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In an exclusive interview with IT Edge News, Morenikeji Aniye (FNSE, FNIEEE, FIMC, FCIPMN), Founder and CEO of Hotspot Network Limited, delves into the multifaceted challenges facing the sector. From regulatory uncertainties to compliance requirements, market competition, infrastructure limitations, and evolving customer expectations, Aniye provides valuable insights. Despite these hurdles, Aniye remains hopeful about the sector’s potential for growth and sustainability.
In Nigeria’s dynamic regulatory environment, what are the primary challenges Hotspot Network Limited faces as an Telecoms infrastructure provider and Internet service provider (ISP), and how do u navigate these challenges to ensure compliance while maintaining operational efficiency?
Hotspot Network Limited operates as a Telecoms infrastructure and Internet service provider (ISP). In this context, the primary challenges the company faces include regulatory uncertainties, compliance requirements, market competition, infrastructure limitations, and customer expectations.
RELATED: Parallel Wireless, Hotspot Networks extend coverage to 500 unconnected rural areas in Nigeria
The feasibility study sponsored by USTDA for Hotspot Network Limited’s rural network service project provides us valuable insights and recommendations that enable the company to make informed decisions, plan effectively, and maximize the project’s impact.
These challenges were duly addressed by the feasibility study recommendations, and made it possible for us to ensure compliance while maintaining operational efficiency.
“Government can foster growth and innovation through grants and subsidies specifically targeted at indigenous ICT companies to help them cover operational costs, research and development activities, and expansion efforts.”
Some of these challenges include changes in regulations. We try to manage this by staying updated by following-up and active participation in regulatory briefing and stakeholder engagements.
There is also challenge with Compliance. We maintain a compliance team that is responsible for constant review of processes to ensure compliance to standards and regulation. This helps us manage compliance issues effectively. There are lots of challenges but we are able to manage them through strategic processes.
In conclusion, Hotspot Network Limited navigates the challenges of operating as an ISP in Nigeria by combining proactive regulatory compliance, strategic risk management, infrastructure development, service quality enhancement, market differentiation, customer engagement, and strategic partnerships. By adopting a holistic approach to address these challenges, the company position itself for sustainable growth and success.
Hotspot Network Limited aims to extend internet coverage to previously unconnected rural communities in Nigeria using OpenRAN technology, what specifics strategies does Hotspot Network Limited employ to implement this technology effectively, and what impact do you anticipate on bridging the digital divide in rural areas.
Hotspot Network Limited has adopted several key strategies to effectively implement OpenRAN technology to extend internet coverage to rural communities in Nigeria.
Our collaboration with Parallel Wireless, the OEM for our OpenRAN solution provides us the advantage of a reliable solution with strong coverage and upgrade capabilities to meet growing demands.
We have also entered into collaboration with InfraCredit to provide us local currency guarantees for long-term credit. This has given us the required liquidity to expand our network service to more rural locations. We currently have 100 villages live on MTN network and have additional 250 planned for this year. Our target is 2000 villages in the next 3 to 5 years.
We have other collaborations to provide add-on services in these rural communities to stimulate the economy and encourage internet usage and create a financial ecosystem in these rural communities.
The impact of using Parallel Wireless OpenRAN solution in providing voice and data service in these rural communities cannot be overemphasized. It creates access to information, empowerment and inclusion, improved quality of life, and economic growth.
Our strategic implementation of OpenRAN technology in rural Nigeria serves as a catalyst for positive social, economic, and technological transformation. By prioritizing community engagement, partnerships, customized solutions, capacity building, and ongoing support, they are effectively narrowing the digital gap and enabling rural residents to reap the benefits of connectivity and digital inclusion.
As a local network-as-a-service (NaaS) provider, what initiatives or policies would you recommend the government implement to support indigenous companies like Hotspot Network Limited in the ICT sector, particularly regarding funding, infrastructure development, and regulatory framework?
To support indigenous companies like Hotspot Network Limited in the ICT sector, the government can implement various initiatives and policies aimed at fostering growth and innovation. The government can offer grants and subsidies specifically targeted at indigenous ICT companies to help them cover operational costs, research and development activities, and expansion efforts. An example of such subsidies is the USPF; supporting the development of telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas to bridge the digital divide and ensure universal access to communication services but more can still be done.
Government can develop policies and frameworks targeted at telecommunications service and ICT companies for access to low-interest loans for investment in technology and infrastructure upgrades, workforce training, and business expansion without being burdened by high-interest debt.
There are many other initiatives that Government can also introduce to encourage both SMEs and startup ICT firms like Seed funding, Infrastructure Development; Broadband Infrastructure, Data Centers, Innovation Hubs, Simplified Licensing Procedures, incentives and many more. This can greatly reduce operational costs for these related companies and increase their growth potentials.
How does Hotspot Network limited prioritize and improve the overall experience for its customers, especially in terms of service reliability, speed, and customer support?
Hotspot Network Limited prioritizes and improves the overall customer experience through various strategies focusing on service reliability, speed, and customer support. We invest in robust infrastructure to ensure service reliability. We implement redundancy measures to ensure that in case of any network failure, backups are in place to minimize downtime and disruptions for customers. We employ advanced monitoring systems to promptly identify and address any issues that may arise, ensuring quick resolution and maintaining service reliability. We continuously upgrades our networks to keep up with technological advancements and increasing demands for faster speeds. We have a dedicated 24/7 customer Support to address any queries, concerns, or technical issues customers may face. This ensures that assistance is readily available whenever needed. We use feedback mechanisms such as surveys, reviews, and customer feedback forms to gather insights into customer experiences and areas for improvement, enabling continuous enhancement of services.
