The data from the streets is ugly. What does the data say about the internet data? The telcos have become another pain. Subscribe to an internet data plan today. Tomorrow, the data is gone. It is as if you are dealing with a ghost. You are unsure where it is lurking. Now, suddenly, talking has become very expensive. Browsing the internet or video streaming has become a luxury.

On the one hand

The telcos have jacked up the prices of data plans. No more handouts. The years of plenty are gone. That was when a thousand naira data plan could last you a month. Not anymore. Not anymore. The data plans have surged by 50 per cent. Meaning: You have to rethink your internet budget. Otherwise, you are walking on the precipice of bankruptcy!

On the other hand

Welcome to the other half of plenty. It is not a lack. It is contentment. You have to be content with the internet data plan your budget can afford. If your budget can only move you for a week, live with it. Otherwise, you might be spending more on internet data than you do on feeding. You would not do that, would you?

READ ALSO: We are growing SMEs in Nigeria -Dangote

In the long term    

Many issues have conspired to push the telcos to increase the internet data tariffs. One of them is not your fault. Or is it? Anyway, the telcos, in case you do not remember their names, MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile, have adjusted their prices. One particular network priced its large data plan as high as seventy thousand. For a month! That is the minimum wage of an average Nigerian worker. Does it mean this particular worker will not enjoy the internet?

There is no cheap internet data plan anymore. Even the entry-level data plan is not for an average Nigerian worker. At one thousand naira for a week – that is the lowest for 3.9 GB – the network quality is awful. If an average Nigerian worker uses one thousand naira a week, in a month, he would have spent four thousand naira on internet data. Seventy thousand minus four thousand. Hmm. From experience, none of these telcos offers the best network quality. It is relative. The internet connections oscillate between good and bad. Nothing in between.

Had a negative experience with a video streaming service. The video buffered forever. Changed the network. The same experience. All right. Switched to one of the popular ISPs. Aha. The video would buffer and come on. Then blank. It was a horrible experience. Do you know why your internet slows down after a certain threshold? FUP! Fair. Usage. Policy. What does it mean? FUP reduces the speed of your internet. This allows other users to enjoy the ride too. We are stuck with these telcos because we do not have alternatives. Yet.

Aside from video streaming and conferencing for remote workers, funds transfer is another hiccup. Funds transfer via online banking is a different curveball. I sent some funds to friends. The transfers reversed after 48 hours. After the fact of the matter. Well, we are stuck with these poor telecom offerings because we do not have alternatives. Yet. Various negative experiences abound. Recounting them would not remedy the bad situations. Life throws one of these lemons at you. If you are not a lemonade producer, you can consider changing your trade.

In the short term

An internet data plan is not cheap. If it were so, I would not have cancelled a video streaming! Like a ghost, you cannot tell where the internet data lurks.

*Olaegbe (psalmsonolaegbe@gmail.com)

The post FUP: Where does your internet data lurk? appeared first on Frontpageng.

In the heart of Nigeria’s digital economy, a story of patriotism and resilience unfolds. The telecommunications sector, a driving force behind the country’s growth, has been facing unprecedented challenges. Despite its significant contributions to Nigeria’s social and economic development, the sector has been struggling to keep up with the rising costs of operations.

For nearly a decade, telecom tariffs in Nigeria remained unchanged, while the demand for data and voice services skyrocketed. The cost of operations, however, surged due to rising energy costs, inflation, currency devaluation, and increased costs of importing telecom equipment. These mounting expenses threatened the very foundation of the sector, making it difficult for operators to maintain infrastructure and deliver high-quality services.

In the face of these challenges, telecom operators requested tariff adjustments to reflect the current cost of delivering services. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) carefully considered these proposals, balancing the needs of operators with the interests of consumers. Instead of approving the suggested 100% rate increase, the NCC authorized a maximum adjustment of up to 50% within the current tariff bands.

The NCC plays a vital role in regulating the telecommunications industry in Nigeria, and its actions are guided by the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003. This act empowers the body to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecom operators, ensuring a balance between consumer protection and industry sustainability.

READ ALSO: Mininmum wage: Labour gives defaulters till March to implement

The NCC’s decision to approve tariff adjustments was not taken lightly. It was based on extensive consultations with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. The goal was to strike a balance between the financial realities of telecom operators and the economic pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses. The approved tariff adjustments were capped at 50%, significantly lower than the 100% increase requested by operators. This decision showcases the NCC’s commitment to creating a telecommunications environment that works for everyone.

To further protect consumers, the NCC mandated telecom operators to implement the approved adjustments transparently and fairly. Meanwhile, operators were also required to educate and inform the public about the new rates, ensuring customers are fully aware of any changes to their billing structures. Additionally, the NCC’s updated Quality of Service Regulations empower it to sanction operators who fail to meet their service obligations.

Nigerians need to understand that the recent tariff adjustments in the telecommunications sector are a necessary step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry. These adjustments will enable operators to invest in infrastructure upgrades and innovation, ultimately providing opportunities for local businesses to thrive.

A robust telecommunications sector is crucial for achieving Nigeria’s digital economy goals, including e-commerce growth, broadband penetration, and digital inclusion. The tariff adjustments will strengthen operators’ contributions to these objectives by providing connectivity to underserved and rural areas, driving innovation, creating jobs, and boosting economic productivity.

Since 2013, telecom operators have grappled with escalating costs without corresponding adjustments to the tariff rates they offered. Without tariff adjustments, operators risk being unable to sustain their operations, leading to service degradation and potential job losses within the industry. This would increase the rate of unemployment in the country, contributing to the hardship the government has been fighting hard to eradicate.

As Nigerians, it is very important to view these adjustments as a patriotic move by the NCC to secure the future of connectivity and development in the country.

The telecommunications sector is capital-intensive, requiring continuous investment in infrastructure to meet growing demand and improve service quality. The approved tariff adjustments will provide operators with the financial resources needed to invest in network expansion, upgrade existing infrastructure, and enhance customer service. This will ultimately benefit consumers by delivering better connectivity, reduced downtime, and wider network coverage.

It’s worth noting that the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of tariff adjustments aligns with international best practices, ensuring Nigeria stays competitive in the global telecommunications landscape. By maintaining tariffs within the bands outlined in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, the Commission has ensured that the adjustments are both fair and evidence-based.

Furthermore, the NCC’s modest tariff adjustment was influenced by the financial strains that many businesses and households are experiencing. In the context of the broader economy, the long-term benefits of the slight increase in consumer bills far outweigh the immediate costs. Benefits such as expanded coverage, improved network quality, and enhanced customer service will provide greater value to consumers, further ensuring they receive a greater telecommunications experience.

In order to mitigate the impact on vulnerable consumers, the NCC has mandated that operators simplify their tariff structures, and offer affordable plans that will be suitable to different income levels. Additionally, the Commission will continue to monitor the implementation of the adjustments to ensure compliance with its guidelines and protect consumers from exploitation. This action validates the Commission’s goal of ensuring that Nigeria remains at the forefront of digital innovation and connectivity in Africa.

As a regulator, it is obvious that the NCC is not only protecting consumers, but also supporting operators, indigenous vendors, and suppliers who form the pillar of the telecom industry. It is worthy of note to state that the adjustments have no relation to the ongoing tax reform conversation. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of a thriving telecommunications sector are felt across all segments of society.

The tariff adjustments approved by the NCC are a necessary step toward addressing the financial and operational challenges faced by telecom operators. Far from being complicit in any alleged exploitation, the NCC has demonstrated commendable patriotism and a deep commitment to balancing consumer protection with industry sustainability. The NCC’s actions in approving the tariff adjustments reflect patriotism and national progress at its finest.

By enabling operators to invest in infrastructure, improve service quality, and support indigenous businesses, the NCC is laying the foundation for a more robust and inclusive telecommunications sector that can measure up with its international counterparts all across the globe. The adjustments are not merely a response to current market conditions but a forward-looking strategy that will ensure Nigeria’s telecommunications industry remains a vital driver of economic growth and digital transformation.

As Nigerians, it is very important to view these adjustments as a patriotic move by the NCC to secure the future of connectivity and development in the country. The Commission’s action embodies transparency and accountability, and it serves as a reminder that effective regulation is not about appeasing one stakeholder group over another, but about creating an environment that works for everyone. Through its efforts, the NCC is proving that a stronger, more sustainable telecommunications sector is not just a possibility but a reality within reach.

*Prince writes from Abuja

The post Telco’s tariff increase and NCC’s patriotism appeared first on Frontpageng.

The alert, NCC said, was in keeping with its commitment to continuously keep stakeholders in the country’s telecoms sector informed, educated and protected.

According to NCC, an Iranian hacking group known as Lyceum (also known as Hexane, Siamesekitten, or Spirlin) has been reported to be targeting telecoms, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Ministries of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Africa with upgraded malware in a recent politically motivated attacks oriented in cyberespionage.

Information about the cyber attack is said to be contained in the latest advisory issued by the Nigerian Computer Emergency Response Team, ngCERT.

The ngCERT rated the probability and damage level of the new malware as high.

According to the advisory, the hacking group is known to be focused on infiltrating the networks of telecoms companies and ISPs.

Between July and October, 2021, Lyceum was implicated in attacks against ISPs and telecoms organisations in Israel, Morocco, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia.

The advanced persistent threat (APT) group has been linked to campaigns that hit Middle Eastern oil and gas companies in the past.

Now, the group appears to have expanded its focus to the technology sector.

In addition, the APT is responsible for a campaign against an unnamed African government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

By the attackers’ mode of operation, Lyceum’s initial onslaught vectors include credential stuffing and brute-force attacks.

So, once a victim’s system is compromised, the attackers conduct surveillance on specific targets.

In that mode, Lyceum will attempt to deploy two different kinds of malware: Shark and Milan (known together as James).

Both malware are backdoors.

Shark, a 32-bit executable written in C# and .NET, generates a configuration file for domain name system (DNS) tunneling or Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) C2 communications; whereas Milan – a 32-bit Remote Access Trojan (RAT) retrieves data.

Both are able to communicate with the group’s command-and-control (C2) servers.

The APT maintains a C2 server network that connects to the group’s backdoors, consisting of over 20 domains, including six that were previously not associated with the threat actors.

According to reports, individual accounts at companies of interest are usually targeted, and then once these accounts are breached, they are used as a springboard to launch spear-phishing attacks against high-profile executives in an organisation.

The report suggests that not only do these attackers seek out data on subscribers and connected third-party companies, but once compromised, threat actors or their sponsors can also use the industries to survey individuals of interest.

However, to guard against this kind of threats, the NCC has re-echoed ngCERT reports that multiple layers of security in addition to constant network monitoring is required by telecom companies and ISPs alike to stave off potential attacks.

Specifically, telecom consumers and the general public are advised to:

1. Ensure the consistent use of firewalls (software, hardware and cloud firewalls).
2. Enable a Web Application Firewall to help detect and prevent attacks coming from web applications by inspecting HTTP traffic.
3. Install Up-to-date antivirus programmes to help detect and prevent a wide range of malware, trojans, and viruses, which APT hackers will use to exploit your system.
4. Implement the use of Intrusion Prevention Systems that monitors your network.
5. Create a secure sandboxing environment that allows you to open and run untrusted programmes or codes without risking harm to your operating system.
6. Ensure the use of virtual private network (VPN) to prevent an easy opportunity for APT hackers to gain initial access to your company’s network.
7. Enable spam and malware protection for your email applications, and educate your employees on how to identify potentially malicious emails.

For further technical assistance, contact ngCERT on incident@cert.gov.ng.

The NCC, as the operator of the telecom sector’s cyber threat response centre (CSIRT), reiterated its commitment to active surveillance and monitoring of cyber activities in the sector, stressing that it would always keep stakeholders in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector updated on potential threats within the cyber space.

That, it said, was to ensure that the networks that delivered essential services were safe and that telecom consumers were protected from being victims of cyber attacks.

The post Again, NCC alerts of hacking group targeting telcos, ISPs2 appeared first on Frontpageng.

At the meeting, which focused on consumer relations and complaint management processes, the NCC and the telecom service providers agreed that the compensation policy should be revisited and complied with at all times.

According to NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, the decision was to ensure full compliance with the new Complaint Categories and Service Level Agreement, CC/SLA, consented to by the NCC and the service providers in the telecommunication ecosystem.

Additionally, it was decided that the commission and telecom service providers would hold follow-up discussions on “Fair Usage Policy” on unlimited data bundles/data rollover, in order to provide a clearer explanation and better understanding of the processes and procedures of the policy for the benefit of the consumers.

The commission thereby restated that its direction of June 2018 to service providers to commence implementation of data rollover from 26 June 2018, remained in force.

In other words, a subscriber’s unused data must be rolled over to his/her subsequent data subscription.

Therefore, the commission urged service providers to continue to inform and educate subscribers on the procedures and processes for data rollover.

Service providers also agreed to ensure that senior-level customer relations officers support their respective complaints management teams, to resolve complaints that were not resolved to the satisfaction of the consumers when such complaints were first reported.

The service providers also promised to ensure that complaints were resolved in both the letter and spirit of the recently-reviewed Service Level Agreement, SLA.

With respect to services subscribed to through third parties (such as banks), which are not rendered, the meeting resolved that telecom service providers should explore initiating service level agreement with banks to ensure uniformity and speed in the resolution of complaints relating to billing.

All parties to the meeting equally agreed that telecom service providers would carry out pervasive consumer education and enlightenment campaigns about their products and services to ensure their subscribers had the information they might require to make informed decisions and get value for money spent.

The commission stated that it was very pleased with the impressive attendance, participation, and the quality of decisions taken at the bi-annual meeting.

The NCC said it was, therefore, determined to continue to work closely with the service providers and other stakeholders in the Nigerian telecom sector in order to improve on the quality of service, and by implication, the quality of consumer experience.

The bi-annual meeting, which has held regularly since 2018, focuses on ensuring improvement in Quality of Service, QoS, and Quality of Experience, QoE, in the telecom industry.

It has served as a veritable platform for the commission and service providers to discuss and agree on measures that will enhance prompt and effective consumer complaint resolution in telecom service provision in Nigeria.

The post Complaints management: NCC in first virtual bi-annual meeting with telcos appeared first on Frontpageng.