Business
MTN Shutting Down 3G in South Africa
MTN has successfully tested shutting down its 3G network in several Cape Town neighbourhoods and says it is on track to switch off the legacy technology by 31 December 2026.
MyBroadband reports that MTN notified certain Cape Town customers that it was conducting a pilot to migrate subscribers off 3G within a ring-fenced area.
MTN informed affected customers about the pilot project in January 2024. The test began early in 2024 and ended later that year.
“In September 2022, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies indicated its intention to phase out 2G and 3G networks,” MTN said in its letter.
“Although this process will affect our customers, MTN is committed to ensuring minimal impact in the transition. As a result, MTN will follow a phased approach for the migration.”
“Once the pilot phase is completed, MTN will assess the project before rolling out the 3G migration on a large scale.
The 3G transition is scheduled to be completed by 31 December 2025,” it explained.
“Parallel to the 3G migration, MTN is assessing the viable dates to migrate users on the 2G network.
Engagements to migrate the 2GNetwork services will be communicated in due course.” Asked for details about the 3G switch-off pilot, MTN confirmed to MyBroadband that it was a success and that it would complete the transition away from the legacy technology by the end of the year.
“MTN is actively transitioning customers from legacy 2G and 3G networks to more advanced 4G and 5G technologies,” a spokesperson said.
“This strategic migration enhances customer experience and ensures continued investment in modern, efficient networks.”
MTN said the 2024 pilot included Durbanville, Greater Melkbosstrand, Cape Town suburbs, and the Milnerton Bloubergstrand areas in Cape Town.
“The pilot aimed to assess the migration process and optimise future rollouts,” the spokesperson said.
Following its success, MTN is implementing a phased migration approach, with full transition planned for completion by 31st December 2025.
Throughout this process, MTN remains committed to delivering excellent connectivity and minimising disruption to customers.”
Business
Exchange Rates Today Friday, 12 June
Black Market Rates
US Dollar (USD) ₦1,397
Great British Pound (GBP) ₦1,850
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Great British Pound (GBP) ₦1,821. 25
EURO (EUR) ₦1,572. 90
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JAPANESE YEN (JPN) ₦8.50
CHINESE YUAN (CNY) ₦201.20
West African CFA (XOF) ₦2.40
West African Unit Account (WAUA) ₦1,857. 45
SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) ₦363. 29
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦82.61
Black Market Rates
US Dollar (USD) Buy ₦1,397 Sell ₦1,405
Great British Pound (GBP) Buy ₦1,850 Sell: ₦1,870
EURO (EUR) Buy ₦1,587 Sell ₦1, 607
Canadian Dollar (CAD) Buy ₦1,030 Sell ₦1,100
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Central African CFA Buy ₦2, 220 Sell 2,300
Australian Dollar Buy ₦800 Sell ₦900
Business
Airtel launches data calculator to counter depletion complaints
Commenting on the significance of the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said that the company remains focused on building a network and customer experience ecosystem anchored on trust, transparency and continuous improvement.
Airtel Nigeria has launched the Airtel Web Data Calculator, a new digital tool designed to help customers estimate and better understand their internet data consumption based on real-life usage patterns.
Available through Airtel’s website, the calculator enables customers to estimate data usage across common digital activities such as video streaming, social media engagement, voice and video calls, and everyday web browsing.
Speaking on the launch, Oladokun Oye, Customer Experience Director, Airtel Nigeria, said that the initiative reflects Airtel’s commitment to customer empowerment and service transparency.
“As Nigerians become increasingly dependent on digital services for work, education, entertainment and communication, it is important that customers have clear visibility into how their data is consumed.
The Airtel Web Data Calculator was developed to help our customers understand their usage patterns better, make informed choices, and enjoy greater confidence in their digital experience,” he said.
Commenting on the significance of the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said the company remains focused on building a network and customer experience ecosystem anchored on trust, transparency and continuous improvement.
“The future of telecommunications will be defined not only by network investments but also by how effectively operators help customers understand and manage their digital lives. The Airtel Web Data Calculator represents a practical innovation that places more information and control directly in the hands of our customers.” He said.
Business
Kingsley Moghalu chairs Bluecode Africa subsidiary in Nigeria
Moghalu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, heading the Financial System Stability and Operations Directorates at different periods.
Bluecode Africa, the European payments infrastructure operator backed by leading US and European institutional investors, has named Prof Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu as Chairman of the Advisory Board of its Nigerian subsidiary, Bluecode Payments Nigeria Limited as the company formally enters the Nigerian market.
The appointment was jointly announced by Chris Pirkner, Founder of Bluecode, and Odin Krismayr, Managing Director of Bluecode Africa, who described it as a foundational governance decision for the company’s Nigerian and continental operations.
Moghalu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, heading the Financial System Stability and Operations Directorates at different periods.
He led the team that introduced the unique-identifier Bank Verification Number (BVN), enrolling 50 million banking users, simplifying Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, and doubled Nigeria’s financial inclusion rate from 33 to 60 per cent.
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