our correspondent in Lagos in separate interviews, said that these were their expectations and requests for the new firms.</p>
<p>They expressed cautious optimism that the change in micro-credit providers could improve service delivery, if properly regulated.</p>
<p>Our correspondent recalls that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) approved five firms to provide digital airtime and data lending services.</p>
<p>This move follows new regulatory requirement that led major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) like MTN and Airtel to suspend their own borrowing services, such as the MTN Xtratime.</p>
<p>The five firms approved for airtime &#038; data lending as of April 2026 are Total TIM Nigeria Limited; Rane Interactive Medien CLS Limited; Mode NG Applications Nigeria Limited; Cloud Interactive Associate Limited and Coverage Broadband Limited.</p>
<p>These developments were done in compliance with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.</p>
<p>The FCCPC maintained that it had not banned airtime or data lending services but introduced regulations to address consumer complaints, including opaque charges and poor disclosure practices.</p>
<p>It said any service involving lending must comply with established consumer protection guidelines to ensure fairness and accountability.</p>
<p>The commission stressed that the new firms met requirements under the new lending regulations aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and consumer protection in digital credit services.</p>
<p>Speaking on the development, an undergraduate, simply called Hakim, said: “For me, it’s about flexibility. Let the firms always give us more time to repay. Life is unpredictable, and strict repayment deadlines don’t help struggling users.”</p>
<p>Zainab, a secondary school teacher, said:<br />
“I hope the new firms will educate users. Many people don’t understand how airtime loans work. Awareness will help people avoid unnecessary debt.</p>
<p>Kemi, a Lagos-based Undergraduate, said: “If they can integrate with apps we already use, like banking or mobile wallets, it’ll be easier. Convenience matters more than anything for my generation.”</p>
<p>Musa Abdullahi, a Civil Servant, extended a simple appeal: “Don’t turn this into another debt trap. Keep interest low and avoid aggressive deductions that leave people stranded.”</p>
<p>Tunde Ajayi, a Lagos-based Uber Rider, appealed for flexible repayment structures, noting that rigid deadlines often worsened financial strain for low-income earners.</p>
<p>On the other part, another student, Nwankwo Favor, highlighted the importance of micro options, stating that smaller and more accessible loan sizes would benefit students and low-income users.</p>
<p>“I want smaller borrowing options. Not everyone needs big data bundles. Even ₦100 or ₦200 data loans should be available without stress,” she said.</p>
<p>Similarly, Musa Abdullahi, another civil servant, warned against exploitative practices, urging regulators to ensure that interest rates remain fair and consumer-friendly.</p>
<p>He noted that while the transition could drive innovation, failure to address past challenges may erode public confidence.</p>
<p>Abdullah added that micro-credit services in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector was very important, as digital access was increasingly tied to economic participation. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/04/28/airtime-data-lending-subscribers-want-transparent-flexible-user-friendly-service/">Airtime/data lending: Subscribers want transparent, flexible, user-friendly service</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
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		<title>NCC orders airtime credits for poor network service</title>
		<link>https://newsverge.com/2026/04/23/ncc-orders-airtime-credits-for-poor-network-service/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Funmilola Gboteku]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:08:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[BUSINESS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Telecom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://newsverge.com/?p=190379</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says telecom operators will compensate subscribers for poor network quality through airtime credits under a strengthened regulatory enforcement framework nationwide. The measure is part of renewed efforts to improve service delivery, protect consumers, and hold operators accountable for persistent lapses in network performance across the country. The Executive Vice Chairman, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/04/23/ncc-orders-airtime-credits-for-poor-network-service/">NCC orders airtime credits for poor network service</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says telecom operators will compensate subscribers for poor network quality through airtime credits under a strengthened regulatory enforcement framework nationwide.</strong></em><br />
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<p>The measure is part of renewed efforts to improve service delivery, protect consumers, and hold operators accountable for persistent lapses in network performance across the country.</p>
<p>The Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, disclosed this during a media breakfast meeting on Thursday, outlining the commission’s latest compliance and enforcement strategies.</p>
<p>Maida said the compensation directive followed verified failures by operators to meet established minimum quality of service standards in several locations.</p>
<p>“It is not a refund from the regulator but a compliance obligation placed on service providers,” he said, stressing operators must bear full responsibility.</p>
<p>He explained that the framework relies on detailed monitoring at local government level, enabling the commission to pinpoint exact areas and periods of poor service.</p>
<p>This granular approach, he said, allowsy regulators to move beyond general complaints and focus on measurable, location-specific service deficiencies affecting subscribers.</p>
<p>According to him, the compensation specifically covers service failures recorded between November 2025 and January 2026 across multiple network providers.</p>
<p>“Eligible subscribers will receive airtime credits with notifications explaining the cause and value of the compensation,” he said.</p>
<p>He added that notifications would improve transparency and help users understand why compensation was applied to their accounts.</p>
<p>Maida noted the commission has significantly strengthened its monitoring systems to capture real-time, location-specific service performance data.</p>
<p>“These systems ensure enforcement reflects actual user experience rather than generalised industry averages,” he said, highlighting improved regulatory precision.</p>
<p>He added that operators are required to implement the compensation directly, while the NCC provides oversight to ensure compliance.</p>
<p>“Independent checks will confirm that affected subscribers are properly credited,” he said, noting sanctions for non-compliance may follow.</p>
<p>Maida said the initiative formed part of broader reforms aimed at improving accountability and service standards within the telecommunications sector.</p>
<p>“Operators failing to meet obligations will face stricter enforcement measures,” he warned, signalling tougher regulatory action ahead.</p>
<p>He stressed that improving service quality required both sustained infrastructure investment and stronger operational discipline by network providers.</p>
<p>“Service providers must maintain performance standards consistently across all regions, including underserved and rural areas,” he said.</p>
<p>Maida reiterated the NCC’s commitment to balancing consumer protection with industry sustainability and long-term sector growth.</p>
<p>“Operators must take responsibility for the quality of experience delivered to subscribers,” he said, urging greater corporate accountability.</p>
<p>He added that the commission remained committed to ensuring Nigerians received value for money spent on telecom services nationwide.</p>
<p>“Persistent poor service quality is no longer acceptable under current regulatory direction,” he said, emphasising zero tolerance for continued lapses. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/04/23/ncc-orders-airtime-credits-for-poor-network-service/">NCC orders airtime credits for poor network service</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
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		<title>MTN suspends airtime, data lending services over FCCPC regulation</title>
		<link>https://newsverge.com/2026/04/17/mtn-suspends-airtime-data-lending-services-over-fccpc-regulation/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stellamaris Ashinze]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:26:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[BUSINESS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Telecom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://newsverge.com/?p=190193</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has temporarily suspended its airtime and data lending service, “Xtratime”, following new regulations introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The company disclosed this in a corporate filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Thursday. MTN said the suspension was necessitated by the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/04/17/mtn-suspends-airtime-data-lending-services-over-fccpc-regulation/">MTN suspends airtime, data lending services over FCCPC regulation</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>The MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has temporarily suspended its airtime and data lending service, “Xtratime”, following new regulations introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).</strong></em><br />
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<p>The company disclosed this in a corporate filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Thursday.</p>
<p>MTN said the suspension was necessitated by the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, which established a new compliance and licensing framework for providers of digital credit services.</p>
<p>In the disclosure signed by its Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, the telecom operator explained that Xtratime enabled eligible prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.</p>
<p>“MTN Nigeria Communications Plc hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public that the Company has temporarily suspended its airtime and data credit advance service (‘Xtratime’).</p>
<p>“This relates to the implementation of processes under the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.</p>
<p>”The implementation introduced a new compliance and licensing framework for entities providing digital or non-traditional consumer credit services,” the company said.</p>
<p>The firm assured customers that other digital channels for purchasing airtime and data would remain available during the suspension.</p>
<p>MTN also noted that the temporary halt was not expected to significantly impact its earnings.</p>
<p>“Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” it stated.</p>
<p>The company added that it would continue to monitor customer behaviour and provide updates on any measurable impact in its first quarter 2026 results.</p>
<p>NAN reports that the FCCPC regulation builds on earlier guidelines issued in 2022 to strengthen oversight of digital lending in Nigeria.</p>
<p>Under the new framework, all digital lenders, including telecom operators offering airtime or data credit services, are required to register with the commission.</p>
<p>The FCCPC had earlier set Oct. 31, 2025, as the deadline for registration, with a penalty of N100 million for non-compliance before extending it to Jan. 5, 2026, and subsequently to April 2026 to allow full compliance.</p>
<p>The Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, had said operators that failed to regularise their status within the stipulated period could face further regulatory actions.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/04/17/mtn-suspends-airtime-data-lending-services-over-fccpc-regulation/">MTN suspends airtime, data lending services over FCCPC regulation</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
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		<title>Airtel to deepen network expansion in 2026</title>
		<link>https://newsverge.com/2026/02/05/airtel-to-deepen-network-expansion-in-2026/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Funmilola Gboteku]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:49:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[BUSINESS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Telecom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://newsverge.com/?p=188062</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Airtel Nigeria says 2026 will be a major year of network expansion as it scales investments to improve coverage, capacity and digital resilience nationwide. The Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Dinesh Balsingh, said this on Thursday during an Airtel media roundtable in Lagos. Balsingh said the company expanded its network footprint by about [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/02/05/airtel-to-deepen-network-expansion-in-2026/">Airtel to deepen network expansion in 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>Airtel Nigeria says 2026 will be a major year of network expansion as it scales investments to improve coverage, capacity and digital resilience nationwide.</strong></em><br />
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<p>The Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Dinesh Balsingh, said this on Thursday during an Airtel media roundtable in Lagos.</p>
<p>Balsingh said the company expanded its network footprint by about 15 per cent between December 2023 and early 2025, increasing its sites from roughly 15,000 to 17,000, with further expansion planned this year.</p>
<p>“Over the last two years, we have expanded our geographical network by close to 15 per cent, and we intend to repeat that scale of expansion again in 2026,” he said.</p>
<p>He said the investments were focused on deep rural communities, small towns and the fringes of major cities, adding that the expansion was designed to improve coverage, capacity and network resilience.</p>
<p>“Everyone has the right to digital connectivity, including people in deep rural markets and small communities,” Balsingh said.</p>
<p>According to him, Airtel has deployed satellite technology in remote locations where fibre access is impractical, citing communities in Adamawa and other parts of northern Nigeria now connected via Starlink.</p>
<p>“These are very remote villages where terrestrial fibre was practically impossible, but satellite connectivity is performing very well,” he said.</p>
<p>Balsingh said Airtel had also upgraded capacity on about 25 per cent of its existing sites in 2025 the by deploying higher-capacity radios and migrating backhaul from microwave to fibre.</p>
<p>He noted that 99.99 per cent of Airtel’s network sites were now 4G-enabled, even in remote areas, while spectrum capacity on the 4G network had been increased by about 20 per cent to meet rising data demand.</p>
<p>“4G remains the backbone of mobile data usage, and expanding spectrum is like widening the highway for traffic,” he said.</p>
<p>On 5G, Balsingh said Airtel had more than doubled its 5G sites in the last three months and planned to migrate about 25 per cent of its network in the top 20 cities to 5G over time.</p>
<p>He also said Airtel was expanding its fibre backbone by about 25 per cent and had completed nearly half of the rollout, alongside plans for a second internet breakout point from southern Nigeria to improve national network resilience.</p>
<p>“These investments are about building scale, capacity and resilience for the long-term future of Nigeria,” Balsingh said.</p>
<p>He added that Airtel was strengthening its artificial intelligence and data centre capabilities, including a hyperscaler-ready facility expected to support advanced analytics, network automation and consumer protection services.</p>
<p>Balsingh acknowledged ongoing challenges around fibre cuts and infrastructure damage, but commended government and regulatory efforts to protect telecom assets under the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) framework.</p>
<p>“We are very happy with what the government and the regulator are doing around CNII, especially the focus on reducing fibre cuts, which affect all operators and consumers,” he said.</p>
<p>Balsingh said in spite of challenges such as fibre cuts, Airtel remained committed to sustained investment, describing 2026 as another massive year for network and digital infrastructure development ìin Nigeria.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/02/05/airtel-to-deepen-network-expansion-in-2026/">Airtel to deepen network expansion in 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
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		<title>NCC begins competition study to address market dominance in telecoms</title>
		<link>https://newsverge.com/2026/01/13/ncc-begins-competition-study-to-address-market-dominance-in-telecoms/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Funmilola Gboteku]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:53:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[BUSINESS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Telecom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://newsverge.com/?p=187275</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a comprehensive study on competition in the telecommunications sector to address concerns around market dominance and ensure fair, effective and sustainable competition. NCC said this during a stakeholders’ forum on the Study of Competition in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Lagos on Tuesday. Speaking [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/01/13/ncc-begins-competition-study-to-address-market-dominance-in-telecoms/">NCC begins competition study to address market dominance in telecoms</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a comprehensive study on competition in the telecommunications sector to address concerns around market dominance and ensure fair, effective and sustainable competition.</strong></em><br />
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<p>NCC said this during a stakeholders’ forum on the Study of Competition in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Lagos on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Speaking at the forum, the Head of Tariff, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis Department, NCC, Mrs Omotayo Mohammed, said that the exercise was necessary to validate existing competition policies against current market realities.</p>
<p>Mohammed said the telecommunications sector, which contributed about 9.1 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as at third quarter of 2025, had undergone significant changes in revenue models, investment patterns and market interactions.</p>
<p>She noted that rapid technological change, evolving consumer behaviour, rising investment costs and heightened competitive pressures had increased concerns around market concentration, barriers to entry and small players’  sustainability.</p>
<p>According to her, the last comprehensive, industry-wide competition study conducted by the Commission was concluded in 2013, while subsequent studies focused on specific services and market segments.</p>
<p>Mohammed explained that developments in technology, market structure and consumer behaviour now necessitated a holistic reassessment of competition across the telecommunications value chain.</p>
<p>She said the study was diagnostic and evidence-based, stressing that it was not designed to pre-judge outcomes or single out any operator.</p>
<p>Also speaking, Akolawole Odunlami, Director, Strategy, PwC Network, said the study was timely, given the slowing growth and structural shifts in the global telecommunications industry.</p>
<p>Odunlami said the global telecoms sector was projected to reach about 1.3 trillion dollars by 2028, but growth had slowed to about two to three per cent annually, compared to about four per cent year-on-year before the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
<p>He noted that while subscriber numbers in sub-Saharan Africa continued to increase, most operators were experiencing declining average revenue per user (ARPU), intensifying competition and placing pressure on traditional business models.</p>
<p>According to him, consumer behaviour has changed, with users now digital-first and seeking experiences powered by connectivity rather than just voice or data services.</p>
<p>“Today’s consumers are not just buying data; they are looking for digital experiences such as entertainment, financial services, self-service applications and social connectivity, with data serving as the backbone,” Odunlami said.</p>
<p>He said globally, telecommunications operators were rethinking their business models by integrating lifestyle services into their platforms, allowing users to access utilities, health services and fintech offerings through mobile applications.</p>
<p>Odunlami added that Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms such as WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams had shifted traditional voice and messaging revenues, making data the primary driver of communication and service delivery.</p>
<p>He said the evolution of technology, including the rollout of 5G and future 6G networks, would further reshape competitive dynamics.</p>
<p>Odunlami noted that, however, adoption in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa remained constrained by infrastructure gaps, low investment in research and development, and slow uptake of 5G-enabled devices.</p>
<p>According to him, short to medium-term 5G adoption in sub-Saharan Africa was projected at 14 per cent to 17 per cent, significantly below global averages, underscoring the need for policy and investment support.</p>
<p>Odunlami said the NCC-PwC study would assess market dynamics, identify sources of market power, and provide evidence-based recommendations to promote fair competition, innovation and service quality.</p>
<p>He added that the study would rely on accurate, timely and complete data submission by stakeholders, with confidentiality assured under existing non-disclosure agreements.</p>
<p>The NCC said the findings of the study would guide proportionate, forward-looking regulatory interventions aimed at preventing anti-competitive practices, protecting consumers and ensuring the long-term stability of Nigeria’s telecom sector. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://newsverge.com/2026/01/13/ncc-begins-competition-study-to-address-market-dominance-in-telecoms/">NCC begins competition study to address market dominance in telecoms</a> appeared first on <a href="https://newsverge.com">NEWSVERGE</a>.</p>
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