The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Glo

  • Glo unveils pension administration portals

    Telecoms service provider Globacom, has announced new solutions for pension administration . The solutions will boost pension administration and make operations easy for pension fund users.

     They will also serve as the springboard to launch pensions’ industry unto higher grounds.

    Globacom’s Head of Operations, North Central, Mr. Akeem Yusuf, announced this yesterday in his presentation at the World Pension Summit in Abuja.

     According to him, the solution will provide best customer experience in pension administration using an architecture of three main components – Customer-on-Board, Payment Collection Process and Automation.

    Globacom, the diamond partner of the summit,  said that  the Customer–on-Boarding component will make it easy for pension administrators to register, administer and manage their customers.

    Yusuf also explained that with the payment collection process leg of the architecture, all payments will be updated, using Glo Mobile-to-Pension administrators’ database on real time basis.

    He said that there will be real time update of payments along with customer alerts, all these being done through a mobile money agent.

  • Glowing tributes for Glo at 13

    Glowing tributes for Glo at 13

    On this page we do so many things other than indicting manufacturers, retailers and service providers and this include but not limited to applauding, encouraging as well as celebrating companies when the occasion demands.

    In keeping with our objective, Consumer Watch wishes to seize this medium to join Nigerians, especially the over 40 million active subscribers of Glo comprising the 26 million internet users to applaud the institutional icon as they celebrate their 13th anniversary.

    This is one organisation that has received little or no mention on this page. But on this auspicious occasion of their anniversary, we cannot afford to continue to ignore them particularly after the company according to the Nigerian Communications Commission [NCC] said it recorded 68% of additional GSM lines in the country in the last 12 months.

    To recapitulate the words of the industry regulator, “Glo has in the past one and half years been the preferred data services provider and also emerged the first choice of subscribers in voice services. The company recorded 68% of all additional GSM lines in the country in the last 12 months.”

    Telecom industry statistics published on NCC’s website showed that a total of 7,477,977 new lines were activated between June 2015 and June 2016, with Globacom recording a whopping 5,063,895 new subscribers, representing 68%, while Airtel added 2,414,082 new customers.

    MTN and Etisalat had their GSM subscriber figures whittled down. While Etisalat lost 382,336 customers, MTN’s subscriber base was depleted by 4, 403,344 in the last one year.

    Details of the NCC report showed that, with the feat achieved by Globacom, the data grandmaster has now grown its market share from 21% to 24% with 36.3m subscribers at the end of June, 2016.

    But, MTN which once had over 45% share of the market had this reduced to 39% at the end of June with 58.4m subscribers. Glo had a total of 31,256,677 customers by June 2015, whereas MTN had 62,813,111.

    Significantly, while Glo has continued to narrow the gap between it and MTN, it has created a substantial gap between it and Airtel. Both Glo and Airtel were at par in terms of market share only three months ago with each having 21%.

    But Airtel, whose subscriber base stood at 29,564,766 at the middle of last year, had 31,978,848 customers at the end of June 2016. This still keeps it at 21% share of the GSM market. On its part, Etisalat had 15% share with 22,469,896 customers at the end of June, 2016, down from 22,852,232 at the same time last year.

    Globacom’s lead in the voice segment of the industry complements its status as clear leader in the data market where it has for the last one year remained tops in new internet subscriber acquisition.

    In June 2016 for instance, while the industry gained a total of 318, 008 new internet subscribers, Globacom alone had 272,674 of the new customers. In essence, Globacom accounted for about 86 percent of the total internet subscriber acquisitions in the industry in the month of June.

    But no matter how long it seems now, no one will forget how Glofirst introduced per second billing after it commenced operations in August 2003. Before then Nigerians thought it was a feat impossible. With Glo blazing the trail other Network Providers were forced to make their billings more pocket friendly.

    It is equally amazing that Glo was the first GSM operator to offer subscribers free multimedia messaging service and free mobile internet service.

    Glo has since inception been reputed for fast pace deployment, efficient services, array of value added services as well as strong and unique marketing initiatives.

    With all these milestones and accolades Globacom should however, expand its plan and cover more cities especially Nigeria’s rural areas. Also no matter how good their services are now, they can still ensure higher quality service delivery.

    In terms of call rates, Globacom offers by far the cheapest call rates at 11kb/sec to Globacom numbers and 15kb/sec to other networks until others recently joined in, in terms of data, Globacom offers by far the cheapest data with 10Gb of data for only N2,500 naira, how about 3GB for just N500. Need not say that it was their pocket friendly plans that made their counterparts drop their data rates as well.

  • Glo’s market share rises to 24 per cent with more five million subscribers

    Glo’s market share rises to 24 per cent with more five million subscribers

    Globacom has grown its share of the telecommunications market from 21 to 24 per cent, having received 68 per cent (5,063,895) new GSM lines in 12 months.

    This was contained in the report on performances of telecoms operators on the website of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).

    Figures released by NCC said 7,477,977 new lines were connected between June 2015 and June 2016. Of these, Globacom recorded 5,063,895 subscribers, representing 68 per cent, while Airtel added 2,414,082 customers.

    Both MTN and Etisalat lost 382,336 and 4,403,344 subscribers.

    MTN, which held a firm grip on the sector with over 45 per cent market share, now holds 39 per cent by end of June with 58.4 million subscribers. This came down from its 62,813,111 subscribers at the same time last year.

    Glo has significantly reduced the gap between it and MTN, while opening up a substantial gap between it and Airtel. Both Glo and Airtel were at par in terms of market share, with each having 21 per cent.

    Airtel grew its subscriber base from 29,564,766 mid last year to 31,978,848 at the end of June, still having 21 per cent share of the market.

    On its part, Etisalat recorded 22,469,896 customers as at June, a reduction from 22,852,232 last year.

  • Glo sustains lead in new internet subscribers

    Globacom, Nigeria’s data grandmasters, has again beaten other operators to the top position in the new internet subscribers’acquisition segment in  June.

    This is conveyed in the latest figures released by the industry regulator for June.

    According to the figures, Globacom ended June with a total of 26,628,065 internet subscribers up from 26,355,391 in May.

    This showed that the operator added a total of 272,674 new subscribers during the month.

    The figure represents a remarkable improvement from the total number of subscribers gained between April and May. Glo recorded 49,124 new subscribers in April.

    Airtel is the closest operator to Globacom with 45,334 new internet subscribers by recording a total of 17,325,423 subscribers in June, up from 17,280,089 recorded in the previous month.

    Conversely, Etisalat had a total of 15,253,513 internet subscribers at the end of June, down from the 15,508,024 internet subscribers the operator had in May, effectively losing a total of 254,511 internet subscribers in one month.

    MTN Nigeria, on its part, recorded a total of 32,974,177 in June, down from the 33,108,786 internet subscribers that the operator had in May. Consequently, MTN lost a total of 134,609 within a month.

    A total of 318,008 new internet subscribers were gained in the industry and Globacom had 272,674 new subscribers.

    Globacom is responsible for about 86 per cent of the total internet subscriber acquisitions in the industry in June.

    Observers believe that Globacom’s consistent rise in acquisition of new internet subscribers may be attributed to the recent introduction of a panoply of innovative products and services by the company.

  • GLO TEACHES FAMILY VALUES WITH ‘PROFESSOR JOHNBULL’

    WITH the family belt hours now dedicated to local contents, there are indications that the family values which television programmes of yesteryear impacted are returning to better the lots of today’s children.

    Recall that from 1960s up until the earlier 1990s, drama TV series and programmes were big ticket items for Nigerians to tune in to. Pundits say all that started to diminish in 1992, when the first Nollywood block-buster movie “Living in Bondage” was released. In the following years, it triggered the avalanche of movies released in the Nigerian movie industry, creating a niche and a means of income for Nollywood.

    Since then, foreign children contents and Mexican soaps appear to have taken over the television space, leading to a subtle protest that led to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)’s directive on local content for the family belt on Nigerian television.

    Prior to the explosion of home videos and the various foreign contents, drama TV series such as The New Masquerade, The New Village Headmaster, Cockrow at Dawn, Adio’s Family, Sura the Tailor, Jaguar, Samanja,Second Chance, Behind the Clouds, Mirror in the Sun, Ripples and many others were a delight for most families to watch. These drama series were also a unifying factor for every member of the family who rush back to their homes in the evenings in order not to miss the editions.

    Today, there are just a few drama series on Nigerian TV, some of which do not teach morals and values which are necessary in correcting the ills and vices in the society. It is against this backdrop that detailed effort of Globacom to develop the Professor Johnbull TV drama series which seeks to impart salient societal values and restore the old family fun-times, is commendable.

    The series is a social satire which chronicles the life of a retired Professor, Johnbull Macnwigwe. The widower, who had a long lecturing career, lives with his engineer son, undergraduate daughter and maid in a serene neighborhood in Enugu. He stands as the voice of the people and his home is a melting pot for all activities. Indeed, Prof. Johnbull is seen as an opinion leader in his domain.

    Apart from the events that dramatically take place in the Professor’s house, there are also other major characters whose lives and activities are interwoven with that of the Professor and his household in one way or the other and lends strongly to the comedy’s ability to explore social satire in a funny and easy-going way.

    The rib-cracking, yet highly thought-provoking drama series, features popular actors including, Kanayo O. Kanayo who plays the lead character Professor Johnbull, Mercy Johnson-Okogie, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Ime Bishop Okon, Queen Nwokoye, Junior Pope, Funky Mallam, Bimbo Akintola, Bidemi Kosoko, Chiwetalu Agu, O.C. Ukeje, Bovi, Mama G, Helen Paul and many others.

    The producer, Tchidi Chikere enthused that Nigerians will find the new T.V drama series very interesting.

    Nigerians finally had the opportunity of watching the sitcom on national television. It debuted last Tuesday at 8.30pm to 9pm with a repeat broadcast on Friday, same time on NTA Network, NTA International and Startimes.

    With Professor Johnbull’s intriguing story plots, viewers are billed to enjoy sublime entertainment and humour as well as learning ennobling values that will make life better and more exciting as the A- list characters interact to unravel social malaise.

    At another level, Professor Johnbull presents a microcosm of the Nigerian society with archetypal characters like Olaniyi the restauranteur representing South West, Funky Mallam who plays Mai Doya representing the North and Ogus Baba, the comedian from Warri representing the South-South. There is also a good blend of artistes from the South East in the mix. This gives the drama series a platform to preach good neighbourliness and patriotic citizenship in addition to its core mission of providing premium entertainment for the enjoyment and relaxation of Nigerians.

  • Glo unveils code to stop unsolicited messages

    Glo unveils code to stop unsolicited messages

    Telecomms giant Globacom has introduced a new short code 2442 by which subscribers can control unsolicited text messages and calls.

    In using the service, subscribers should text ‘help’ to the short code ‘2442’ to activate a Do not Disturb control to filter unsolicited text messages.

    The service gives the subscribers the latitude to choose messages or calls they wish to receive or block.

    “Do Not Disturb” is a self-service platform for subscribers to manage promotional messages sent to their lines with the option of either opting in or out.

    In a statement in Lagos, Globacom advised subscribers  interested in receiving information on Banking, Insurance and Financial products to send 1 to 2442, while subscribers are required to send 2 to 2442 to receive information on Real Estate.

    Those interested in having information related to Education need to send 3 to the short code, 2442.

    Subscribers that want health-related information should send 4 to 2442, while 5 should be sent to the same code for details on consumer goods and 6 for information on communications, broadcasting, entertainment and information technology.

    To obtain updates on tourism and leisure, they have to send 7 to the 2442, while clients desirous of reading about sports need to send 8 to the same short code 2442.  Similarly, any customer interested in religious matters should send 9 to the code.

  • Glo airs new drama series, Professor Johnbull from today

    Glo airs new drama series, Professor Johnbull from today

    The grandmasters of data, Globacom, will debut a new TV comedy drama series, Professor Johnbull, today, July 19.

    The series, sponsored by the telecom company will be shown on television screens across the country.

    The drama series features popular actors, including Kanayo O. Kanayo (Professor Johnbull), Mercy Johnson-Okogie, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Ime Bishop Okon, Queen Nwokoye, Junior Pope, Funky Mallam, Bimbo Akintola, Bidemi Kosoko, Chiwetalu Agu, O.C. Ukeje, Bovi, Mama G, Helen Paul, among others.

    The programme is scheduled to air from 8.30pm to 9pm on Tuesdays and Fridays on NTA network, NTA International and Startimes.

    The debut episode is riveting, and promises to keep viewers looking forward to the next episode.

    The first  episode features Glo ambassador and wave-making superstar, D’banj, whose sudden emergence at a local restaurant where they sell the best amala in Enugu, sparks off a frenzy.

    D’banj’s fans rush to catch a glimpse of the super star. Olaniyi, the restauranteur, initially thinks he is daydreaming on seeing D’Banj at his restaurant.

    Professor Johnbull encounters the artiste at Olaniyi’s restaurant and an altercation soon ensued between the erudite scholar and the music icon.

    The conversation ends on a friendly note and an impressed Professor Johnbull invites Dbanj and his friends to his home for the traditional Igbo hospitality.

    Events turn out more interesting when Churchill, Professor Johnbull’s son, who was a former classmate of Dbanj shows up. It is an intriguing episode,  spiced with social satire and powerful lessons for Nigerian youths.

     

  • Nollywood stars eulogise Glo on Prof. Johnbull drama series

    Nollywood stars eulogise Glo on Prof. Johnbull drama series

    As Prof. Johnbull, a TV social satire series, prepares to hit the tube, the cast and crew of the drama series sponsored by Globacom have expressed delight over their involvement in the production.

    The drama series is set in Enugu and is billed to feature some of the best actors in movie industry. They include Kanayo O. Kanayo, who plays the major role, Prof. Johnbull, Mercy Johnson, Bimbo Akintola, Ime Bishop Okon, Queen Nwokoye and Junior Pope, among others.

    Kanyo said: “It feels so fulfilling playing the lead role Prof. Johnbull. I feel honored to be chosen to interpret this role. It’s a huge challenge; in-fact it is one role I see as being too technical for me to play, technical because the high-sounding grammar the character speaks, is that, which you must have to research.”

    Nollywood star Mercy Johnson said the series would have a huge impact on the society “because it is a social satire which is meant to teach and entertain at the same time and that is what this is just doing, teaching the society as well as entertaining them.”

    Yomi Fash-Lanso, who plays  Olaniyi, a Southerner who runs an “Nkwobi joint” in the series, described the drama as educative and entertaining.

    The series’ producer/director, Tchidi Tchikere, listed the lessons in the series to include peaceful co-existence among the different tribes in Nigeria.

  • Glo shares N10m cash, prizes to police officers

    The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) Cooperative, through its Globacom-powered Closed User Group (CUG) Account, has rewarded 270 of its officers and members of the CUG, with diverse prizes including the star prize of N500,000 each, won by 20 officers.

    Of the 20, seven won N500,000 each. They received  at Force Headquarters, Abuja, to pick up their cheques.

    They were  Rabiu Hussaini, Olasunbo Tokunboh-Ajayi, Sunday Edoka,  John Otame, Abiodun Mudasiru, Sikiru Opakunle and Thankgod Esechie.

    Immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase,  handed over the winning cheques to  two of the winners, John Otame and Abiodun Mudashiru, in his office ahead of his pullout from the Force on Tuesday.

    Others who won the N500,000  star prize and were expected to proceed to Globacom’s Abuja office to pick their cheques are  Umar Bala, Kenneth Enumaje, Dickson Solomon, Ikechukwu james Nwogu, Rasheed  Aliu, Toba Ajayi, Alli Bello, Roseline Iriemivbor, Emmanuel Gabriel, Saheed Ganiyu, Rasheed Sanni, Calunun Kemuel and Thomas  Saleh.

  • Arbitration enhances justice, says Glo

    Globacom has said its belief that arbitration promotes the course of justice informed its support for the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Africa Regional Arbitration Conference, scheduled for Lagos.

    In a statement, Glo said it is committed to promoting courses that would enhance  justice in the country.

    The Chairperson, Planning Committee, ICC Africa Regional Arbitration Conference, Mrs Dorothy Udeme-Ufot, commended the support shown by leading corporate bodies in the country.

    “Nigeria’s data grandmasters, Globacom, led the way by offering us a massive financial support to ensure the successful hosting of this event in Nigeria. Once Globacom supported us, it has been success all the way; every other corporate body we turned to accepted to offer us their support in various capacities,” she said.