CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -It was in 2001–exactly 20 years ago– that GSM made an inroad into Nigeria, with the arrival of Zimbabwean telecommunications company, Econet (now Airtel), and MTN from South Africa.

Detailed explanation-2: -Obasanjo brought about the GSM. This alone has created countless workplaces all over the country. The benefits of the GSM business are being enjoyed by almost everyone.

Detailed explanation-3: -Over a very turbulent period in 1987 Europe produced the very first agreed GSM Technical Specification (February). Ministers from the 4 big EU countries cemented their political support for GSM with the Bonn Minister’s Declaration (May) and the GSM MoU was tabled for signature (September).

Detailed explanation-4: -GSM was introduced in Nigeria shortly after President Olusegun Obasanjo came into power in 1999. In 2001, the MTN Group (MTN) formerly (M-Cell), ECONET Wireless (ECONET), NITEL and Communication Investment Limited (CIL) were licensed by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) to operate as the service providers.

Detailed explanation-5: -In Nigeria, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), GSM technology has 99.8 per cent penetration. GSM is an open, digital cellular technology used for transmitting mobile voice and data services.