The Fresh Fish Guide - communications & the internet
Q: Is there internet access in Nigeria?
A: We are not joking…….. Someone really did e-mail us this question. The answer has to be…… Duh!!!! Yes!
How else did you think we ran this web site? By carrier pigeon?
Q: Who do the Oyibos Online use for their internet access and how reliable is it?
A: Chief Oyibo's Gang Hut is nicely hooked up for wireless broadband internet access with a fabulous company called Levantech.
So far we have no complaints about the speed or reliability and their level of service has been great.
Tell them we sent you and see if they’ll give us a sales commission. Actually, do you think if we hype them up enough they’ll give us our connection for free?
Q: How many ISP’s are there and are they any good.
A: Like a lot of things here the ISPs tend to be only as good as their power supply. No NEPA or no NiTel equals no surfing. Ask your friends and find out who they use. Or go straight to Levantech and tell them we sent you.
AOL do offer local dial up numbers in Port Harcourt but you will have to sign up with them before you get here. They will not accept new members or credit card details from inside this country.
Their connection speeds tend to be very slow, (usually 9,600bps,) and you do seem to get cut off for absolutely no reason. They also charge a surcharge for accessing from here. Check with their billing department before you get a shock on your AmEx. The last time we looked they were charging an additional £6.00 Sterling per hour. Shocking or what?
Q: I’ve heard general communications can be bad there. Is that true?
A: Nitel, who are the national telephone company, are more than unreliable when it comes to keeping your line running.
The landline in our Gang Hut is only functional about 50% of the time.
The advent of GSM mobile phones in here has changed the country dramatically with easy communication for all.
New Telecom companies like VCG are raising the bar when it comes to telecoms. We're hoping that other companies will follow their example
Q: I’ve heard that the phones are bugged. Is that true?
A: Yes. There are some unscrupulous individuals out there who may be listening into your conversations.
Be very aware of this when dealing with your banks of financial institutions over the phone. Try never to give out credit card or account numbers unless absolutely necessary.
We have heard tell of family and friends back home receiving phone calls from people here claiming to be your representative or friend. They will know the names and details of you and your loved ones and will then inform your family that you’ve been injured in an accident or you are deathly ill. The aim is to have them send money to an account to pay for your ‘medical treatment’.
Make sure your people back home are aware of this and that they check with you before sending anything anywhere. Make sure your folks back home have contact details not only for you but for a friend or trusted colleague or your company. Have them contact your nominated ’safe’ person before proceeding with anything.
Q: Will my British mobile phone work there?
A: This will really depend on which network you use. The major ones like Vodaphone and O2 both work here. Contact your network provider to get details of their service and there charges for accessing from here.
The same goes for mobiles from all other countries.
American visitors must check that they have a Tri Band phone.
Q: How difficult is it to get a mobile phone line?
A: Not difficult at all if you select the ‘Pay As You Go’ option. Do check that your phone handset is ‘un-locked’
Most European and US carriers now lock their phones to prevent you switching SIM cards. They are easy to unlock but, depending on the model of phone, you would be better getting that done before you land
