Privet,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here’s what I’ve got for you today:
- New NCC portal tracks telecom service disruption
- Why this startup could fix Nigeria’s delivery woes
- Data rollover debate heats up in Kenyan courts
New NCC portal tracks telecom service disruption
Nigeria’s telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has launched a Major Outage Reporting Portal to boost transparency and hold telecom operators accountable for service disruptions.
The new portal, accessible via the NCC website, allows the public to view real-time reports of major outages and even identifies the parties responsible for infrastructure damage, such as fibre cuts or vandalism. Operators are now required to notify customers of planned outages at least a week in advance and provide compensation, like data validity extensions, if disruptions last more than 24 hours. The NCC defines a “major outage” as any event affecting at least 5% of an operator’s subscriber base or five or more local government areas.
This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order declaring telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure, underscoring its importance to national security and economic stability.
However, the timing of this transparency push is notable. In January, the NCC approved a 50% tariff hike, raising the cost of 1GB of data from ₦350 to ₦525 and voice calls from ₦11 to ₦16.50 per minute. The increase was justified as necessary due to inflation and rising operational costs, but many Nigerians have since complained that service quality remains poor.
Recent data from the NCC shows that the sector lost nearly one million Internet users in February following the tariff hike, with monthly data usage dropping by 12%. Although there was a modest rebound in March, usage levels remain below pre-hike figures, indicating that consumers are still adjusting to the higher costs.
Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the new outage reporting portal but stress that it must be backed by real enforcement. “Transparency is a good first step, but Nigerians need to see tangible improvements in service delivery,” said Adeolu Ogunbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers. “Otherwise, this portal will just be another dashboard with no real impact.
The NCC has given operators a three-month window to improve service quality following the tariff increase. With the new portal in place, both regulators and consumers now have a tool to monitor progress, or lack thereof, in real-time.
Why this startup could fix Nigeria’s delivery woes
The first time I heard about Lara.ng was in 2021 during my interview for an internship at Techpoint Africa. I was still pretty much clueless about how to get around Lagos, and honestly, not much has changed. But back then, Techpoint had this idea: “Use Lara.ng to find your way here.” That isn’t verbatim.😂
So there I was, relying on a chatbot to help me navigate the madness of Lagos transport. And it worked. That’s how I made it to the interview room. The rest, as they say, is history. I’m still here, writing stories you love. 😉
Lara.ng was more than just a navigation tool; it was a lifesaver for many in Lagos. Built by Samuel Odeloye, Ladi Ojora, and Nnamdi Nwanze, the chatbot gave step-by-step directions using danfos, keke, and buses. It helped over 250,000 people before COVID hit. But while it had all the love, it never really made money. “The business model just didn’t stick,” Samuel said. And so, like many brilliant tools ahead of their time, Lara slowly faded into silence.
But Samuel didn’t stop building. Today, he’s working on something new: Motion Space, a logistics platform built from the ground up with business in mind. While Lara focused on helping people move, Motion Space is helping packages move faster, smarter, and cheaper. And this time, there’s a clear goal: reduce delivery costs by over 50%.
Motion Space is using all the data and lessons from Lara.ng to build something even bigger. It’s a full-stack logistics system that helps businesses manage deliveries, whether they’ve got 2 bikes or 2,000. With a bit of AI magic, the platform automates everything from order intake to final drop-off. Vendors just upload a spreadsheet or use a chatbot, and the system does the rest.
Samuel says the logistics industry in Nigeria is still running on phone calls and guesswork, even for big players like Jumia and Konga. Motion Space is already cutting delivery times and costs significantly in early tests. But it’s not just software; there’s a hardware layer coming soon, too, to address Nigeria’s deeper logistics challenges.
Honestly, seeing Lara evolve into Motion Space feels like watching an old friend grow up. The bot that has helped me find my way several times (yeah, even with Google Maps😂) is now helping Nigeria’s businesses move forward. Want to know more about how Samuel is making it all happen? Read Bolu’s full story here.
Data rollover debate heats up in Kenyan courts
Kenya’s major telecom players — Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom — are under legal scrutiny over their data bundle policies. ICT lawyer Adrian Kamotho has filed a petition with the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal, challenging practices like data expiry and automatic out-of-bundle charges. He argues these policies are outdated and unfair to consumers.
Kamotho’s petition seeks reforms such as mandatory data rollover, the ability for users to transfer unused data within the same network, and explicit user consent before out-of-bundle billing. He also calls for timely data usage alerts at specified thresholds. These measures aim to align Kenya’s telecom practices with global standards that prioritise consumer rights.
The lawsuit also targets the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), accusing it of failing to enforce consumer protection standards. This isn’t the first time the CA has faced criticism. In November 2024, MPs questioned the authority’s oversight regarding data bundle expirations and service disruptions. Lawmakers highlighted the lack of compensation mechanisms and called for policies ensuring data bundles don’t expire prematurely.
Kenya’s situation mirrors reforms in other African nations. In 2019, Ghana mandated that unused data bundles roll over automatically with the next recharge, eliminating expiry dates. Similarly, South Africa’s telecom regulator introduced consumer-centric reforms in early 2024, banning out-of-bundle charges unless users opt in and enforcing data rollover mechanisms.
The outcome of Kamotho’s petition could set a significant precedent for Kenya’s telecom industry. If successful, it may lead to enhanced consumer protections, ensuring that users get full value for their purchased data and are shielded from unexpected charges.
In case you missed it
What I’m watching
- Simon Sinek: You’re Being Lied To About AI’s Real Purpose! We’re Teaching Our Kids To Not Be Human!
- Is It Time To Accept That EVERYTHING is Conscious?
Opportunities
- Want to exhibit or attend the Lagos Startup Expo in June? Visit this website here.
- OmniRetail is hiring a Sales Representative for its fashion retail. Apply here.
- Jiji ng is hiring a Merchant Acquisition Association. Apply here.
- M-KOPA is hiring a field auditor. Apply here.
- MTN is recruiting for several roles. Apply here.
- IHS Towers is looking for professionals to fill several roles. Apply here.
- Moniepoint is hiring for several positions. Apply here.
- Kuda is recruiting for several roles. Apply here.
- Stanbic IBTC is looking for a Business Segment: Insurance & Asset Management. Apply here.
- Building a startup can feel isolating, but with Equity Merchants CommunityConnect, you can network with fellow founders, experts, and investors, gaining valuable insights and exclusive resources to help you grow your business. Click here to join.
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Have a lovely Tuesday!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa.
