NCC warns elites on SIM loopholes- Airtel Tchad invests $89M in 4G rollout
- Glo slashes IDD call rates
- Vodafone expands via Telekom Romania deal
High-Profile Nigerians and the SIM Registration Loophole
Illegal SIM registration remains one of the most persistent threats to Nigeria’s telecoms sector—and recent findings show that some of the problem lies with high-profile Nigerians. While the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has confirmed that all SIMs are formally registered, an old habit lingers: influential individuals delegating SIM registration to drivers, domestic staff, and third parties.
The NCC warns that this practice undermines identity verification, creates loopholes for fraud, and fuels cybercrimes such as identity theft and financial scams. Even more worrying, it sends the wrong message to the public. Leaders who should model compliance risk normalizing bad behavior that weakens trust in regulatory institutions.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, has stressed that stricter enforcement, more public awareness, and stronger cooperation with operators are crucial. Ultimately, protecting Nigeria’s telecoms landscape requires accountability across the board—especially from those in positions of influence.
Airtel Tchad Unveils $89 Million Network Expansion
Airtel Tchad is investing 50 billion CFA francs (about $89.7 million) to strengthen its telecoms infrastructure and bring faster, more reliable services to users nationwide.
The plan, presented to the telecoms regulator ARCEP, will roll out in three phases:
•Phase 1 (Next Month): Upgrade 89 sites to 4G, replace aging power systems, modernize fiber infrastructure, and boost capacity in N’Djamena to 100G.
•Phase 2 (By Jan 2026): Deploy new fiber links to cities like Massakory, Ati, and Abéché, expand radio services to 306 more sites, and extend metro fiber in urban centers.
•Phase 3 (By June 2026): Add 114 new sites and broaden 4G coverage to 170 more areas, including underserved communities.
The investment underscores Airtel’s push to close Chad’s digital divide while supporting economic development through stronger connectivity.
Globacom Slashes International Call Rates
Globacom has announced major cuts to its International Direct Dialing (IDD) rates, making it cheaper for Nigerians to connect with friends, family, and business contacts abroad.
New rates include:
•China: ₦75 per minute
•Saudi Arabia: ₦300 per minute
•Cameroon: ₦700 per minute
•Ghana: ₦500 per minute
•UAE: ₦325 per minute (down from ₦450)
•Germany: ₦550 per minute
Glo is also rolling out new IDD bundles to give frequent international callers even more value. The move reflects the company’s strategy to stay competitive while making international communication more affordable.
Vodafone Expands in Romania with Telekom Deal
Vodafone is strengthening its presence in Eastern Europe with a €30 million ($35.4 million) acquisition of Telekom Romania assets from Hellenic Telecommunications Organization.
•Vodafone gains Telekom’s post-paid customer base, spectrum, and towers—boosting its local capacity.
•Digi Romania will acquire Telekom’s pre-paid customers, reshaping the market dynamics.
Vodafone says the deal, expected to close in October, is part of its long-term strategy to build scale in high-growth markets. The move highlights a broader global telecom trend: consolidation to improve service quality, efficiency, and competitiveness.
