- Hyderabad Outages: Fiber link removal disrupts 800k Airtel users, sparking protests and service chaos.
- MTN–PAU Media Ties: Nigeria–South Africa study tour strengthens media innovation and diplomacy.
- Amnesty Programme seeks telecom empowerment for ex-agitators in Niger Delta.
- Army School lauds Glo for two decades of impact on connectivity and national growth.
Widespread Connectivity Outages in Hyderabad Due to Fiber Link Removal
Massive disruptions have hit Hyderabad after the removal of fiber links to 5G towers left over 400,000 Airtel broadband and nearly 400,000 mobile users offline in areas including Banjara Hills and Madhapur. Hospitals, government offices, and tech companies dependent on stable connectivity have been severely affected.
More than 125 Airtel towers were knocked out, causing persistent call drops and data failures. Frustrated residents have flooded social media with complaints, highlighting growing impatience over the blackout.
The outages stem from the decision by the Telangana Government-Served Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) to remove cables as a safety measure after recent electrocution incidents during public processions. While TGSPDCL insists the action was necessary to prevent further accidents, nearly 7–8 million people have been impacted.
Cable operators, faced with replacement costs of ₹10–12 crore, have launched protests and are demanding compensation. They have also scheduled a major demonstration at Indira Park on September 13 to press for a resolution that balances public safety with uninterrupted connectivity. The crisis underscores the delicate balance between infrastructure management and safety in urban centers.
MTN Nigeria and Pan-Atlantic University Strengthen Media-Education Ties with South Africa
MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), has launched a South Africa study tour for fellows of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP). The initiative opened with engagements at the University of Johannesburg under the theme “Harnessing the Potential of Media Diplomacy in Africa.”
The summit brought together journalists, academics, and media executives to discuss how strengthening media capacity can deepen African cooperation and reshape global perceptions of the continent.
Since its launch in 2022, the MIP has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading media development programmes. MTN revealed that over 3,700 applications were received this year, but only 20 fellows were admitted, reflecting the programme’s competitiveness.
Funso Aina of MTN Nigeria described the initiative as “the most sought-after media partnership in Nigeria,” affirming its reputation as a platform that equips journalists with the skills to thrive in a fast-changing media landscape. The programme also fosters stronger Nigeria–South Africa ties, advancing a unified African voice in global discourse.
PAP Seeks NCC Partnership for Niger Delta Empowerment
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) is seeking collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to create empowerment opportunities for ex-agitators. PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, in Abuja.
Otuaro stressed that many beneficiaries of PAP have completed formal and vocational training, making them qualified to contribute meaningfully to the telecom sector. A partnership with NCC, he noted, would strengthen PAP’s post-training empowerment scheme and help reintegrate participants into society.
Responding, Dr. Maida welcomed the proposal, acknowledging the importance of engaging skilled ex-agitators productively. The move is expected to create sustainable jobs, foster regional stability, and contribute to national development.
Army School Lauds Globacom for Commitment to National Development
The Nigerian Army School of Signals has commended Globacom for its sustained contribution to Nigeria’s growth. During a courtesy visit to Glo’s Lagos headquarters, Commandant Maj. Gen. Kennedy Osemwegie highlighted the company’s two decades of impact on connectivity, identity, and national development.
He praised Globacom’s Nigeria-focused initiatives and expressed interest in partnering with the Glo Foundation on projects that could strengthen civil-military relations and advance community development.
Globacom’s long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility has positioned it as a telecom leader driving societal progress. The Army School’s recognition signals new opportunities for collaboration that could further enhance military–civilian partnerships and benefit communities nationwide.
