CELEBRATING 17 years of G.S.M

How time flies? It is already 17 years of the introduction of G.S.M communications in Nigeria. It was like yesterday when in 2001 the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) auctioned Digital Mobile Licenses which led to the birth of three mobile operators in the country. They are Econet wireless, now Airtel Nigeria, MTN and Mtel. Then came a fourth license in 2002 which brought Globacom Nigeria into limelight. Globacom was tagged as second national carrier to strengthen and increase the telecoms backbone infrastructure in the country.

When we thought it was all over, a fifth Digital Mobile License was issued to telecommunications giant from the middle east, Etisalat in 2008(now 9mobile). Many saw Etisalat’s entry into the Nigeria market as rather late and wonder how its was going to catch with its already established counterparts. But Etisalat succeeded in proofing everybody wrong as it continued to grow from strength to strength attracting its own loyal customers. One fascinating quality of Etisalat (9mobile) which was instrumental to it success is its ability to roll out unique offers and promos.

This past 17 years has been very eventful in the country’s telecommunications industry. G.S.M communications has redefined standards in the country. Unlike in the past, where telecommunications was reserved strictly for only the rich and wealthy in the society. Today, virtually all and sundry own a phone in the country. Even primary and secondary school pupils now parade phones of various types.

The telecommunications industry also gave a face lift to the Nigerian labor market by creating jobs for the teaming population of unemployed youths in the country. Also professionals from other walks of life switch over to the telecoms sector as operators offer mouth watering salaries that in some cases are better than those in the banking and oil and gas sectors.

Mobile phones too have evolved over the years from simple  Nokia 3310 to more sophisticated android, windows and Blackberry phones carrying higher functionality like camera, radio, internet connection e.t.c

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