Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Nigerian Communications Commission, Ethio telecom, Safaricom, MTS, MegaFon, T2 Mobile, VimpelCom (Beeline), Apple, among others.
Nigeria Holds Mobile Operators Accountable: Users to Receive Compensation for Poor Service
Nigeria’s telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, has directed mobile network operators to compensate subscribers for poor service quality. The new rule requires operators to offer airtime credits to affected users whenever network performance drops below approved standards, with compensation based on usage and location. The policy signals a shift from penalty-based enforcement to a more consumer-focused approach that directly benefits users and also extends accountability to tower companies, requiring that fines be reinvested into infrastructure improvements aimed at addressing network issues and enhancing overall service reliability.
Ethiopia Telecom Shake-Up: Operators to Fund Nationwide Connectivity Drive
Ethiopia’s telecommunications sector faces a significant regulatory shift as operators are now required to contribute 1.5 percent of their annual gross revenue to a newly established Universal Access Fund aimed at expanding communication networks nationwide. The Council of Ministers approved the regulation under the Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA), mandating contributions primarily from state-owned Ethio telecom and Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia, projected to generate over 2.5 billion Birr annually combined. While the bulk of funding will support digital and telecom access in underserved areas, operators may contribute through services or infrastructure instead of cash.
Russia Cracks Down on VPNs: Mobile Operators Must Block Apple Payments
Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development has ordered major mobile operators, including MTS, MegaFon, T2 Mobile, and VimpelCom (Beeline), to stop allowing Apple ID top‑ups using mobile phone balances starting April 1. The directive is aimed at limiting Russians’ ability to pay for VPN services that bypass domestic internet restrictions and access blocked websites and apps. Officials cited by Russian media emphasized that the move is part of broader efforts to enforce local digital regulations and control online content. Analysts say this step could significantly reduce VPN usage in Russia, affecting millions of users who rely on such tools to maintain unrestricted access to information and communication services.
SHAFANA FAZAL
