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Ericsson Invents Solutions to Bridge Digital Divide

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  • Ericsson Invents Solutions to Bridge Digital Divide

Ericsson has invented another set of solutions, which will help bring mobile broadband coverage to the remaining three billion people who are either underserved or without mobile broadband access.

The new solutions, which include software and hardware additions to Ericsson Radio System, provide the capabilities needed to reduce the total cost of ownership by up to 40 per cent.

This, Ericsson said, would make investment in low Average Revenue Per User markets viable.

To complement the deployment of the solutions are new mobile broadband tools, which allow operators to identify which sites in a GSM/EDGE coverage area have the highest number of users who already have Internet-ready devices.

According to Ericsson, operators can then determine where it makes more sense to convert those sites first to the HSPA or 4G/LTE, “so that the greatest number of people will enjoy the benefits of mobile broadband.”

The Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, co-chaired by the International Telecommunications Union and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, had championed the vital role played by the Information and Communications Technology in laying the foundation for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Broadband Commission’s new report highlighted that the digital divide was shifting from basic telephony to Internet, and it estimated that it would cost $450bn to bring the next 1.5 billion people online.

The Head of Business Unit Network Products, Ericsson, ArunBansal, said, “These are among the most important additions to our product portfolio for mobile broadband coverage growth ever. Ericsson supports the International Telecommunication Union’s Connect 2020 target of ensuring that more than 50 per cent of people in the developing world are using the Internet by 2020.”

He also said, “In order to reach this goal, together, we will need to connect roughly 500,000 new users to the Internet each day. Ericsson continues innovating so that operators can create viable business even in rural or off-grid settings, and to make the most difference with every investment.”

The Principal Analyst, Intelligent Networks, Ovum, Daryl Schoolar, said, “These innovations address investment pain points while also considering the current situation and environment of many of these builds. Ericsson is unique in their multifaceted approach and focus on spurring mobile broadband adoption in these developing markets.”

The new solutions address the significant divide in Internet adoption between developed and developing countries – only four out of 10 people in developing countries are connected to the Internet.

About 15 per cent of the world’s population do not have access to electricity. And the innovations followed a trio of solutions for developing areas unveiled in February this year: Flow of Users, Zero Touch and Mobile Broadband Expander.

The Head of Region, sub-Saharan Africa, Jean-Claude Geha, said, “As of 2015, GSM/EDGE still accounted for close to 70 per cent of the total mobile subscriptions in sub-Saharan Africa.

“As a technology leader, we continuously seek to develop sustainable ways to provide quality mobile broadband coverage — even in the unconnected areas.”

He also said, “These energy-efficient solutions will enable operators to seamlessly identify underserved communities in the region, making it faster to introduce or improve the mobile broadband experience of their subscribers.

“This will open new opportunities in far flung areas in the region, creating access to new services such as mobile money, e-health, e-education and e-government, thereby transforming the way people play, learn and do business forever.”

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Telecommunications

Lagos Residents Frustrated by Rapid Data Drain, Call for NCC Action

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Lagos residents are expressing increasing frustration over what they describe as the rapid depletion of their data bundles.

Many subscribers are now calling on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to address their concerns as they suspect changes in billing practices by telecommunication providers.

Numerous subscribers have reported that their data does not last as long as it used to. A Lagos-based teacher, Mrs. Nafidah Zaynab, shared her experience, stating that a N2,000 data bundle, which previously lasted almost a month, now depletes within just a few days.

This sentiment is echoed by many, including Idowu Anabili, a trader who has reduced his data usage due to rising costs.

Abdullahi Yunus, who runs a café, noted a significant increase in his data expenses, spending between N70,000 and N100,000 monthly, up from N30,000. He attributes this spike to faster data consumption.

Telecom operators deny any wrongdoing, attributing the faster data consumption to increased usage by subscribers.

An anonymous official from MTN explained that the variety of activities performed on smartphones has increased, leading to faster data usage.

Airtel Nigeria’s spokesperson, Mr. Femi Adeniran, suggested that background apps and high-definition streaming contribute to the issue.

Despite complaints, operators assert they have not officially increased data prices. They emphasize that automatic app updates and other technical factors may be responsible for the perceived quick depletion.

Experts suggest that the challenging economic climate may be pressuring telecom companies to subtly reduce data value.

The industry has reported a 43% rise in operational costs, although no formal tariff hikes have been announced.

The NCC has clarified that it has not authorized any increase in data tariffs. The commission highlights technical factors like automatic video play and app updates as potential causes for quick data depletion.

In a bid to assist consumers, the NCC has advised turning on data saver modes and managing app updates to conserve data.

To combat the issue, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have initiated a campaign to educate consumers on optimizing their data usage.

They recommend practices such as disabling automatic updates and closing unused apps.

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Social Media

Meta Shuts Down 63,000 Nigerian Accounts in Sextortion Crackdown

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In a significant move to combat online crime, Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has removed 63,000 accounts in Nigeria linked to sextortion scams.

This sweeping action is part of Meta’s ongoing effort to address the growing threat of digital extortion on its platforms.

Unmasking the Scammers

The crackdown, which took place at the end of May, targeted accounts engaged in blackmail schemes.

These scammers posed as young women to coerce individuals into sharing intimate photos, which were then used to extort money from the victims.

The removal follows a Bloomberg Businessweek exposé highlighting the rise of such crimes, particularly affecting teenagers in the United States.

The Global Impact

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has identified sextortion as one of the fastest-growing crimes targeting minors.

The schemes often lead to severe consequences, including the tragic suicides of more than two dozen teens.

In one high-profile case, the death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay in Michigan led to the arrest of suspects traced back to Lagos, Nigeria.

The Role of the Yahoo Boys

Many of the dismantled accounts were linked to the “Yahoo Boys,” a notorious group known for orchestrating various online scams.

These individuals have been using social media to recruit and train new scammers, sharing blackmail scripts and fake account guides.

Meta’s Response

Meta’s spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to user safety, stating, “Financial sextortion is a horrific crime that can have devastating consequences.”

The company is continually improving its defenses and has reported offenders targeting minors to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

To enhance protection, Meta has implemented stricter messaging settings for teen accounts and safety notices regarding sextortion.

They are also employing technology to blur potentially harmful images shared with minors.

Ongoing Efforts

Meta’s actions highlight the complex and evolving nature of online crime. The company has pledged to remain vigilant, adapting its strategies to counter new threats as they emerge.

“This is an adversarial space where criminals evolve to evade our defenses,” Meta noted.

Looking Forward

As digital platforms continue to grapple with issues of privacy and security, Meta’s recent actions demonstrate a proactive stance in safeguarding users.

By dismantling these networks, the company aims to reduce the prevalence of sextortion and foster a safer online environment for all.

The crackdown serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between tech companies and law enforcement to protect individuals from the harmful effects of digital exploitation.

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Fintech

Flutterwave Celebrates Inclusion in CNBC’s Top 250 Global Fintechs

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Flutterwave has been recognized as one of the Top 250 Fintech companies globally by CNBC and Statista.

Joining the ranks of industry giants like Ali Pay, Klarna, Piggyvest, and Mastercard, this accolade underscores Flutterwave’s impact on the financial technology sector.

This honor follows Flutterwave’s recent inclusion in Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list, highlighting the company’s pivotal role in transforming Africa’s payment landscape.

The recognition is a testament to Flutterwave’s dedication to innovation and excellence in providing seamless payment solutions across the continent.

Expressing gratitude, Flutterwave acknowledged its talented team, supportive board, reliable partners, and loyal customers for contributing to this success.

The company continues to drive progress in the fintech industry, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing financial accessibility and inclusion in Africa and beyond.

Flutterwave’s recognition on these prestigious lists marks a proud moment and a significant milestone in its journey, reflecting the company’s growing influence and leadership in the global fintech arena.

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