The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Glo

  • Glo boosts Puuskaat festival, signs MoU

    Glo boosts Puuskaat festival, signs MoU

    Nigeria’s national telecommunications company, Globacom, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the people of Mwangu, Plateau State, for the sponsorship of the Puuskaat Festival, an annual event which is celebrated in April.

    The sponsorship of the annual festival is aimed at promoting and preserving the rich culture of the people of Mwangu and Plateau state as a whole.

    Globacom has been in the fore-front of promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Nigerian people, having sponsored similar cultural festivals including the Ojude Oba in Ijebu Ode, Lisabi in Abeokuta and Ofala in Onitsha.

    In his address during the signing, Globacom’s Zonal Business Coordinator, North East, Samuel Ibrahim, said “ as a brand with an authentic African heritage, we have resolved to support any credible endeavor that will promote and celebrate our cultural icons….as we believe that culture has a very profound role to play in the peace and unity of our dear country.”

    Also speaking at the event, Amos Iliya Putman, who represented the National President of Mwangu Development Association, said they were excited by the collaboration with Globacom.

    Samuel assured the people of Mwangu of Globacom’s continued support and partnership and urged them to avail themselves of the network’s pocket-friendly tariffs and an array of its products and services designed to empower the people.

    Guests at the event were entertained by a cultural dance group which showcased some of the activities displayed during the Puuskaat Festival.

  • Glo adds 100 more partners to roaming footprint

    Glo has deepened its roaming services offering with the addition of over 100 leading network partners across the world in the last one year. The development makes Glo one of the biggest voice and data carriers in Africa.

    Postpaid subscribers of the company can enjoy seamless roaming services in almost every part of the world as Glo has interconnectivity arrangements with over 430 partners in 176 countries. Thus Glo is now the network in Nigeria with the largest international postpaid roaming footprint.

    Similarly Glo has extended its prepaid roaming to more destinations as the service is now available in most major destinations where it is partnering with over 80 leading networks. The countries include Unites States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, South Africa, Ghana, UAE, Algeria, Belgium, Italy, India and Israel.

  • Subscribers hail Glo’s roaming services in Brazil

    Subscribers hail Glo’s roaming services in Brazil

    The roaming service offered by Nigeria’s National Telecommunications Operator, Globacom, in Brazil has been commended by sports administrators and consultants in Brazil for the Mundial.

    Globacom announced the launch of prepaid roaming service in Brazil to complement postpaid roaming hitherto available in that country. The development is expected to excite thousands of soccer fans and tourists who have either travelled or who still intend to travel to Brazil to witness the on-going 2014 World Cup.

    Steve Stretch, Head of Glo Gateway, Globacom’s international gateway division, said the prepaid roaming service is offered on Tim Brazil and comes at competitive rates. TIM is the largest mobile operator in Brazil with over 74 million subscribers.

    Stretch said that with the prepaid roaming service on Tim Brazil, Glo prepaid subscribers who travel abroad for business or leisure will now be able to make and receive calls on their phones, send SMS and browse on their phones with ease.

    The Chairman of Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company Limited, Chief Mike Itemuagbor who commended Glo for also launching prepaid roaming said he had enjoyed an excellent roaming service on the Glo network since he arrived Brazil about two weeks ago.

    “From Sao Paulo to Curitiba, Cuiaba and Porto Alegre, I have enjoyed a distinctively clear roaming service on my Glo line. I commend Globacom for taking care of my communication needs and the rate is pocket friendly,” he said.

    In the same vein, the Chairman of the League Management Company, Chief Nduka Irabor, expressed delight with the quality of service he had been enjoying on his Glo line since he arrived Brazil.

    The LMC boss, who was preparing to go to the stadium to watch the Nigerian- Argentina match in Porto Alegre on Wednesday, said he was glad that he could use his Glo line to communicate with his family, friends and associates since he got to Brazil.

  • NCC’s ban on MTN, Airtel, Glo remains, says Commissioner

    NCC’s ban on MTN, Airtel, Glo remains, says Commissioner

    The Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC) has said the ban it imposed on three major telecoms firms for failing to meet key performance indicators (KPI) remains in force.

    Speaking through its Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, Okwchukwu Itanyi, in Lagos at the weekend, the regulator said it was irrevocably committed to using its regulatory powers to ensure that operators do the needful so that subscribers could enjoy the full value of their money.

    In February, the regulator imposed a fine of N467million on Airtel, MTN and Globacom. It barred them from taking in new subscriber identity modules (SIMs) for one month so that they could put some measures in place. But the one month has since elapsed without any official statement from the regulator concerning whether it has been lifted or not.

    Itanyi said the ban has been extended. “The ban on the sale of new SIM cards is on. We have not lifted the ban. (If the operators are still selling) it is something that we will investigate and if any of them is found to have fallen short of our regulation, it is something we can sanction them for.  It was for a month and we extended it. We have not lifted that sanction. It is still on,” he said on the sideline of CyberAfrica Awards night held at Lagos Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja where the regulator bagged two awards.

    On the efficacy of fines, he said it is one way of allowing the operators to know that the regulator is dissatisfied with the standard of the services they render to Nigerians.

    He said: “Basically, the fines are to put the operators on their toes. We are not happy with the standard of the services they are giving to Nigerians. There are KPIs and whenever they fall short, we have to sanction them by imposing fine. The fine is meant to put them on notice; we are also talking to the operators because part of the problem is that their network cannot carry the traffick of the customers available on their network. So, we are trying to ensure that they improve their network.”

    The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) said the sanction will make the affected operators to do more to meet the parameters set down by the regulator.

    Its Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo said as responsible corporate citizens, the affected operators  have complied with the regulator’s directive.

    He said: “As responsible operators, those affected complied with the directive of the NCC as it were. NCC gave some conditions precedent to lifting the ban and we are hoping that in their next review in terms of QoS and other parameters, the NCC will consider lifting the ban, they will find reason to lift the ban, by the time the next measurement is done, I am hopeful.

    “In terms of its impact on business, I think for the affected players, it is an opportunity for them to go back in-house see what efficiency measures to put in place in order to comply with the directive of the regulator. So, the consideration is not in terms of income or loss of business but putting in efficiency in the interest of the subscribers.

    “In essence, we are not counting losses on this account we are rather looking at the efficiency that can be put in place  So, we are not counting losses.”

  • SHARKS, WOLVES SECURE CRUCIAL HOME WINS

    SHARKS, WOLVES SECURE CRUCIAL HOME WINS

    SHARKS’ Christian Pyagbara’s double against Nasarawa United fired the Blue Angels to second on the Glo Premier League log after a 2-0 win in Port Harcourt yesterday.

    Two goals scored in quick succession by the former Flying Eagles’ international in the second half of the tension soaked affair took Sharks’ points tally to 11 which is same as Akwa United, Bayelsa United and Warri Wolves but they stayed second behind the Promise Keepers.

    Meanwhile, at the Warri Township Stadium, Warri Wolves pipped Enugu Rangers 1-0 despite altering their team selection minutes into the encounter after they were told three of their start list were not eligible to play.

    The trio of Okeimute Odah, Kola Anubi and Michael Egbeta had thought they had served their suspensions over accumulation of two yellow cards against Nembe City in a rescheduled league match played last Wednesday at Omoku, Rivers State but they were told they stand ineligible since the game was only a postponed league encounter.

    The Seasiders did well to record a slim 1-0 win through the goal of Gbolahan Salami, who netted his fourth goal from four starts for Warri Wolves. His goal came in the 37th minute.

    Warri Wolves are now third on the log with 11 points from seven matches behind Akwa United and Sharks.

  • Glo unveils SMS-based service, to boost healthcare

    A telecommunication firm, Globacom, has unveiled Glo Medicare to boost health and general wellness in the country.

    The service, which is SMS-based, is available to Glo subscribers wherever they are, provided they can receive GSM signal.

    Subscribers to the service are provided with regular information on a wide range of health and wellness issues, including how to manage various diseases or health conditions and how to prevent them.

    “This service was conceived with a view to making a strong positive contribution to sound health among Nigerians,” said Mr. Adeniyi Olukoya, Coordinator, Marketing for the firm.

    He added: “We have taken some time to look at the areas to focus on that will be of immense help to the greatest of number of people. So we have no doubt that this service will benefit an overwhelming number of our esteemed subscribers.”

    Mr. Olukoya explained that subscribers would have the liberty of choosing specific areas they would like to receive information on from a menu, adding that subsequently, such subscribers would receive tips, advice and other information they can practically apply to their lives on a daily basis.

    He said the advice dispensed to subscribers through Glo Medicare is grouped under broad topics such as cancer info; diabetes info; pregnancy info and baby info. Others are first aid info, cholesterol info, toddler info, hypertension info and blood sugar info.

    He said Glo subscribers can activate the service by sending the keyword “Menu” to 34001. He said the service costs N90 per month or N4 per day, depending on what the subscriber wants.

    Mr. Olukoya said Globacom would continue to roll out innovative services aimed at adding value to the lives of Nigerians.

  • Glo mast collapses in Cross River, kills two

    Glo mast collapses in Cross River, kills two

    Tragedy struck in Odukpani local government area of Cross River State on Wednesday evening at about 6pm when a telecommunications mast said to belong to Globacom fell and killed two people.

    Those killed were an eleven year old girl, Lawrencia John Asuquo and a middle aged man, Adindu Fynecountry.

    Lawrencia was on an errand for her father while Adindu was in his drugstore when the unfortunate incident occurred.

    Two others were fatally injured, several other sustained minor injuries and some houses were destroyed.

    Those critically injured were carried to the General Hospital in Calabar.

    The incident happened following a rainstorm that came with severe winds it was gathered. It happened in Ntoe Edet Oqua Street in Odukpani Qua Town.

    Father of the deceased girl, Mr. John Asuquo Etok, a staff of Odukpani Local Government Council, was inconsolable yesterday.

    His words, “It’s just unfortunate the mast fell and killed my daughter as she went out to buy something from a nearby shop. Her name is Lawrencia John Asuquo and she was about to sit for the Primary 6 exams. She was a pupil of St. Theresa Primary School, Odukpani Qua Town. I want government to come to my aid as my house was also destroyed by the wind .I am presently homeless.  I want the state emergency management agency (SEMA) and Glo to come and assist me. I have seven children; five boys and two girls.”

    Brother of the deceased Fynecountry, Mr. Henry Okeke from Akwete in Ukwa East LGA, Abia state, said, “It was around 7pm I got a call that my brother was dead in Odukpani. His name is Adindu Fynecountry. When I got to Odukpani, I saw the corpse lying here. I could not do anything than to agree with the police, then we carried his corpse in the police van and deposited it in the mortuary. I am here to see the Glo people and the National Communication Commission (NCC). There are lots of things we have to address in the matter because it’s a big disaster. I have not seen any of them yet to talk to. For now we are keeping our fingers crossed waiting for their response. He has 7 children. For now I can’t quantify the losses in his shop.”

    A lady who sustained some injuries from the incident, Mrs Blessing Edim, said “the mast fell as I was busy packing my goods as a result of the strong wind. I want government and Glo to come to our aid. The estimated loss of my goods is worth over N100, 000.”

    A Globacom official in Calabar who pleaded anonymity said he was not his place to talk to the press.

    He however said the fallen mast was that of his company.

    He said, “The brand has sent emissary to the families of the victims to ensure that there have temporary palliative while awaiting instructions from the brand headquarters in Lagos on how to resolve the issues at stake.’’

     

  • Wolves on full throttle

    Wolves on full throttle

    BASKING with supreme confidence following their discharge of Cameroun’s Union Dauola from the CAF Confederation Cup, Warri Wolves has put a warning to clubs in the Glo Premier League that it will open all salvos to blast through the league as they set to host El Kanemi Warriors in their opening match of the season.

    Warri Wolves surprised fans with a 3-2 away win to Douala and a 1-1 draw at home to remain in contention for the Confederation Cup but club spokesman, Moses Etu, says their exploit against Doaula was just a tip of the iceberg as they focus now on the home league.

    “I can assure you that Warri Wolves will blast full throttle. Believe me, our domestic league squad is stronger than our Confederation Cup squad and we will unleash full salvo against all teams in the premier league. In the first place, we have Azubuike Egwueke back in the team. He has been away on assignment with the Super Eagles. “He was not available for the two legs of our Confederation Cup. He will be back in action on Thursday against El Kanemi. Also, many of our players were not registered for the Confed Cup but they are available for the league. We have the likes of Daddy Bazuaye who just joined us from Cape Town FC in South Africa. We have Gbolahan Salami, from Shooting. He is a good top 9 but even at that he will have to battle with Musa Najere for that position, and Najere is scoring now.

    “We also have the duo of Dan Akpeyi and Martins Oduchie who joined us from Heartland. Everybody knows that Akpeyi is a great keeper and he will have to battle his position out with Ambrose Vanzekin and Okiemute Odah who stopped a penalty against Douala in Cameroun. Martins scored against us when we went to Heartland last season and since then we had an eye on him and we have got him.

    “With our first leg victory in Cameroun, we had the leverage to play in some players who have not tasted action for some time. Joseph Osadiaye alongside Brenda Ogbu and Bright Akpojuvwevwo were back in the return leg against Union. That has helped against match rustiness and keeps them in match form against the two warrior teams from Maiduguri and Abia. By the time we finish with them, they will find out that they are not warriors at all. “Good thing is that we are playing two straight home games. That reduces the fatigue of travels and gives room for better concentration and conditioning. I can also tell you that for now there is no injury in the camp and the players are very focused and enthusiastic. For us enthusiasm is important and we have it in Warri Wolves in addition to the experience and influence of the likes of Azubuike Egwueke. With Warri Wolves, there is no shaking.”

    The oil city boys will host El Kanemi Warriors of Borno on Thursday and Abia Warriors on Sunday at the Warri City Stadium, and return to the continentals by upper weekend to host their next Confederation Cup opponents, Club Athletics Bizertin of Tunisia.

  • Lobi Stars flaunt home ground

    Lobi Stars flaunt home ground

    • Set for action

    As clubs await the kick-off of the 2013/14 Glo Premier League season, Lobi Stars appear to be banking on their new-look home ground of natural grass to do exploits this season.

    The Makurdi-based side that finished in the 14th position last season with 52 points in 38 matches appear to be itchy to host their first opponents at the venue, even as they proudly reminded anyone who cared to listen that the venue is one of the few in the country with a natural grass surface.

    “Did you know @LobiStars home ground is one of the few venues with natural grass in the Glo Premier League?,” the club asked Tuesday on its Twitter handle.

    The coach Evans Ogenyi-tutored side with a league title won in 1999, FA Cup clinched in 2003 as well as a Nigerian Super Cup crown won in 1999 in the kitty, will be hoping to take their performance to greater heights when hostilities begin this season and possibly have a shot at the opportunity to represent the country once more either in the CAF Champions League or the Confederation Cup.

    The Dominic Iorfa-led club has made one appearance in the Champions League in 2000, crashing out in the group stage, two appearances in the Confederation Cup 2004 and 2006, kissing the exit in the second round and one appearance in the West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Championship in 2010, crashing out in the first round. Baring any last minute change of plans, the 2013/2014 season which was postponed from February 21, will now kick off March 7.

  • NCC fines MTN, Airtel, Glo N647m

    NCC fines MTN, Airtel, Glo N647m

    • Bars them from SIM cards sale

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has imposed fines totalling N647,500,000 million on three of the four global system for mobile (GSM) comunication service providers in the country.

    The affected operators are Airtel, Globacom and MTN. They are being sanctioned for failing to meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for quality of service in the month of January this year.

    Consequently, the three companies have been barred from further sale of subscriber identity module (SIM) cards with effect from next month. They are also barred from all promotions on their networks until they improve on the failed KPIs for which they are sanctioned.

    According to a statement, the details of the sanction showed that Airtel Network Ltd, and MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd, are to pay a fine of N185 million each while Globacom Ltd is to pay N277,500. In addition, each of the operators must pay the sanction amount on or before March 7 failure upon which each will be liable to pay N2,500,000 per day as long as the contravention persists.

    The sanctions, which were communicated to the three operators in a letter signed by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Eugene Juwah, said the Commission will carry out an audit of the three companies on March 1 and March 31 to ensure that no sale of new SIM cards takes place in any of the three networks within the period.

    The letter made reference to an earlier directive of December 10 last year which warned the operators that “if the quality of service does not improve by 31st December, 2013, the Commission will be compelled to direct operators to, among others, suspend the activation of new SIMs and subscribers until such an operator can prove that it has met the KPIs specified in the regulations”.

    According to Dr. Juwah, “ the Commission after careful collation of statistics from the Network Operating Centres (NOC) of all major networks operators for the month of January, has concluded that the service provided by some of the operators during the period fell below the KPIs published by the Commission in the Quality of Service Regulations, as amended.”

    While the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) and Association of Licensed Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ALTON) have insisted that sanctions will not address the service quality problem, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has said the benefit of sanctions should go to subscribers.

    Its President, Deolu Ogunbanjo said such compensation for poor service quality could come by way of free air time to the subscribers. “The government earns revenue from the calls we make. The fines are paid to the coffers of the government without any direct benefits to the subscribers who suffer from the inadequacies of the operator,” he said.

    NCC added that the service providers shall not churn or delete inactive or (none revenue generating SIMs) from their networks during the period of March 1 to 31, warning that “any deviation or alteration of provisioning pattern (in terms of average daily number of provisioning) in the remaining days of February this year compared to the regular provisioning rates by the concerned service providers shall be construed as a breach to the directive.