NCC Reaffirms Push for Better Telecom Services
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is doubling down on efforts to improve service quality, customer experience, and regulatory efficiency in the telecom sector. Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO Dr. Aminu Maida made this clear during a visit to the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU) in Abuja, where he met with Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman, the President’s Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination. Their talks centered on the sector’s biggest challenges—from infrastructure gaps to rising consumer demands—and how stronger collaboration can deliver better outcomes for Nigerians.
Spam SMS Plunges by 84% in Nigeria Thanks to Airtel’s AI Tool
Good news for mobile users: spam texts are disappearing fast. Nigeria has recorded an 84% drop in spam SMS after Airtel Africa rolled out its AI-driven “Spam Alert” tool, which flagged over 205 million dodgy messages in just six months across 13 markets. Nigeria saw the steepest decline, while Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia logged the highest volumes of flagged spam. The tool, which simply labels suspicious texts as “SPAM Alert,” helps users block fraud and phishing without extra apps. Airtel says this is part of its bigger fight against digital scams as smartphone use spreads across Africa.
Globacom Unveils Two New Offers: TalkMasta and Welcome Bonus
Globacom is out with two new products aimed at keeping customers talking and connected. TalkMasta gives subscribers extra free minutes for calls, while Welcome Bonus rewards new customers with instant airtime once they activate a Glo line. At the launch, company representative Ande Abdulrazaq said the move reflects Glo’s promise to keep people connected in ways that add real value, not just new features. With competition heating up, these offerings could help Globacom strengthen loyalty and attract more users.
Airtel Africa Extends $100m Share Buyback
In a move to boost investor confidence, Airtel Africa has extended its $100 million share buyback program to March 2026. So far, the initiative has returned $34.7 million through 14.2 million shares repurchased, with $20.3 million still in play. Following strong Q1 2025 results—earnings per share rose 16-fold—the company says this extension will further optimize its capital structure and deliver more value to shareholders.
Australia Eyes Telecom Reforms After Emergency Call Failures
In Australia, telecom giant Optus is under fire after a technical failure blocked 624 emergency calls last week, an incident linked to four deaths. The glitch, which hit the “000” emergency system, has prompted the government and regulators to consider tougher telecom rules. Optus previously paid AU$12 million in fines for similar failures, while rival Telstra was also fined AU$3 million in 2023. Communications Minister Anika Wells confirmed that a fresh probe is underway, with reforms likely to follow to ensure lives are not put at risk again.
