The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Etisalat

  • NCC to sanction 13 operators over unsolicited telemarketing

    NCC to sanction 13 operators over unsolicited telemarketing

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday said it would sanction 13 telecommunications operators for failing to comply with the  ‘2442 Do Not Disturb (DND)’ directive on unsolicited telemarketing.

    According to a statement signed by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Tony Ojobo, the directive was issued on April 20, 2016.

    Ojobo said that the 13 operators included: Airtel Network Ltd., MTN Nigeria, Globacom Nigeria, Smile Communication, Visafone Communications, Ntel, Etisalat, Multi-Links, Starcomms, Danjay Telecoms, Gamjitel Ltd., Megatech Engineering Ltd. and Gicell Wireless.

    According to him, the service providers have been given another one-week ultimatum, from Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, to remedy the situation or face the sanctions enshrined in the directive.

    “Worried by the non-compliance by the operators, occasioned by a deluge of complaints by subscribers across Nigeria, the NCC inaugurated an eight-member committee to look into the matter.

    “After several meetings, including those it held with the network providers, it became necessary to issue the latest ultimatum to redress the menace of incessant unsolicited text messages and phone calls for telemarketing via the various networks,’’ he said.

    Ojobo said the commission had written to the providers on whose networks it had received series of complaints from subscribers regarding the efficacy of DND.

    He said the phrase ‘Network-Generated SMS’ referred to in Part (d) of the directive shall be taken to mean messages and calls, with respect to only information on emergencies.

    According to him, the information on emergencies, include: national security, fire, notifications on network maintenance programmes down times and notification regarding subscribers’ bundle usage and service renewals.

    “Other text messages and voice calls informing subscribers of new products and service offerings are not regarded as ‘Network-Generated’ and, therefore, regarded as “unsolicited marketing messages’’.

    “NCC has therefore, asked these network providers to ensure that information on the Do Not Disturb service should be disseminated after every revenue-generating activity via the End of Call Notification (EOCN).

    “For the period not less than 45 days, within the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, from the receipt of the latest letter on the subject.

    “The operators are also admonished to deploy this information through all their channels of communications, including websites, social media platforms, billboards, flash messages, text messages, Interactive Voice Response platform, radio jingles, newspapers advertisements and television commercials,’’ he said.

    The director said that this notice served as a pre-enforcement notice, adding that failure to comply with it would attract appropriate sanctions.

    He said the menace of unsolicited text messages had been a nightmare to subscribers.

    Ojobo said that the commission could no longer accept further excuses from network providers.

  • Etisalat boosts career in schools

    In its quest to enhance the quality of career choices among students of secondary school grades in the country, Etisalat Nigeria, has held a career counselling session for some secondary schools in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    The career-focused event, which held inside the Conference Hall of Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Rumuokwurushi, Port Harcourt, is a CSR initiative of the company targeted at enlightening students on existing career opportunities across various fields.

    Speaking at the one-day event, Manager, CSR, Etisalat Nigeria, Oyetola Oduyemi, said the career counselling initiative is part of the company’s commitment aimed at driving sustainable national development through education, health and environment.

    Also speaking, the Principal of the school, Dr. (Mrs.) Justina Dappa, appreciated the telecommunication giant for helping students resolve the confusion that usually surrounds the choice of careers just as she admitted that the students face enormous challenges while making the transition from secondary to tertiary education.”

  • Why we launched 4G LTE service, by Etisalat

    tisalat Nigeria has said its desire to drive the future of technology in Nigeria, through the delivery of high speed data and quality voice services that will enable customers on its network to do more, made it to launch mobile 4G Long Term Evolution (4G LTE) service in the country.

    Its Vice President, Marketing, Adebisi Idowu, who spoke during the demo session of the 4G LTE service in Lagos, at the weekend, said the service was being made available strategically to customers in Yaba, Surulere and Ikeja, who represent the hub and future of technology and economic development in the country.

    He said the service would be rolled out in more cities soon.

    Idowu, who spoke to a cross section of Etisalat customers, celebrities, technology reporters and social media influencers, who experienced the Etisalat 4G LTE service firsthand, stated that the telco was passionate about quality service and innovation.

    He said: “We are positioning our 4G LTE service as a lifestyle enabler. That is why Etisalat is the only network that does not require a SIM swap before a customer can enjoy 4G connectivity. We want to see and encourage use of our 4G technology to enable our subscribers be all that they can be. Our subscribers are able to do more with this new level of technology. We will not impose features of 4G on our consumers; we want you to tell us what 4G is doing for you. For us, the consumer is the innovator.

    “There is an increasing number of people trying to get online, get their work done and impact lives and our goal is to enable such people exploit their potential. Etisalat’s strategy is to enable our subscribers compete globally, so we abide by best practices and bring nothing short of international quality service to our customers across Nigeria.”

    A cross section of the customers who had firsthand experience of the new 4G LTE service praised Etisalat for its commitment to innovation, quality service and positive customer experience. They included TV personalities – Zainab Balogun, Gideon Okeke and Ill Rhymz as well as James Ademuyiwa, a social media influencer. Gideon in his testimonial said he had experienced Etisalat 4G LTE connectivity at different parts of Lagos, Chevron Drive in Lekki and GRA Ikeja, and the connectivity was fast. “My Etisalat 4G LTE experience was superfast with no buffering,” he said.

    Corroborating, Ill Rhymz said: “The Etisalat 4G LTE is brilliant, trust me. Knowing my work online will now be unlimited, is a relief. Imagine streaming online with clients and my audience, live from the studio, without worrying about glitches. That’s the 4G experience; it’s perfect for me. The faster the data is, the better.” On his part, Ademuyiwa said, “I have heard a lot about 4G LTE becoming a regular thing among telcos. Experiencing it finally was really a thoughtful move on Etisalat’s part. For me, I see switching from 3G to 4G LTE as an entrance to the internet of things in Nigeria. We can’t stay on 3G or 3.75G to achieve that. Kudos to Etisalat.”

    The Etisalat 4G LTE technology offers subscribers on the Etisalat network increased access to high speed data and quality voice services real time. With the new technology, customers will enjoy efficient broadband internet and uninterrupted connectivity to clearer voice calls, increased access to online streaming and ultra-high definition videos.

  • Etisalat rolls out 4G LTE services

    Etisalat rolls out 4G LTE services

    Etisalat has launched its mobile 4G Long Term Evolution (4G LTE) service into the Nigerian market.

    The Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, who announced the new service roll-out, said the latest offering demonstrates the telco’s unwavering commitment to deliver superior customer experience to its subscribers.

    “The 4G LTE technology offers our customers increased access to high speed data and quality voice services real time. With the new technology, our customers will enjoy efficient broadband internet and uninterrupted connectivity to clearer voice calls, increased access to online streaming and ultra-high definition videos,” he said.

    Willsher said the Etisalat 4G LTE service offers a seamless experience because unlike other global system for mobile communication (GSM) networks, Etisalat customers do not have to go through the inconvenience of executing a SIM swap before they can enjoy 4G LTE since all Etisalat subscriober identity modules (SIMs) are already LTE enabled. He noted in addition that Etisalat’s 4G LTE network supports the widest range of LTE devices so many subscribers can immediately enjoy the benefits of LTE.

    Speaking on the significance of the new service, Willsher said the launch of the latest service was an important milestone for both Etisalat and the telecoms industry in Nigeria because the benefits of the new service which include clearer voice calls, increased access to faster and qualitative internet service and great value for money, are fundamental to achieving inclusion in the fast-growing global digital economy.

    “We are in a knowledge-based economy and more than ever before, efficient telecommunication is being globally acknowledged as an enabler of economic and social growth,” he added.

  • ETISALAT SPONSORS DJ XCLUSIVE’S ALL WHITE PARTY

    IT was a night of music, dance and eclectic performances by some of the finest artistes at the second edition of the Etisalat-sponsored DJ Xclusive’s all-white party which held at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, recently.

    Guests were thrilled with energetic and magical performances like DJ Xclusive’s unexpected decent into the hall and his session with his band. Other musicians that performed their hit tracks were Oritsefemi, Harrysong, Cynthia Morgan, Niyola and Skales. Other artistes present at the event were Tekno, Sound Sultan, Humblesmith, LAX, Olu Maintain, Koker, Jaywon, Sugarboy, Ajebutter and Pepenazi.

    Speaking at the event, Manager, Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Orah Egwu, said Etisalat is committed to supporting initiatives that celebrate creativity in the Nigerian youth.

    Some DJs at the event were DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Humility, DJ Consequence, DJ Ruud, DJ Big N, DJ Prince Ehiz and Ben Foster.

  • Etisalat, Cross River sign MoU

    Etisalat and the Cross River State government in partnership with Mediatrix Development Foundation have pledged to forge a close working relationship in the fight against the scourge of malaria in the state.

    The partners spoke during the official flag-off of the Etisalat Fight Malaria Initiative and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see them coordinate efforts and resources to eradicate the menacing spread of malaria in the state.

    Speaking about the partnership, the Director, Regulatory & Corporate Social Responsibility, Etisalat Nigeria, IkennaIkeme, said the telco identified a healthy populace as a precursor to achieving economic growth, hence the alignment of its business growth strategy with societal goals such as health.

    “A nation can only be economically buoyant if it has a vibrant and strong work force, and a healthy population; hence our identification of health as one of our key platforms for corporate social responsibility. As we play our part in the creation of a healthier nation, we enjoin all stakeholders to embrace technology and innovation in the fight against malaria,” he said.

  • Etisalat boosts fight against malaria

    Etisalat boosts fight against malaria

    Etisalat has boosted the fight against malaria, with the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets to residents of Owutu, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, and Enuwa Square, Ile Ife in Osun State.

    The exercise, in commemoration of the 2016 World Mosquito Day, forms part of a Pan-Nigeria crusade by the telecommunications giant against malaria in the country.

    Speaking during the presentation at Ile Ife, the Manager, Corporate and Social Responsibility, Etisalat Nigeria, Oyetola Oduyemi, said the exercise was in keeping with the company’s passionate commitment to sustainable development.

    “One of the key focal areas of our CSR intervention programme is health, and this initiative forms a part of it. We have a target to distribute tens of thousands of insecticide-treated nets across the nation in the fight against malaria. We have been to some communities in states, such as Kogi, Kaduna, Enugu and Rivers. We are taking it further to more communities in the Southwest,” she said.

    While receiving the items on behalf of the Ile Ife community, the Palace Secretary, Mr. Idowu Salami, expressed delight at the exercise, praising the telecoms firm for taking up the fight against malaria, which claims millions of lives yearly in sub-Saharan Africa .

    His words: “Malaria is on the increase due to poor sanitation practices; this provides a breeding ground for the activities of mosquitos, which lead to malaria. We are glad that Etisalat put this programme together. We are sure many of the people, who have benefited from this initiative, can protect themselves from mosquito bites and malaria attacks”.

    At Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area, Lagos, the insecticide-treated mosquito nets were received by Samson Umar, who noted that Nigeria has one of the highest number of malaria casualties worldwide despite the many gains in the prevention and treatment of the scourge.

  • Etisalat sponsors Lagos photo festival

    Etisalat sponsors Lagos photo festival

    Nigeria’s leading telecommunications company, Etisalat, in line with its commitment to promote innovation and creativity, has announced the opening of the 2016 Etisalat Photography Competition.

    The Etisalat Photography Competition encourages emerging photographers to capture and celebrate fascinating pictures that reflect the diversity and daring spirit of our expressions. The competition kicks off series of activities leading to the opening of the 7th edition of the Etisalat-sponsored annual Lagos Photo Festival.

    The Director, Brands & Experience, Etisalat Nigeria, Elvis Ogiemwanye, while speaking about the Etisalat Photography Competition, revealed that submission of entries opens from August 8th to September 1st, 2016.  “This year’s edition of Etisalat Photo Competition is tagged Performance; action repeated constantly, becomes a ritual, its transference into other spaces of engagement becomes a performance. We wish to explore further these performances through the strength of photography in depicting our daily routines and celebratory activities and expressions. Under the categories daily routines and celebratory, the competition serves as a platform fostering expressions and creativity at its peak,” he said.

    According to Ogiemwanye, Etisalat Photography Competition uses the power of photography to create compelling stories that encapsulate individual experiences and identities from across Africa.

    “To enter for this year’s competition, participants are required to visit photo.etisalat.com.ng  to register and submit entries for both Daily routines and Celebratory. Voting will be announced after entry closes on September 1, 2016. The top 50 images from each category will be reviewed by a jury who will then unveil the finalists at the Grand opening of the LagosPhoto Festival”

    He added that the first prize winner will receive a Canon Camera; the second prize winner will get an iPhone, while the third prize winner will receive a Samsung. The shortlisted photographers will also be enrolled at LagosPhoto Summer School where they are expected to hone their skills.

    Etisalat is committed to nurturing talent in Photography through the Etisalat Photography Competition and the support of LagosPhoto Festival; the first and only international arts  festival of photography which features exhibitions, workshops, artist presentations, discussions, screenings, and large scale outdoor installations in public spaces in Lagos.

     

     

  • Etisalat empowers 100 entrepreneurs with life skills, equipment

    Nigeria’s most innovative telecommunications operator, Etisalat, in partnership with O. A. Bella Resources, has empowered 100 individuals with basic life skills and basic equipment to help them maximise their potentials through the establishment of start up businesses.

    The beneficiaries were pulled from six communities in four states in the South-East and South-South regions. These include Oromeruezimgbu, Rumuokuta and Awalama Communities in Rivers State, Yenizuegene Community in Bayelsa State, Usogun community in Auchi, Edo State and Uburu community in Ebonyi state.

    Speaking during the presentation of certificates of participation and starter packs to the beneficiaries, Head, Government and Community Relations, Mohammed Suleh-Yusuf said the Community Skills Set Programme is tailored towards creating entrepreneurs and setting up community-based enterprises in the beneficiary states.

    “Etisalat believes in building sustainable societies and empowering communities which is what we are doing with the Community Skills Set Programme. We are complementing the vision of the respective states to empower their youth to become self-reliant and socially responsible entrepreneurs who will in turn set up community-based enterprises,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr. Francis Wokoma whose organisation, E.O. Bella Resources, conducted the training, described the initiative as heart-lifting and a timely intervention that will guarantee a future for the beneficiaries particularly in the face of instability and rising unemployment rate across the country.

    One of the beneficiaries, Amaka Amadi from Rumuokuta community in Rivers State also spoke about the impacts of the initiative on her, describing it as an eye-opener.

  • Etisalat rewards top customers with all-expense paid trip to Milan

    Etisalat rewards top customers with all-expense paid trip to Milan

    Top Etisalat GEM customers were recently rewarded with an all-expense-paid trip to Milan to watch this year’s UEFA Champions League final match, between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid recently at the San Siro stadium, Milan, Spain. These customers were selected as the top spenders on the Etisalat network for 2015.

    Speaking on the rationale for the trip, Director, Consumer Segment Etisalat Nigeria, Adeolu Dairo explained that the company has always rewarded loyalty among its customers.

    Dairo said, “At Etisalat, our customers are at the heart of our business and we constantly reward them for their loyalty by connecting them with their passion. The game of football has a mass followership across the world, and we wanted our customers to experience the UEFA Champions League finals.”