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Tag: Airtel Nigeria

  • Airtel, itel seal 4G device financing deal

    Airtel, itel seal 4G device financing deal

    Airtel Nigeria has unveiled a new Smartphone Financing Programme to aggressively bridge the digital divide. The innovation provides existing Airtel customers with a flexible and convenient payment plan to own fourth generation (4G) smartphones and drive wider digital inclusion.

    Through this innovation, Airtel will finance new smartphones via its exclusive retail network, helping customers currently using 2G and 3G devices upgrade seamlessly to 4G connectivity. The programme will kick off with the Itel A50 smartphone, a reliable, high-performing device designed to deliver a superior mobile experience for customers across Nigeria.

    Speaking on the launch, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, , Dinesh Balsingh, said the initiative reflects Airtel’s deep commitment to empowering Nigerians with all they need to thrive in a connected world.

    He said: “Connectivity is opportunity, and smartphones are the key that unlocks it. Through the Airtel Smartphone Financing Programme, we are enabling more Nigerians to access 4G technologies, experience the full benefits of digital inclusion without financial strain, and transform the way they learn, work, and live. This initiative goes beyond providing devices; it is about empowerment, progress, and building a truly connected future.”

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    To be eligible, customers must be Airtel subscribers and are advised to check their financing status by dialling *492# USSD code. Once approved, the final onboarding is completed at any Airtel-owned shop. Upon making the initial down payment of ₦19,000 or ₦21,000, customers will receive their smartphone and immediately gain access to fast 4G internet.

    All payments, including the down payment and subsequent weekly instalments, will be made exclusively through SmartCash, Airtel’s secure mobile money subsidiary.

    Also speaking on the innovation, Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, emphasized the role of partnerships and technology in driving the initiative.

     “Our mission is to democratise access to technology by removing financial barriers. With this programme, customers can now afford quality smartphones without the burden of full upfront payment. By leveraging SmartCash and intelligent scoring systems, we are creating a sustainable model for inclusive digital growth,” Adeshina added.

    To qualify, customers must be active on the Airtel network for at least three months, have a registered SmartCash account, a valid form of identification such as NIN, Voter’s Card, or Driver’s Licence, and provide consent for data processing by Intelligra for eligibility verification.

  • How to deepen broadband access, by Airtel Nigeria

    How to deepen broadband access, by Airtel Nigeria

    Airtel Nigeria has said the deployment of innovative solutions such as its SmartConnect 5G Outdoor Unit (ODU) Router, will deepen broadband penetration across the country.

    The telco said the new broadband solution is designed to deliver affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet access to households and businesses across the country.

    According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria’s broadband penetration currently stands at around 43 per cent with fixed-line access limited in many regions.

    Commenting on the new product, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said the company is democratizing technology access.

    He said:  “Our mission has always been to democratise access to technology,” said “With SmartConnect, we are removing the barriers of cost and complexity. Every household and every small business deserves to be connected without compromise.”

    Marketing Director at Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina, said the router was designed the country’ reality in mind.

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    He said:  “SmartConnect was designed with the Nigerian reality in mind. Families, entrepreneurs, and students need reliability and confidence that their router will keep them online even in the face of power cuts or network fluctuations. This product delivers exactly that.”

    The SmartConnect router, offered at an entry cost of ₦50,000, comes with a SIM card, free installation, and a complimentary 30-day unlimited data bundle at speeds up to 50 Mbps. Customers can thereafter subscribe to flexible plans: ₦25,000 monthly for unlimited 50 Mbps or ₦45,000 monthly for unlimited 100 Mbps.

    With the ODU design, the router is mounted outdoors to capture stronger and more stable signals, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in dense urban and peri-urban areas. The device also includes features such as nationwide usability with access to Airtel’s 5G where available and seamless fallback to 4G LTE; multi-user capability, supporting up to 64 simultaneous device connections; built-in power backup lasting up to five to six hours during electricity outages; as well as parental and usage controls for managing browsing access.

    The SmartConnect router can be purchased at Airtel showrooms nationwide, through the company’s official e-shop via Home Broadband Sales Executives, or through Direct Sales Executives. Subscriptions and bundle renewals can be managed through the Airtel Africa App, the company’s broadband portal USSD, or QR code.

    Airtel’s SmartConnect 5G ODU router provides a scalable and affordable solution that addresses this gap, aligning with the government’s national broadband and digital economy goals.

  • Customers angry as Airtel Nigeria increases data prices

    Customers angry as Airtel Nigeria increases data prices

    Angry subscribers yesterday took to Airtel Nigeria’s X (formerly Twitter) page to express their displeasure over the operator’s decision to implement a significant adjustment to its data pricing structure.

    The revised data plans, published on the telco’s website, include daily plans: N50 for 40MB (valid for one day), N100 for 100MB (valid for one day), N200 for 200MB (valid for three days), and N350 for 1GB (valid for one day).

    On the other hand, weekly plans have become N350 for 350MB (valid for seven days), N500 for 750MB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 200MB YouTube Music/Spotify (valid for seven days), N500 for 1GB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 50MB Socials (valid for seven days), and N500 for 2GB (valid for 2 days).

    Other changes for the monthly plan include 3GB for N2,000 (from 1.5GB at N1,200), 4GB for N2,500 (formerly 3GB at N1,500), and 8GB for N3,000 (formerly 4.5GB at N2,000).

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    Other adjustments include 10GB for N4,000 (formerly 6GB at N2,500), 13GB for N5,000 (from 10GB at N3,000), 18GB for N6,000 (formerly 15GB at N4,000), and 25GB for N8,000 (replacing 18GB at N5,000).

    According to the telco’s website, the revision, which affects various data bundles, is aimed at mitigating the impact of escalating operational costs on the company’s operations, amidst a challenging economic landscape.

    A subscriber, Okikiola (@okikiola_Ayoade) said: “Return our data bundles back e no easy to dey get money, you people dey inconvenience us, data from 3000 for 20gb is now 3000 for 10gb ,Why are we suffering for what we are paying for, ogun dey kee una shey until when we no get clothes for neck again?

    Also, Jessy Paul (@Firstjessy), another Subscriber, queried the telco for stopping its previous data offer, saying that the only reason he was using Airtel was because their plans were reasonable.

    “Can you change it back to what it used to be or should I break my Airtel SIM and switch to another network?” Paul asked.

    Another subscriber, ShadeFX D BoiCrypt (@ShadeFx__) said: “Life is already hard for us and you decided to add more to it by being heartless, why increase data plans and then exhaust it so fast.

    “What did we do wrong by choosing to use your network? Does it sound fair to you now? Are you happy? This is Evil,” he said.

    However, Airtel on its X page apologised for the inconveniences caused by the data increase to subscribers who complained.

    “We extend our sincere understanding regarding your concerns, and wish to apprise you that comprehensive revisions have been effectuated across our voice and data plans,” Airtel said.

    This development comes on the heels of a tariff adjustment of 50 per cent by MTN Nigeria, which took effect about one week ago, in a bid to cushion the impact of rising operational costs.

    Recall that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry’s regulatory body, had approved the 50 per cent tariff adjustments to operators, citing the need to ensure the sustainability of the telecommunications industry.

    The commission said its approval was in response to prevailing operational costs and was made pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA).

    The NCC said while recognising the concerns of the public, the decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

  • Airtel opens outlet in Sangotedo

    Airtel opens outlet in Sangotedo

    Airtel Nigeria, as part its ongoing commitment to delivering a seamless and exceptional retail experience for its customers has launched its new Company-Owned-Company-Operated (COCO) retail store in Sangotedo, Lagos.

    The new retail store aligns with Airtel’s dedication to providing topnotch experience for its customers, offering end-to-end customer support, instant activation of new SIM cards, bill payments, data plan subscriptions, device purchases, and troubleshooting services.

    Speaking during the launch, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja, reiterated Airtel’s commitment to delivering world-class service to its customers.

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    “At Airtel, our mission has always been to delight our customers by delivering unmatched satisfaction and we understand that connectivity is the lifeblood of modern business and everyday life. This is why we are passionate about ensuring that every customer’s journey with us is seamless, convenient, and rewarding,” he said.

    “We are proud to be part of the Sangotedo community and excited to deepen our partnership with the people and businesses in this vibrant part of Lagos. This shop is a reflection of our belief that access to excellent telecommunications services should be within everyone’s reach,” he added.

  • Airtel feeds 6,000

    Airtel feeds 6,000

    Airtel Nigeria has commenced its annual 5 Days of Love campaign, a philanthropic initiative designed to spread the joy and warmth of the festive season by feeding thousands of underprivileged Nigerians and supporting communities across the country.

    Marking its 10th edition, this year’s campaign themed ‘5 Days; 6 Cities; 6,000 Meals’ successfully kicked off in Lagos on Monday, 16th December 2024, at Holy Cross Cathedral School, Onikan, Lagos, with 1,000 individuals, including children, youth, and the elderly, receiving packed meals.

    The event created a festive atmosphere filled with joy, celebration, laughter and entertainment.

    Speaking on this year’s edition of the project, Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, represented by Lagos Regional Operations Director, Airtel Nigeria, Peter Francis, emphasized that the broader significance of the 5 Days of Love festive period program was beyond meal distribution.

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    “At Airtel, we pride ourselves in being a people-centred organization. This event is not only about providing meals; it is a meaningful way to connect with communities, share moments of warmth, joy, and togetherness, and create a vibrant atmosphere of celebration and love. Today reminds us of the core values of joy, love, kindness, and shared humanity that define this initiative and Airtel’s mission. Together, we can continue to make a lasting positive impact.”

    Following the successful completion of Lagos event, the 5 Days of Love train moves to Borno on Tuesday, 17th December; Abuja on Wednesday, 18th December; and Enugu and Rivers States on Thursday, 19th December; before concluding in Osun State on Friday, 20th December 2024.

    Also speaking during the event, Executive Chairman, Lagos Island East Local Government Development Area, Honourable Muibi Alade Folawiyo, lauded Airtel Nigeria for a thoughtful initiative of sharing love with individuals and communities, encouraging the telco to keep the program alive.

    “This is a remarkable act of kindness, and I appreciate Airtel for its dedication to uplifting lives and spreading love to individuals. I am grateful to Airtel Nigeria for spreading joy to us in this part of Lagos,” he said.

    The 5 Days of Love campaign reflects Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to enriching the lives of Nigerians through meaningful community engagement and support. By fostering a sense of togetherness and goodwill, Airtel continues to exemplify its role as a socially responsible organization, creating lasting positive impact during the festive season and year round.

  • Airtel Nigeria mulls investment in solar energy to cut cost

    Airtel Nigeria mulls investment in solar energy to cut cost

    Apparently worried over the huge wage bill estimated at N28billion being expended on diesel to power its sites, Airtel Nigeria has hinted of plans to invest in solar energy to cut cost as well as embark on a sustainability drive to reduce its carbon footprint.

    Giving this hint was Mr Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria.

    He spoke recently during a media roundtable organised to engage with senior media practitioners in Lagos.

    According to Adeniran, Airtel with over 15,000 sites across Nigeria, each equipped with at least one diesel generator, currently consumes 22 million litres of diesel monthly, resulting in significant environmental impact.

    He said the monthly expenditure could have been higher without collocation, which allowed telecom operators in the country to share infrastructure.

    “We are committed to minimising our environmental footprint. Our transition to grid and solar power will significantly reduce diesel consumption and mitigate climate change,” he said.

    Adeniran noted that Airtel Nigeria’s sustainability efforts are expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s climate change mitigation goals.

    Echoing similar sentiments, Mr Harmanpreet Dhillon, Chief Technical Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said the telco would be investing in Lithium-ion batteries rather than traditional batteries, which help to break down the carbon footprint.

    Lithium batteries are a type of rechargeable battery commonly used in portable electronics and electric vehicles.

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    They store more energy relative to their size and weight. Lithium batteries lose charge slower than other types.

    Dhillon said that apart from reducing its carbon footprint, the telco was also adopting outdoor-operable electronics/telecoms equipment.

    “These devices can withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and dust, eliminating the need for indoor air-conditioned spaces.

    “The traditional equipment used to be very sensitive to temperature, high temperatures, for which you require an indoor room and air conditioning, which again increases your energy consumption.

    “Now we are buying equipment which can operate in any environment, hence the power consumption goes down and doesn’t require high kilowatt consumption.

    “This move reduces energy consumption, allowing Airtel to lower power usage, reduce reliance on generators and increase solar and lithium-ion battery adoption,” Dhillon said.

    Director of Information Technology, Kemi Ariyo, in her presentation on the telco’s strategy to ensure seamless customer experience stated, “At Airtel, we value our customers and one of the ways we ensure they enjoy seamless experience is through our use of Artificial Intelligence tools. These AI tools predict upcoming problems, detect and auto-correct issues.”

    She also added Airtel has launched the tier four NXtra data centre which is scheduled to commence operations by 2027.

    Also speaking at the event, the Director of Marketing, Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina, in his presentation, presented the Airtel Unlimited Data and Smart Router, two of the current data packages designed to add value to customer experience.

    “We are proud to say that we are the first in the Nigerian telecom industry to bring about the Unlimited Data and the Airtel Smart Router. Due to the increased need for data by our customers, we have debuted the Unlimited data bundle. We have also introduced the Airtel Smart Router which enables users to easily convert their traditional TV sets into smart TVs.” he said.

  • Airtel to build data centre in Nigeria

    Airtel to build data centre in Nigeria

    • ’Tinubu’s policies have worked well for us’

    Telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria, will build one of Africa’s largest data centres in Nigeria, it has been learnt.

    Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Segun Ogunsanya, stated this while addressing reporters at the State House in Abuja after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu. He lauded the president’s policy reforms which, according to him, have worked very well.

    Ogunsanya, who said he was at the Villa to thank the President and hold some private discussions with him, noted that efforts at stabilising the foreign exchange regime have positively reflected on the company’s operations. He however said the foreign exchange crisis had not been completely achieved, but hoped there is light at the end of the tunnel.

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    He said: “I just came to share my appreciation with Mr President for a very conducive environment for our business. If you recollect, about six or seven months ago, I came to see him to discuss the operational environment for our business and a few things were changed, they’ve worked very well for us.

    “We had massive issues with FX liquidity, we still have some issues, but at least slightly more predictable than it was a couple of months ago. It makes it easier for us to do better planning. We’re not out of the woods yet, but we can see light at the end of the tunnel, we can do better planning.”

    On the proposed mega data centre, which he said had been cited in Nigeria to serve big businesses and some multinationals, Ogunsanya said it would be one of the largest in African, adding that the land had been procured and that groundbreaking should be in a matter of weeks.

    He added: “We’re always expanding our business; we’re always investing in the country. We’re going to set up a new data centre in the country. We’ve already bought the land, we’ll be breaking ground very soon, and it’s going to be one of the largest data centers in Africa.

    “It will serve all the big multinationals in the country, and some foreign companies. It’s actually one of the largest in Africa.”

  • 5G: Airtel Nigeria builds 200 sites

    5G: Airtel Nigeria builds 200 sites

    Airtel Nigeria said it has built no fewer than 200 new sites in order to provide services running on the fifth generation (5G) technology.

     It said it is already offering services in Lagos, Ogun, Port Harcourt and Abuja, promising to expand services to more cities very soon.

      Its Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, who spoke during a media interaction in Lagos, expounded on the Airtel 5G rollout and its commitment to innovative service delivery advancement through collaborations.

     “Airtel is investing heavily in 5G infrastructure, including towers, base stations, and spectrum licenses, to provide widespread 5G coverage across Nigeria. We are actively collaborating with technology partners, device manufacturers, and local businesses to explore and develop innovative 5G use cases, such as IoT (internet of Things) applications and smart city solutions,” he said.

     He said contrary to fears that the latest focus on 5G might affect 4G, he said “Every Airtel site is a 2G, 3G and 4G site. 5G deployment will not affect any of these, especially because the deployment is prioritized based on used cases and the need.”

     The Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran, while delivering his welcome remark, expressed gratitude to the media guest and said that the roundtable is a platform for Airtel to bring the media partners up to speed on the activities of Airtel Nigeria, considering their role as vital stakeholders and consistent supporters of Airtel as a business.

     “We have had several events that have brought us together in the past months, but we thought it is important to have a closer community discussion. The essence of this event is to have a good time together while we give you an understanding of what is currently going on in Airtel.”

     Speaking at the event, Director, Airtel Business, Ogo Ofomata, revealed activities that Airtel Business has been up to in terms of providing data and cloud management solutions to both SMEs and government agencies.

     “Airtel realized that the buying behavior of the private sector is different from the public sector, so this year, we created a special public sector event to showcase how their various parastatals can be upgraded to become more reliable. It was important to showcase to the public sector how their bulky data could be well managed. We had about 46 government agencies represented, to show that we were listening to the needs of the government on the digitization agenda,” she said.

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     Head of B2B Sales, Smartcash PSB, Judith Osiobe, also discussed the recently launched Smartcash international remittance service, revealing that this service is to ensure financial inclusion on a global scale.

     “We recently launched the Smartcash Remittance Service that offers competitive tariffs compared to traditional means. Customers can simply activate this service by opening an account with an existing mobile number by simply dialing *939# or downloading the app to activate an account. Smartcash is here to stay, and we are changing lives and making financial services accessible for everyone. We are also proud to say that we have the best and cheapest rate in the market when it comes to sorting utility bills on our payment service app.”

     The event, which was held at Radisson Hotel Ikeja, had more than 40 senior editors in attendance and included insightful presentations by three Airtel directors who discussed various recent developments across the business, including Airtel Nigeria enterprise offerings, collaborations with public sector Chief Information Officers (CIOs), 5G rollout, and Airtel Nigeria subsidiary, Smartcash Payment Service Bank.

     The event lived up to its billing as a true interactive meeting, as the presentations were followed by a question-and-answer session between the directors and the media guests in attendance.

     Airtel Nigeria expressed gratitude to the media for participating at the roundtable and declared that the company would look forward to collaborations that will further strengthen the bond between the company and the media.

  • Firm partners Airtel Nigeria to enhance mobile connectivity

    Firm partners Airtel Nigeria to enhance mobile connectivity

    MediaTek, a leading global fabless semiconductor company that powers nearly two billion connected devices annually, has collaborated with Airtel Nigeria, a leading telecommunications service provider to drive technological advancements and enhance mobile connectivity nationwide.

    This will see the integration of hundreds of millions of individuals into the digital economy, consequently advancing mobile connectivity throughout Nigeria.

    Speaking in a Vitual Media conference, Rami Osman, Director for Corporate Sales and Marketing, MediaTek Middle East and Africa said that the partnership highlights  MediaTek’s T750-powered Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), a groundbreaking technology that enhances internet connectivity emphasising that “This advancement allows users to access high-speed 5G networks from the comfort of their homes, opening doors to remote work, gaming, online education, and entertainment streaming like never before”.

    Explaining excitedly to the Media, he said that the T750 offers remarkable out-of-the-box 5G speeds, reaching up to an impressive 4.7Gbps adding it competes with or surpasses the performance of traditional fixed-line services, harnessing existing cellular infrastructure while avoiding the expenses associated with cable or fiber installation.

    “Our collaboration with Airtel Nigeria focuses on enhancing high-speed internet access through advanced chipsets, offering a wider range of premium and flagship devices while supporting the transition from feature phones to smartphones, and exploring innovative AI-IoT solutions. This collaboration will drive digital inclusion, revolutionise connectivity in Nigeria, and contribute to sustainable development goals,” said Rami Osman.

    In his own address, Ismail Adeshina, Director, Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, emphasised the importance of the partnership with MediaTek and how it will provide affordable connectivity to Nigerians.

    He stated, “Our commitment to innovation is evident through our early adoption of 5G technology. We are proactively investing in this technology to improve connectivity, to tackle coverage and cost challenges, and make 5G devices more accessible across Nigeria.”

    Responding to questions about the cost effectiveness, Ismail Adeshina said that “the only thing a customer needs to do is to pay N30,000 as deposit for the 5G Router and thereafter pay a monthly subscription of N10,000. We make sure customers are able to get device at affordable rate.”

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    Speaking, Mr. Osman stressed that MediaTek powers globally recognized brands and remains dedicated to providing state-of-the-art innovations through its latest products and solutions. These offerings he explained, span a diverse range, including smartphones, smart devices, automotive technology, satellite connectivity solutions, and next-generation wearables.

    He noted that MediaTek’s product portfolio includes MediaTek Dimensity for 5G smartphones, MediaTek HelioG series for 4G gaming smartphones, MediaTek Kompanio for arm-based Chromebooks, MediaTek Pentonic for Smart TV technologies, MediaTek Genio for Internet of Things applications, MediaTek Filogic for advanced Wi-Fi 6/6E & Wi-Fi 7 solutions, and MediaTek Dimensity Auto for cutting-edge automotive technologies, among others.

    MediaTek Incorporated (TWSE: 2454) is a global fabless semiconductor company that enables nearly 2 billion connected devices a year. We are a market leader in developing innovative systems-on-chip (SoC) for mobile, home entertainment, connectivity and IoT products.

    “Our dedication to innovation has positioned us as a driving market force in several key technology areas, including highly power-efficient mobile technologies, automotive solutions and a broad range of advanced multimedia products such as smartphones, tablets, digital televisions, 5G, Voice Assistant Devices (VAD) and wearables. MediaTek empowers and inspires people to expand their horizons and achieve their goals through smart technology, more easily and efficiently than ever before. We work with the brands you love to make great technology accessible to everyone, and it drives everything we do”, concluded Mr. Osman.

  • Airtel deepens internet connectivity

    AIRTEL Nigeria has taken a definitive step to deepen broadband connectivity in homes and offices across the country with the roll out of its Home Broadband value offering across the country.

    The telco said the launch of the offerings rides on its expansive and modernised 4G network, which has been deployed in over 130 cities and towns across the country, making Airtel the first operator to launch the Home Broadband plans in all 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory.

    The Airtel Home Broadband (HBB) package is available in Routers and MiFis and comes in various affordable recharge plans, offering up to 100GB of data bonus.

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    Under the new plans, when a customer purchases an Airtel Router for N25,000, he /she is instantly credited with 100GB data and also offered complimentary 10GB data for 6 months on purchase of the Airtel N10,000 data bundle plan.

    The MIFI comes at N15,000 and offers instant 40GB data and an additional 5GB monthly for 6 months on purchase of the N5,000 Data Bundle plan.

    The routers and MIFIs are bundled with a 4G SIM and customers can buy a bundle plan, register their data line and check their data balance by dialling *370# or by visiting the website, www.onetouch.ng.