The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Airtel

  • GDP: FG will encourage MTN, Etisalat, others – Minister

    GDP: FG will encourage MTN, Etisalat, others – Minister

    • seeks more collaboration on employment generation

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended MTN Nigeria on its impressive contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) since its inception in 2004.

    Speaking during his working visit to the Head Office of MTN Nigeria on Monday, the Honourable Minister for Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, said that the federal government will do everything possible to encourage and develop innovative ideas from MTN Nigeria and indeed other telecommunication companies in the country.

    “As a matter of fact, as a person, I consider MTN as first and foremost a Nigerian company. Nigerian company in the sense that it is a company registered in Nigeria like any other company. In fact, the government appreciates the contributions MTN Nigeria is making to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generating employment and putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians,” Shittu said.

    Speaking on the level of investment by MTN Nigeria, the Minister said: “MTN has made a lot of strides, pioneering efforts if I may say in regards to investment and in liberating Nigerians. As it were, time was when if you have to phone a relation, you will go to NITEL, queue up and pay through your nose for a minute or two. But with the coming of MTN and GSM, things have been wonderful.

    “There is no doubt over the last couple of months that we have had issues; those issues are normal in relationships like this. I want to assure you that the Nigerian government has nothing personal against MTN” while reassuring earlier that “my motivation for visiting companies is to do everything I can to give motivation and encouragement to companies operating in Nigeria.”

    It would be recalled that MTN Nigeria recently paid a sum N50billion to the Nigeria government in good faith with regards to the fine on the company by NCC. The company upon payment of the amount reiterated its commitment to the Nigeria government and assured of conducting its business within the parameters of the laws and regulations guiding its operations.

    The Company also reiterated its commitment to national security and human capital development as it places an unquantifiable premium on lives of Nigerians with its reinvigorated effort at complying with the SIM registration exercise.

    Stressing the value MTN has contributed, the Minister said: “I believe that MTN appreciates the fact that Nigerians love MTN. More than half of people who patronize GSM operations in Nigeria are your customers and I think that is an appreciation which must be acknowledged.”

    However, the Minister has promised to work in tandem with MTN Nigeria and other telecommunication companies in Nigeria to address challenges faced in the industry.

    “Am aware of deficiencies in broadband and some of the challenges you have mentioned. I want to assure you that we will do our best to collaborate with you to identify those things you can do very quickly and take all the needed steps to remedy the situation,” the Minister assured.

  • Airtel Trace music star enters season two

    Airtel Trace music star enters season two

    With a successful first season which saw MayungaNalimi from Tanzania win a record deal worth five hundred thousand dollars, collaboration, and mentorship with multi award-winning singer and producer Akon who was the competition ambassador for the previous year, Airtel Trace Music Star season two is here as another multi award winning American singer Keri Hilson will be on the hunt for Africa’s next super star.

    Saying the ‘Airtel trace music star competition is about talent, creativity and entertainment,’managing director of Trace TV West Africa Mr. Sam Onyemelukwe said: “Unlike other competitions where you have to travel miles for audition and you have only few minutes to show what you got, Airtel Trace music star is different, you can audition from the comfort of your sitting room, all you have to do is call 5678, record your song and win.

    “We will also have weekly prizes for some of the best entrants so we select like the best female and male singer of the week and give them airtime, devices and so on to keep them engage.”

    Chief Commercial Officer Airtel Nigeria, Ahmad Mokhles, also said, “basically this is a moment of truth, this is a moment of partnership between telecom and media and the good thing about this season is that for the first time Nigeria will be the host of the grand finale which will hold in June and Keri Hilson will be live in Nigeria to participate.”

    Other countries joining Nigeria in the second season include; Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi Tanzania and Zambia.

    Aside from the grand prize, this year’s winner will also get a mentorship program with multi- award winning American singer Keri Hilson in Atlanta and also get the opportunity to record a duet with the songstress.

  • Airtel restructures senior management

    Airtel restructures senior management

    Airtel has announced a major restructuring of its senior management team and reorganisation of the entire business in Nigeria and the other parts of the African continent into what it tagged ‘clusters.’

    With operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, the telco explained in a statement yesterday that the move was to further enhance the level of empowerment and enable faster decision making as well as speed to market.

    Under the new structure, MD & CEO, Airtel Africa, Christian de Faria, has been elevated to the position of Executive Chairman, Airtel Africa. In his new role, he will continue to support the vision of Airtel Africa and lead all matters relating to legal, regulatory affairs, shareholders as well as mergers & acquisitions.

  • Yudala, Airtel, offer instalmental payment for XTOUCH smartphone

    Yudala, Airtel, offer instalmental payment for XTOUCH smartphone

    A leading consumer electronics provider in Middle East and Africa (MEA), XTOUCH, has joined forces with composite retail outfit Yudala and Airtel to announce a new payment option for its new model E1. Through this offer, consumers can enjoy instalmental payment option as an alternative method of getting the XTOUCH E 1, the highly cost-effective sleek smartphone with powerful 3,200mAh large battery. Customers will also get the full cashback on Airtel data plans.

    The three months zero percentage on interest instalmental payment plan will make customer shopping experience easier and more enjoyable by allowing customers to purchase the XTOUCH E1 with a flexible repayment option, catered to their budget and lifestyle.

    “Yudala has always placed the needs and desires of the customer first. We team up with XTOUCH and Airtel to provide the customer one more payment option, to elevate the shopping experience to an even higher level. Even though the country is experiencing a currency crisis at the moment, we are still not afraid to take the risk of fixed pricing and testing the integrity of our esteemed consumers. We are doing this because we  are dedicated in making our customer’s shopping experience, online or offline, more pleasant and enjoyable,” said the founder and Vice President, Yudala, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh.

    Commenting on the partnership, Executive Director of Airtel, Tawa Bolarin said:  “The mobile web is growing at a phenomenal pace, and we have always been working to create optimal value for our customers through business excellence and innovation. We always try to make mobile internet more accessible and affordable for our numerous customers. Working with XTOUCH and Yudala to give customers full cashback on data plans when they purchase XTOUCH E1will greatly help us deliver on our vision. This is one important step we are taking.”

    The XTOUCH E1 smartphone comes with a 3,200mAh long-lasting battery. It is powered by high energy density technology, which can keep the smartphone under one-day full operation, 15-hour phone call, even for 300-hour stand-by time. The 5-inch display, with a 5MP rear camera and 2MP front camera, ensures a stunning display and browsing effect as well as clear angle for capturing the best moments in life.

    Game lovers and music enthusiasts will also undoubtedly fall in love with XTOUCH E1, which has a built-in 1GB RAM and internal storage of 8GB which can be further expanded to 32GB via micro SD card. The 1.2GHz Quad-core Processor also ensures longer usage with its power saving settings, which allow users the comfort to enjoy browsing the Internet, playing games, watching videos, listening to music and talking on the phone for longer periods.

  • Osinbajo’s wife praises Airtel for supporting less privileged

    Osinbajo’s wife praises Airtel for supporting less privileged

    The wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, has commended Airtel Nigeria for supporting the less privileged in Nigeria through the Airtel Touching Lives platform.

    Mrs Osinbajo, who was the Special Guest of honour at the premiere of Season 2 of Airtel Touching Lives, noted that Airtel Touching Lives programme has positively touched the lives of many Nigerians.

    “Support for those suffering and underprivileged should not be left in the hands of Airtel alone. It is the responsibility of us all. I was particularly touched by the Season 1 story of the Chime family whose children suffered various forms of physical disabilities. It shows that more attention and concern need to be shown to the less privileged people who are part of the society.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Airtel, Segun Ogunsanya, urged Nigerians to join efforts in supporting humanitarian causes.

  • Airtel CEO: let’s help the poor

    Airtel CEO: let’s help the poor

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, has called on Nigerians, including corporate organisations, government and NGOs, to support the less privileged.

    Ogunsanya made the call yesterday at the premiere of Season 2 of Airtel’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Touching Lives, where the company showcased its interventions toward less privileged individuals, people and communities.

    He said: “If we all support just one programme in our immediate communities, it will make a huge difference in making our country a better place for all.

    “At Airtel, we believe that to be a great company, we must first and foremost be a good company; and we are very much committed to earning our social licence – the love and acceptance of the various communities and people we serve,” he said.

    Also speaking at the event, the Vice President’s wife, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, hailed Airtel Nigeria for its steadfast support to the underprivileged in the society.

    The premiere of the Airtel Touching Lives Season 2 was held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

    The Season 2 is a 13-epidose programme, which features 24 emotion-evoking stories. It is anchored by popular On-Air-Personality, Wana Udobang.

  • MTN, Yudala others nominated for Consumersng awards

    MTN, Yudala others nominated for Consumersng awards

    In a bid to turnaround the diminishing ethical business standards in Nigeria, Consumersng, an online consumer rights advocacy platform established to ensure a more consumer-centric culture in Nigeria has released names of nominees of its maiden awards which aims at celebrating brands who are delivering premium services to Nigerians.

    In a press statement released by the organizers of the award, the Rights Advocacy Platform explained that part of the keys to unlocking the desired customer appreciation policy in the country is to showcase organisations doing things RIGHTLY and position them as models for others to emulate in a country where consumer appreciation is continually on the decline.

    “This year, we set our theme on rewarding companies deploying the best and latest technological solutions to providing world class services to their customers.

    In selecting the winning brands, consumers themselves will be voting their choice brands and this is what makes the award different from others.  We have kick started a voting process online which will be complimented by other criteria such as comments and recommendations from panel of judges which comprises majorly of stakeholders, analysts and watchers from the respective sectors will also be considered.

    The various categories and nominees include; E-governance: LASRA (Residency Card), Ondo E-card (Kaadi Igbe Ayo), Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (E-wallet), Nigeria Immigration Service (64 Page E-Passport); Bank of the year: Diamond Bank, GTBank, UBA, Zenith; Printing (Innovation of the year): Instantprint, Printivo, Printmagicng, Hospitality/Tourism (Innovations): Cleartrip, Hotelsng, Jovago, Education Site of the year: Prepclass, Passng, Tutor.ng, Myedu.ng, Car Search site of the year: Nigeriancardealers, Cheki, Carmudi, Nigeriancarmart, Beauty and Cosmetics (Innovations): Natures Gentle Touch, Yangabeauty, Eyeslipsface, Real estate site of the year: Lamudi, Propertysearch, Hutbay, Castles.

    Others include; Online retailers; Yudala, Kaymu, Jumia, Konga, Health service: Oleander Health Shop, Malbo Pharmacy, Nigeria Pharmacy, Flying Doctors Nigeria, Telecomms: MTN, Airtel, Etisalat, Glo, Foods/drinks related services: Hellofoods, Forfoodonly.com, Easyappetite, Drinksng, Employment/Job creation: Ejobs, Jobberman, Careers24.com, Hot Nigeria Jobs, Transport: Oya, Wakanow, Ajala, Easy Taxi, Logistics (Innovations): Konga Express, Jumia Express, ACE, Quo Nigeria, New Media (Innovations): Iroko TV, Gamesole, Ibaka TV, Online payment platform: Cash Envoy, Interswitch, GTpay, Etranzact, Social Enterprise (Impact) Gidi Traffic, BudGiT, Mamalette, Risenetwork, Corporate Finance: Quest Advisory, Dunnlorenmerrifield, RMB Nigeria, Agriculture: Nosak group, Hellotractor, Erisco Group.

  • Airtel Red Hot: Winners for Dubai with friends, family

    Airtel Red Hot: Winners for Dubai with friends, family

    The winners of an all-expense paid trip to Dubai for four in the Airtel Red Hot Promo Season 3 have departed Nigeria for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) along with their excited family and friends.

    Mrs. Victoria Obi, a business woman in Lagos, who emerged winner in the promo, selected her three kids, Mariam, Michael and Raphael to travel with her on the Dubai trip, while Mr. Nnamdi Oji, a web developer/entrepreneur, chose his friends Henry White, Joy Njoku and Cynthia Edokwe to join him.

    A brief departure party was held for them at Ikeja, Lagos on Saturday, December 26, last year where the winners along with their family and friends were treated to some light refreshment shortly before they left Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

    All the winners admitted that the all-expense paid trip to Dubai was their first trip ever to the UAE.

    Speaking during the party, Mrs. Victoria commended Airtel Nigeria for giving her and the children the opportunity to enjoy the Christmas holiday in a special way. She said: “The Airtel Red Hot Promo 3 came at the right time; my children are so excited to be going on this wonderful trip to Dubai.”

    She also said: “It was not an easy decision for me to pick just three family members for the trip, but my husband willingly suggested that our three children should go. We really appreciate the Dubai trip courtesy of Airtel. We thank the network for rewarding their customers with this programme.”

    Her daughter, Mariam, also praised Airtel for making her holiday unique. “This is going to be one of my best holidays so far because I am spending it with my brothers and mum in Dubai. I appreciate Airtel for this,” she said.

  • NATCOMS canvasses alternative means to SIM card re-registration

    NATCOMS canvasses alternative means to SIM card re-registration

    The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) on Wednesday called for an alternative means for telecoms consumers to re-register their Subscribers’ Identification Module (SIM) cards.

    The President of NATCOMS, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that operators should provide an easier means for customers affected by the SIM card re-registration to be able to re-register, instead of going to the service providers’ offices.

    Ogunbanjo said that a perfect alternative was for the network providers to allow those affected to send the required data through Short Messaging Service (SMS).

    He said that such an alternative means would ensure that telecoms subscribers were not subjected to any stress for an exercise they had undertaken previously.

    ”SIM registration is very good, but there should be some deliberate initiative to ensure that the subscribers are not subjected to any further stress.

    ”All of us have registered before, but there might be one or two details that the operators need.

    ”A particular network provider could send SMS to you that it required more details on your data and once you attend to them through an SMS that you send to the network, it should just be okay.

    ”They should engage other means of capturing subscribers’ additional data,” the NATCOMS President said.

    He said that the problem with the SIM card registration procedures should be blamed on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the agents it commissioned to carry out the exercise.

    Ogunbanjo recalled that the regulatory body licensed seven agents to cover the six geopolitical zones of the country, but that the agents did not carry out the exercise properly.

    He said that due to set targets and deadlines given, the registration agents were not asking the complete questions required from SIM card users.

    The advocacy group president, therefore, encouraged the operators to continue to compensate subscribers affected by the exercise.

    According to him, the airtime compensation given to the consumers should not be with any conditionality in respect of days for usage.

    NAN recalls that in August 2015, MTN, Airtel, Globacom and Etisalat were sanctioned for noncompliance with the directive to deactivate improperly registered SIM cards.

    MTN was fined N102.2 million, Globacom N7.4 million, Etisalat N7 million and Airtel N3.8 million for the violation. Others complied and paid, while MTN flouted the fine.

    On Oct. 20, 2015, NCC conveyed appropriate sanctions to MTN, in accordance with Regulation 20(1) of the Telephone Subscribers Registration Regulation 2011, to pay the sum of N200, 000 only for each of the 5.2 million improperly registered SIM cards in its network.

    MTN Nigeria was, therefore, fined $5.1 billion (about N1.04 trillion), but it was later reduced by 25 per cent to N780 billion, and the deadline for payment extended from Nov. 16 to Dec. 31.

    However, on Dec. 17, 2015, MTN took the regulatory body to court over the sanction.

     

  • Airtel rewards winners

    Airtel rewards winners

    Airtel has  rewarded the first batch of winners in its on-going RedHot Promo with all-expense paid family trip to Dubai and N1million each.

    Through the consumer reward initiative, which kicked off this month, Mrs. Obi Victoria, a business woman-based in Lagos and Mr. Nnamdi Oji, a web developer, emerged the first lucky winners of tickets for the trip.

    Mr. Eze Sonlove, a driver with a hospital in Lagos, Mr. Nwankwo Ferdinand, a trader at Iyana-Iba market; Mr. Fashola Peter, a civil servant in Lagos and Mr. Habeeb Adepoju, a student in Ijebu, Ogun State won cash prize of N1million each.

    The excited winners expressed appreciation to Airtel Nigeria for being consistent with rewards for customers through the promo over the years.

    Mrs. Victoria, a winner said: “I am very happy to become one of the winners in the promo. I look forward to great fun in Dubai with my family. I thank Airtel for this initiative.”

    Mr. Habeeb Adepoju, who won N1million, said: “This is fantastic; I appreciate the company for making me a proud customer on the network. I commend Airtel for enriching customers experience with the RedHot promo.”