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Tag: Broadband Penetration

  • Danbatta reels out achievements in NCC

    Danbatta reels out achievements in NCC

    The national target to achieve 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025 is receiving renewed attention from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which promises 50 per cent before the end of 2023.

    This promise was one of the highlights of the special media chat with executive editors and media chiefs in the northern part of the country, hosted by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, to unveil his achievements since the resumption of office till date.

    At the occasion, where Danbatta informed the media chiefs that Fifth Generation (5G) services subscriptions have already hit half a million in subscription, the various efforts of the Commission to improve broadband penetration are yielding fruitful results with the current estimates as at July 2023 standing at 47.01 per cent.

    Using the extant reviewed five-pillar Strategic Vision Plan as building block, the EVC spoke to 119 milestones achieved under the five strategic pillars, including regulatory excellence, universal broadband, market development, digital economy and strategic collaboration.

    Danbatta said through effective implementation of NCC’s mandates under his leadership and cooperation of internal and external stakeholders since 2015, telecommunications industry in Nigeria has achieved remarkable milestones under our leadership. “While we acknowledge the challenges encountered by the industry, we have also witnessed explosive growth, improved regulatory standards, and digital innovations that have garnered global recognition,” he said.

    While reeling out impressive statistics that have characterized his leadership at NCC from 2015 to date, the EVC said active telephone subscribers had increased from less than 150.7 million to 218.9 million, representing a teledensity growth of 115.70 per cent from 107.87 per cent in 2015.

    Through stimulating broadband infrastructure across the country, Danbatta said broadband penetration, which stood at 6 per cent in 2015 has increased significantly to 47.01 per cent as of July, 2023, enhancing over 89.73 million subscriptions on 3G, 4G and 5G networks in the country. Additionally, general Internet subscriptions have reached 159.5 million up from less than 100 million in 2015.

    “Also, from 8 per cent contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015, telecommunications sector now contributes 16 per cent quarterly to the Nigerian economy as of the second quarter of 2023. besides, following the authorization of more telecommunications companies to operate in the Nigeria’s telecoms sector, the investments profile has increased tremendously from $38 billion in 2015 to $75 billion currently and this keeps growing daily. From the sales of Fifth Generation (5G) C-Band Spectrum, the NCC has generated over $847.8 million for the Federal Government,” he said.

    Danbatta, who has received a gallery of awards nationally, regionally and globally in recognition of the outstanding performance of Nigeria’s telecom industry also listed several achievements recorded since 2015.

    “Other milestones and initiatives recorded aside the regulatory activities that culminated in the landmark launch of 5G services in Nigeria include the introduction of Spectrum Trading Guidelines, re-farming and re-planning certain spectrum band for efficiency, the emplaced collaborative process for the release of C-Band Spectrum by Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited, and introduction of the Expanded Revenue Assurance Solution (ERAS) to address revenue leakages and improve government revenue from the telecoms industry.

    “These initiatives also include Licensing of Satellite Earth Stations, issuing of operating licence to SpaceX Satellite, facilitating the landing of additional submarine Cables, such as the Google 2,000km Equiano subsea Internet cable in 2022, listing of MTN on the Nigerian bourse, licensing of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), introduction of new unlicensed millimeter wave spectrum, and regulation of white space spectrum,” Danbata said.

    Also as part of NCC’s commitment under Danbatta’s leadership, the Commission has endowed professorial chairs in Nigerian universities and committed over N500 million naira to Research and Development (R&D) in the telecoms sector. “The creation of the Digital Economy Department, the mandate to drive the implementation of the indigenous telecoms sector growth through the operation of the Nigeria Office for Developing Indigenous Telecom Sector (NODITS), are also important strides made by the Commission,” he said.

    Danbatta said other consumer-focused initiatives of the Commission have also centered on the establishment of Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) in over 30 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). All these centres are operational, as well as the creation of the Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT). The EVC said these two initiatives have been helping consumers to  get succour in times of emergencies as well as ensuring effective protection for telecom consumers while online.

    The NCC Chief Executive said the Commission has also taken very clear actions on consumer protection, advocacy, information-sharing and education. “These include introduction of data roll-over just before the expiration of subscribed data plans, introduction of the 622 toll-free number for lodging service-related complaints to the Commission, the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 Short Code for tackling the menace of unsolicited text messages,  elimination of forceful/deceitful subscriptions to telecom services on mobile networks, tackling the issue of call masking, ensuring effective Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) registration, launching of National Roaming service and reduction of access gaps to telecom services from over 217 to 97, thereby enhancing access to telecom services by more Nigerians,” Danbatta said.

    However, Danbatta said while the industry still faces a number of challenges such as vandalism, securing equitable Right of Way (RoW) from governmental stakeholders, as well as multiple taxation and regulation, the Commission has put framework in place to work with necessary stakeholders to overcome the obstacles possed by these challenges and to sustain the growth trajectory which has been the hallmark of telecoms sector as an enabler of socio-economic development in Nigeria.

  • Broadband penetration in Nigeria is 100% – Buhari

    Broadband penetration in Nigeria is 100% – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari says that the Federal Government has achieved 100 per cent broadband penetration across Nigeria.

    The president said this in Abuja on Tuesday at a Digital Economy Conference tagged ‘Promoting a Vibrant Digital Economy, A Catalyst for Economic Growth in Nigeria’.

    The conference was organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

    Represented by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Patami, the President said the figure was contrary to reports that the country had achieved 43 per cent penetration only.

    According to him, reports on 43 per cent penetration is obsolete.

    “One of the richest persons in the world announced that Nigeria out of the 54 African countries has outstanding broadband.

    “As I speak to you today the  broadband penetration in Nigeria is 100 per cent,” Buhari said.

    He said that the Federal Government performed excellently in terms of achieving wider broadband for Nigerians.

    According to him, from 23 per cent coverage in 2019, this administration increased the broadband by 77 per cent in 2022 and 100 per cent in 2023.

    “As at today, the broadband can be accessed everywhere in the country  whether in the urban area, rural area or desert.

    “We are the first African country to attain this and the only one so far,” the President said.

    Buhari further said, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy had been rated very high by an independent assessment.

    He said “70 per cent is distinction and the digital sector has surpassed it.

    “We delivered excellently in all the eight priority areas in the sector.

    “For instance on pillar number one, which is broadband penetration, we achieved 134 per cent,  pillar number two, which is 4G penetration we achieved 127 per cent.

    “Furthermore,  we delivered 99 per cent on the third pillar, the fourth pillar, which  has to do with national Identity we achieved 94 per cent.

    “On the fifth pillar which is quarterly revenue generation, we moved from generating N51 billion in three months to N408 billion in three months.”

    The President further said, “on the sixth pillar we achieved 103 per cent result, seventh pillar we achieved 111 per cent and the eight pillar we achieved 137 per cent.”

    On call by the President of NACCIMA for inclusion of the organised private sector in the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the president said the provision had been made.

    He asked NACCIMA to forward the names of their representatives for consideration.

    Mr Ide Udeagbala, National President of NACCIMA, said the conference was to among other things promote the technology ecosystem in Nigeria and establish potentials of the digital economy for job creation.

    He also said the conference was organised to identify the opportunities that existed in the technology industry and grow them by attracting local and foreign investments to Nigeria.

    Udeagbala further said the conference would help identify  challenges impeding development of the technology industry and encourage government to enunciate policies that would build on existing laws among others.

    He said part of the discussions at the conference would also centre around establishing digital hubs in the six geo-political zones.

    This according to him will give opportunities to the rural areas, promote start-ups and encourage innovations in the industry while discovering technology savvy experts.

    “The top five biggest technology companies in the world are managed and run by Indians.

    “Microsoft Chief Executive Officer(CEO) is Satya Nadella, an Indian; Google CEO is Sundar Pichai, an Indian; Twitter CEO is Parag Agrawal, an Indian.

    “Also, IBM CEO is Arvind Krishna, an Indian; and then Adobe CEO is Shantanu Narayen, also an Indian.

    “This is besides the fact that Indian technology sector works with over 75 per cent of the fortune of 500 companies, with most of them having their Headquarters in the US.

    “The question begging for answers is what stops Nigerian youths who distinguish themselves academically in every  institution of the world from attaining this, “he said.

    Udeagbala said it was time to move away from the narrative where some Nigerian youths were using technology for fraudulent activities commonly called ‘yahoo-yahoo’.

    He called for the inclusion of the organised private sector in the  National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

    The Minister of Industry, Trade  and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo commended NACCIMA for organising the conference.

    The minister, who was represented by the Director of  Trade in the ministry, Mr Sulaiman Audu, said the ministry would collaborate with NACCIMA to explore the potential of digital economy.

    The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Pauline Tallen said there was a need to improve women and people living with disabilities in the digital economy.

    She said the ministry would be willing to collaborate with actors in the digital world to mainstream women and other challenged persons in the society.

    The event was attended by foreign nationals,  captains of industry and other stakeholders.

  • Broadband penetration hits 44.5% as NCC reviews Short Code services

    Broadband penetration hits 44.5% as NCC reviews Short Code services

    Nigeria’s broadband usage has continued on the rise, moving up from 40.9 per cent in February 2022 to 44.5 per cent in July 2022, a figure considered hopeful for achieving the national broadband target of 70 per cent in 2025.

    Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who disclosed this earlier today (August 9, 2022) at the beginning of a three-day public inquiry on five telecom regulations and guidelines which began in Abuja, said emerging technologies and advancements in the sector demand that the Commission is prepared to match these developments with appropriate regulations and guidelines.

    “With the technological advancements anticipated in the coming years, it is expected that there will be a proliferation of devices in the industry. It is, therefore, essential for the Commission to ensure that the right regulatory frameworks can accommodate such eventualities,” he said.

    At the event, which was attended by all members of the Board of Commissioners, led by its Chairman, Prof. Adeolu Akande, the Commission’s CEO said the public inquiry which covered five areas of existing regulations, are aimed at achieving operational efficiency and operational excellence.

    He listed the regulatory instruments under review at the public inquiry to include: Type Approval Regulations, Guidelines on Short Code Operation in Nigeria, Guidelines on Technical Specifications for the Deployment of Communications Infrastructure, Guidelines on Advertisements and Promotions, as well as Consumer Code of Practice Regulations.

    He said the focus areas were already articulated in some important documents guiding the operations of the Commission, which include the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020 – 2025, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020 – 2030, NCC’s Strategic Management Plan (SMP) 2020-2024, and its Strategic Vision Implementation Plan (SVIP) 2021–2025, which are being implemented towards achieving its mandate.

    While stating that these strides are the results of the Commission’s regulatory efficiency and focused implementation of policies and strategies of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Danbatta said the public inquiry is in tandem with the Commission’s strategy of consulting stakeholders in all its regulatory interventions.

    The EVC further stated that the amendment of these regulatory instruments were to reflect current realities, one of which is the anticipated deployment of the Fifth Generation (5G) technology, and management of short codes in Nigeria, including the Toll-Free Emergency Code 112.

    Earlier, Head, Telecoms Laws and Regulations at NCC, Helen Obi, had stated that public inquiry allows the Commission to incorporate the comments and suggestions of industry stakeholders, in the development of its regulatory instruments.

    She said the process ensures that the Commission’s regulatory instruments are in line with the current realities in the industry as it had done with some regulatory frameworks and guidelines in 2021.

  • Internet subscriptions hit 84 million in Nigeria

    Internet subscriptions hit 84 million in Nigeria

    The current broadband penetration in Nigeria as of June 2022 stands at 44.30% with more than eighty-four million internet subscriptions in the country, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta has said.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Prof Danbatta disclosed this at the conference hall of the Commission’s headquarters on Tuesday, being the first day of a three-day public inquiry on five (5) regulatory instruments.

    Danbatta also disclosed that broadband penetration in Nigeria has increased by 91.70 per cent in the last four years, stressing that the country’s broadband penetration increased from 21.21 per cent in April 2017 to 40.66 per cent in April 2021.

    “The Commission’s data show that in April 2021, 77,605,500 million Nigerians were connected to the Internet, up from 40,481,570 million in April 2017. The current broadband penetration as at June 2022 stands at 44.30% with more than eighty-four million internet subscriptions in the Country.  While the Industry’s contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has risen from 9.81% in Q4 2018 to 12.61% in Q4 2021,” the EVC said.

    Danbatta said these strides are outcomes of the Commission’s regulatory management of the telecoms industry as well as its focused implementation of policies and strategies of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    He disclosed that the public inquiry, holding from August 9 to 11, 2022, is a key element in the Commission’s consultative engagements as part of its rule-making process and a key ingredient of regulatory excellence.

    TNG reports the first instrument is the type approval regulations, which provide a framework for the approval of communications equipment for connection to communications networks in Nigeria, pursuant to sections 130 to 134 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. The Commission has also introduced Business Rules for Type Approval to address issues that cannot be catered for in the Regulations and ensure that the Type Approval process is seamless.

    The second instrument, Guidelines on Short Code Operation in Nigeria, is intended to prescribe a standard of practice for providers of short code services and to provide a revised framework for the provision of these services and for the protection against misuse.

    The third instrument, being the Guidelines on Technical Specifications for the Deployment of Communications Infrastructure, provides standards to be adhered to by Communications services providers/operators, designers, fabricators and installers of Communications towers and laying of fibre optic cables towards ensuring environmental safety and sound engineering practices.

    The fourth instrument, is the Guidelines on Advertisements and Promotions, which provides minimum requirements and standards for promotional advertisements by licensed telecommunications operators in Nigeria.

    Finally, the fifth instrument, which is the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations, amongst other things, sets rules for consumer protection and prescribes the procedures to be followed by a Licensee in preparing approved consumer codes of practice, in accordance with section 106 of the Act.

    Danbatta stated all (5) five regulatory instruments are existing instruments which are being amended to reflect current realities.

    “One of such realities is that with the deployment of 5G, it will become necessary for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to invest heavily in communications infrastructure. Also, with the technological advancements anticipated in the coming years, it is expected that there will be a proliferation of devices in the industry. It is therefore essential for the Commission to ensure that the regulatory framework can accommodate such eventualities,” he said.

    The NCC EVC expressed confidence that the review process will improve the standards and procedures for Type Approvals, Operation of Short Codes and Advertisement and Promotions, ensure a more robust framework for the deployment of Communications Infrastructure and guarantee that the procedures to be followed by a Licensee in preparing approved consumer codes of practice are in tandem with current realities.

    Earlier in her opening remarks, Ms. Helen Obi, Head, Telecoms Laws & Regulations, Legal & Regulatory Services Department of the NCC disclosed that the draft of all the regulatory instruments regulations have since been published on the Commission’s website and comments from external Stakeholders have been received and reviewed.

  • Facebook, MainOne to accelerate broadband penetration in Edo, Ogun

    Facebook says it has collaborated with MainOne on metro fiber infrastructure project, toward accelerating broadband penetration in Edo and Ogun.

    Ibrahima Ba, Network Investments Lead for Emerging Markets at Facebook, made this known on Tuesday in Lagos.

    He said that the infrastructure collaboration was part of Facebook’s efforts to connect more people to broadband internet.

    Ba said that as part of the project, MainOne was building and operating approximately 750 km terrestrial fiber infrastructure in Edo and Ogun.

    He said that these open-access transport networks would provide metro fiber connectivity to reach more than one million people in Benin City, Abeokuta, Sagamu and 10 other towns.

    According to him, the metro fiber connectivity will connect mobile operators’ base stations, Internet Service providers (ISP), Points of Presence (POPs) and public locations including schools and hospitals.

    “This partnership will leverage MainOne’s strength as a wholesale telecommunications infrastructure service provider with investment from Facebook and support from local regulatory and state authorities to further deepen broadband penetration in Nigeria.

    “We are working closely with MainOne and other partners to accelerate broadband deployment.

    “In Nigeria, we are bringing together Facebook’s learnings from scaling our global infrastructure with MainOne’s knowledge of the local environment to develop and test new working models for multiple operators to access common infrastructure,’’ he said in a statement.

    MainOne’s Chief Executive Officer, Funke Opeke commended the collaboration and the commitment of Facebook and authorities in Nigeria to improving broadband penetration across the country.

    “MainOne has always been committed to broadband innovation, job creation, as well as growing the digital economy of West Africa.

    “We believe that this partnership and the open-access network we have developed will be beneficial to improving the quality of access and accelerating the digital transformation in Ogun and Edo,’’ Opeke said.

     

  • Nigeria aims to achieve new broadband penetration milestone

    Nigeria aims to achieve new broadband penetration milestone

    The Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu on Thursday in Abuja expressed the ministry’s commitment to attain 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2021.

    The minister said this at a post “Nigeria National Broadband Plan 2013 to 2018’’, organised by the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).

    The event had as its theme “Success, Prospects and Challenges’’.

    While applauding Federal Government’s efforts in moving from 18 to 31 per cent broadband connectivity between 2015 and 2019, Shittu said that more still needed to be done to attain greater feats.

    According to him, within the last three years, we have attained 31 per cent from 18 per cent.

    “It might seem laudable and I think it calls for celebration but I think that as a dynamic country such as Nigeria with the huge population and potential, we should really be thinking much higher.

    “My belief is that if we put all the current efforts together, in another two years we should be able to attain 70 per cent.

    “My ambition is two years rather than the five years that is being postulated,’’ the minister said.

    He explained that Nigeria would be redirecting efforts at using solar based masts to increase rural broadband connectivity.

    The minister pointed out that the move would be facilitated by the 100 million dollars loan the country intends to access from India.

    “The current mast that all the telecom operators use is very expensive to maintain.

    “They rely on electricity and we do not have electricity all around the country, so we have a situation where somebody who wants to build a mast of N40 million will also have to acquire 200 KVA generator and fuel it.

    “For this reason, we now redirected our efforts at getting solar based mast which would also have 50 kilometres radius so that if you have a land area of 100 kilometres, you will have two masts

    “It is cheap to maintain and all operators can depend on it, rather than having the rural operators to construct their own mast or lay their own cables.

    “We are doing all of these and I believe that within the next two months we should have an approval from Indian government for work to commence on deploying this to all rural areas in Nigeria,’’ Shittu said.

    The minister added that broadband connectivity must be seen as a fundamental right of every Nigerian.

    Earlier, the President of ATCON, Mr Olusola Teniola called for increased collaboration among telecommunication companies to create an industry that could attract more investors in the country.

     

  • How Nigeria attained 31% broadband penetration target – NCC

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has confirmed that, based on empirical indices, Nigeria attained 31 per cent broadband penetration.

    NCC management said in a statement on Sunday that this was contrary to insinuations in some quarters that the country was far away from the 30 per cent target.

    NCC said that by the five-year National Broadband Plan (NBP), 2013-2018, it was targeted that the country should be able to attain a minimum of 30 per cent from the five per cent it had in 2013.

    It said that expectedly, based on the population of Nigeria, estimate at 190 million, and connected lines of 169 million, those who had access to broadband at a speed of 1.5 megabytes per second cover over 30 per cent of the population.

    NCC said that to realise that, the Federal Government set up the NBP (2013-2018) with a target of 30 per cent by 2018, of which the figures doubled between 21 and 22 per cent in the months before November 2018.

    According to NCC, broadband penetration is typically measured by the percentage of total population with access to broadband networks out of each hundred.

    “According to NCC data, there were a total of 168,729,005 mobile GSM mobile subscribers in Nigeria as at November 2018.

    “Of these 108,457,051 were subscribed to internet access services provided by the major operators.

    “In terms of broadband services, a total of 58,965,478 connected to the internet through 3G and 4G networks (including those provided by the Long Term Evolution (LTE) only service providers such as Smile and nTel).

    “This distinction is critical because Nigerians predominantly rely on mobile networks to access the internet, including broadband networks.

    The commission said was made possible since the fixed broadband access which was to have been led by the erstwhile State incumbent – NITEL –” is now literally non-existing.”

    “So, if we take the total active broadband subscription figure of 58,965,478 and divide by the population figure of 190,886,311 (using the UN’s projection as at December 2017), we come to a penetration percentage of 30.9 per cent.”

    The regulatory body said that it used the UN’s figure because of consistency, adding that it appeared to be the baseline used by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in earlier studies.

    “For instance, if we use the Nigerian Population Commission’s 2006 figure of 140 million, we come to a broadband penetration rate of 42.1 per cent.

    “Also, looking through the ITU Broadband Commission September 2018 Report, one would see that Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate is set at an abysmal 19.9 per cent.

    “This cannot be the case, since that report is based on industry statistics of December 2017, which was clearly outdated as at September 2018 when the report was published.

    “Clearly therefore, the NCC assertion that Nigeria has attained 30.9 per cent broadband penetration is logical and supported by available data in the commission’s custody.

    “There are lessons to be learnt from the needless controversy on this matter. To its credit, NCC has been rather transparent with industry data.”

    It said that NCC website was being updated on a monthly basis with data of the subscription, tariff and other industry performance which enabled stakeholders to see a fair picture of overall industry performance.

    NCC urged players in the industry to regularly access the NCC website for available data and insights on industry performance.

    According to it, this is better rather than take to incorrect and pessimistic positions such as expressed by some stakeholders without taking time to know the true position of things.

    It said that NCC would need to engage with ITU to update its 2018 Broadband report, adding that ITU report relied on data from December 2017, now outdated.

    “It is important that NCC provides updated data to the Broadband Commission.”

    It said this was necessary so that more accurate publication of Nigeria’s broadband status could be made, on which stakeholders could rely on for investment and other decisions.

    “In spite of perceived drawbacks, the telecommunications sector remains one of the most consistent enablers of the economy and the economic wellbeing of the citizenry.

    According to NCC the sector contributes over 10.43 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2018.

    “It is boosting employment, both directly and indirectly and providing a robust infrastructure backbone to facilitate high level efficiency in all areas of the economy.

    “Based on World Bank index, increasing broadband by just 10 per cent in developing countries would deliver at least, 1.38 per cent GDP increase per capita.”

    NCC said that a 10 per cent increase in internet penetration would lead to about 1.12 per cent increase in GDP per capita”.

     

  • TNG year in review: How Nigeria achieved 2013-2018 broadband target

    Nigeria, with the aim to drive internet and broadband penetration in the country, developed a five-year strategy, known as the Federal Government National Broadband Plan 2013-2018, through a presidential committee on broadband.

    To drive internet and broadband penetration in the country, the Federal Government National Broadband Plan 2013-2018 aimed to scale up Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) broadband growth by 30 per cent in 2018.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports the country in 2018 achieved the five-year strategy broadband penetration target, with broadband penetration standing at 30.9 per cent in November, surpassing the 30 per cent target set by the presidential committee.

    As at September 2017, the country’s broadband penetration was empirically adjudged by global telecom regulator, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), as 21 per cent.

    Going forward into 2018, there were concerns in different quarters that the nation might not be able to achieve the target; however, fast forward to November and it is a different story.

    READ | Why Nigeria may not achieve 30% broadband penetration in 2018

    Mr Adeola Ogunbanjo, National President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) said NCC’s licensing of more infrastructure companies (InfraCos) was instrumental in achieving the 30 per cent broadband penetration target.

    The InfraCos licenced by the NCC are Raeanna Nigeria Ltd for South South, O’odua Infraco Resources Ltd for South West (excluding Lagos), Fleek Networks Ltd for North West, Brinks Integrated Solutions for North East, Main One Ltd for Lagos zone and Zinox Technologies Ltd for Southeast.

    According to the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, while announcing the broadband penetration achievement in a recent interaction with newsmen in Abuja, the commission knew it has to meet the broadband implementation plan.

    “At NCC, we knew we have to meet the broadband implementation plan to get to 30 per cent at the end of 2018 due to the work done, we now stand at 30.9 per cent equivalent of 31 per cent.

    “NCC had issued license to seven infrastructure companies to deploy the needed infrastructure to facilitate the required penetration in the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.

    “This will enable penetration reach the served and underserved areas in the country,” Danbatta, ably represented by Mr Sunday Dare, NCC Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management said.

    He said all information and progress on mobile, internet and data usage penetration would be sustained to provide the necessary requirements for increased investments and effective regulation of the telecom sector in Nigeria.

     

  • NCC puts initiatives in place to fast-track internet access

    To facilitate broadband penetration in the country and in a quest to bridge the digital divide, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has put in place initiatives to fast-track internet access in the country.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, while stressing the Commission has taken services to several unserved and underserved areas in the country, stated this while speaking with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said NCC had issued license to seven infrastructure companies to deploy the needed infrastructure to facilitate the required penetration in the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country.

    The InfraCos licenced by the NCC are Raeanna Nigeria Ltd for South South, O’odua Infraco Resources Ltd for South West (excluding Lagos), Fleek Networks Ltd for North West, Brinks Integrated Solutions for North East, Main One Ltd for Lagos zone and Zinox Technologies Ltd for Southeast.

    “While we celebrate the seeming story recorded in these directions, the NCC has put incentive for infrastructure companies (Infracos) in order to encourage speedy deployment of infrastructure that will deepen broadband penetration.

    “In line with our initiatives to encourage investors for infracos to roll out, NCC created provisions in its 2017 & 2018 budgets for subsidies to the infracos.

    “The Government through the NCC has launched the open Access Model Broadband Deployment. As a prelude to the above, 2.3GHz was issued to Bitflux Consortium; 6 of the 14 slots available on 2.6GHz to MTN Nigeria and 2 slots to openskys. Six slots are still available for assignment,” Danbatta stated.

    As regards Quality of Service, the NCC EVC said the Commission had engaged critical stakeholders to resolve multiple taxations, multiple regulations and indiscriminate shutting down of live base stations.

    “To Optimize Usage and Benefits of Spectrum, The commission has introduced spectrum trading. The NCC has also licensed quite a number of internationally harmonized wireless frequencies and encouraged re-farming of various others to improve capacity.

    “To promote ICT innovation and investment opportunities, the NCC approves grants to facilitate research in areas of need within the industry. NCC has also encouraged telecoms operators to embark on corporate social responsibility initiatives that drive local content development.

    “In Facilitating Strategic Collaboration and Partnership, NCC has hosted Stakeholders Consultations on National Roaming, Industry Working group on short code. NCC has also signed MoUs with agencies like NESREA, CPC, NITDA, CBN, Nigeria Police etc

    “To Protect and Empower Consumers, NCC Engages Consumers through various outreach – Consumer Parliament, Consumer Outreach Programme and Consumer Town Hall Meeting. NCC also declared 2017 the year of the Consumer to underscore the importance it attaches to the consumers.

    “In Promoting Fair Competition and Inclusive Growth, Regulation of VAS and its Framework, Determination of cost based pricing for fixed transmission services in Nigeria and Market Dominance Determinations has been done by NCC.

    “To Ensure Regulatory Excellence NCC has intensified Compliance Monitoring exercises, Promotion of Corporate Governance Code,” the NCC boss stated.

    TNG reports NCC had been acknowledged as one of the foremost telecoms regulator in Africa by ITU.

    The Nigerian telecommunication contributed 10.43% to the GDP in the second quarter of 2018.

    Statistics shows that for every 10% increase in broadband penetration, there is corresponding 1.3% increase in GDP of a nation.

    The country recently achieved broadband penetration of 30.9 per cent in November 2018 surpassing the 30 per cent target by the National Broad Band Plan.

     

  • Nigeria achieves 2013-2018 broadband penetration target

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the country’s broadband penetration stood at 30.9 per cent as at November 2018 surpassing the 30 per cent target by the National Broadband Plan.

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC said this while speaking with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

    The Federal Government National Broadband Plan 2013-2018 has set a target of 30 per cent penetration to be achieved by end of 2018.

    Danbatta, represented by Mr Sunday Dare, NCC Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management said that the commission had exceeded the target it set for itself with over nine per cent.

    “At NCC, we knew we have to meet the broadband implementation plan to get to 30 per cent at the end of 2018 due to the work done, we now stand at 30.9 per cent equivalent of 31 per cent.

    “NCC had issued license to seven infrastructure companies to deploy the needed infrastructure to facilitate the required penetration in the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.

    “This will enable penetration reach the served and underserved areas in the country.

    “Active Voice Subscriber base grew from 165,239,443 in October 2018 to 169,104,830 in November 2018,” he said.

    According to him, total active broadband subscription on 3G and 4G platforms as at November 2018 was 58,965,478.

    He said all information and progress on mobile, internet and data usage penetration would be sustained to provide the necessary requirements for increased investments and effective regulation of the telecom sector in Nigeria.

    The NCC boss said according to the reports between the first and third quarters, released by National Bureau of Statistics contributions of Telecommunications and Information Services to Gross Domestic Products (GDP ) stood at N4.7 trillion.

    On research grants to universities, Danbatta said N50million had been given to some universities for research that would improve ICT and beneficial to the NCC in the near future.

    According to him, NCC had set up a committee to come up with another strategy plan after the successful implementation of the 2015-2018 plans.

    He said the expected plan would ensure the realisation of the eight point agenda of the NCC that is valid up till 2020 and ensure that customer’s satisfaction is ensured.