TheNewsGuru

Tag: NCC

  • Nigeria to experiment 5G networks with 5% population

    Nigeria to experiment 5G networks with 5% population

    5G networks are the next generation of mobile internet connectivity in the telecommunications industry, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is hoping to spread the network to at least 5% of the population upon deployment in the country.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, hinted on this while speaking of prospects for the Nigerian telecom industry at the post-Nigeria National Broadband Plan 2013-2018 event hosted by Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Abuja on Thursday.

    Danbatta, who had said the deployment of 5G networks will foster economic development, also expect the spread of 3G coverage to reach at least 80% of the Nigerian population in the coming years.

    He revealed that currently 56.4% of the population is covered with 3G, and that the commission hopes to spread 3G/LTE services to 100% of the population with a minimum broadband speed of 1.5Mbps.

    With the view to deepening broadband penetration in the country, Danbatta said complete upgrade of 2G BTS to 3G should be expected soon, and that all new sites would be LTE compatible.

    NCC expects to deploy at least one access point of fiber with a 10Gbps capacity in all the 774 LGAs of the federation through the InfraCo project and implement the harmonized RoW charges on State Government highways with Federal at the cost of N145/m, and also eliminate multiple taxation and regulations.

    Meanwhile, according to the latest edition of Ericsson Mobility Report, 5G is expected to reach more than 40 per cent global population coverage and 1.5 billion subscriptions for enhanced mobile broadband by the end of 2024.

    Danbatta had earlier said the commission had identified some potential frequency bands that might be harmonized for 5G deployment and therefore suspended the licensing of those frequencies.

    As the next generation of mobile standards is being finalized, commercial superfast 5G networks are expected to start deployment after 2020.

     

  • NCC plans to deploy broadband infrastructure to rural areas – Danbatta

    NCC plans to deploy broadband infrastructure to rural areas – Danbatta

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the commission will deploy massive broadband infrastructure to rural areas to boost internet access.

    Danbatta disclosed this at the Post-Nigeria National Broadband Plan 2013-2018 on Thursday in Abuja organised by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).

    “What we envisage to happen next is that there will be massive deployment of broadband infrastructure in rural areas that are unserved and underserved.

    “The whole idea is that we are going to have a fiber access point in virtually all the 774 local government areas in the country.

    “By the time this massive deployment of infrastructure takes place and is concluded we hope to see the penetration hit the 70 per cent that we are talking about here.

    “Even though this has not been conclusively agreed upon, I will like to assure Nigerians of our readiness to deploy broadband infrastructure in rural areas.”

    Danbatta said that there were close to 200 access gaps mostly in the rural areas of the country.

    He said that NCC knows where the access gaps are, adding that the Universal Service Provision Funds (USPF) was targeted to close the access gaps.

    “We intend to do that by deploying more base transmitters’ stations in these areas and recently we have experimented and did a pilot on how we can deploy a rural technology broadband solution in order to bridge the gap faster.

    “So there is a provision in the 2018 budget as well as 2019 budget for deployment of this rural technology solution to bridge the gap faster.

    “And we have succeeded in bringing down the number of the access gaps from over 200 to about 190.

    “We have cut down on the number of Nigerians that will not access especially internet services from close to 40 million to around 32 million.”

    The NCC boss said that the commission was working with the National Broadcasting Commission to develop guidelines for the introduction of TV White space deployment.

    He said that the deployment of the TV White Space would deepen broadband penetration.

    Mr Olusola Teniola, President of ATCON said that the meeting was principally to see how the industry can work towards achieving a greater broadband penetration.

    He said that the industry suggested 70 per cent broadband penetration as being realistic in the next five years through the removal of obstacles that worked against the initial plan.

     

  • 2019: NCC suspends directive barring telcos from sending unsolicited text messages

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has temporarily suspended the directive on Do-not-Disturb (DND) that bars Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) from disseminating unsolicited text messages to telecoms consumers.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports NCC Director of Public Affairs, Mr Nnamdi Nwokike, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    He stated that NCC’s management, upon due consideration of the upcoming general elections, suspended the DND order to enable MNOs to disseminate specific information on voter education on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “the NCC, upon due consideration of the upcoming general elections, has decided to temporarily suspend its directive to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) on Do-Not-Disturb (DND).

    “In implementing the suspension, MNOs are to be mindful of existing directives regarding the timing and regularity of such messages.

    “The temporary suspension is only with regards to specific messages on voter education,” he said.

    Nwokike added that NCC had also issued instructions to all MNOs and Value Added Service Providers to the effect that they should ensure that their facilities were not used to disseminate political or religious contents.

    He stated that MNOs and Value Added Service Providers should not disseminate materials with abusive contents, insulting, intimidating or harassing, and/or which incite violence, hatred or discrimination against any person or group of persons.

    “MNOs shall provide service to participants in the political process only to the extent that their licence and the regulatory process permit.

    “MNOs shall maintain the principle of neutrality in all their dealings regarding all the political process.

    “MNOs shall at all times seek and obtain the approval of the commission,” he said.

    The NCC also expressed its readiness to strictly monitor the activities of the MNOs for the duration of the temporary suspension.

     

  • 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.

     

  • NCC resolves 92,757 telecom consumers’ complaints

    Mr Nnamdi Nwokike, the Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said on Sunday that the commission received 118,784 service-related complaints from aggrieved telecom consumers in the last two years.

    Nwokike made the disclosure in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, adding that 92,757 of the complaints were successfully treated and resolved.

    He said that the information was part of the report by Alhaji Ismail Adedigba, the Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, on the commission’s consumer protection activities during a consumer awareness campaign held in Niger state recently.

    Nwokike stated, “Between January 2017 and December 2018, the commission received a total of 118,784 complaints from consumers.

    “92,757, representing 78 per cent of the total complaints received during the two years period were successfully resolved to the satisfaction of telecom consumers,” he said.

    He further quoted the report to have also stated that 5,010 appreciations were received from consumers, who expressed satisfaction with the handling of their cases by the commission.

    He said that while some consumers wrote formally, others called personally to express their gratitude to the commission for its efforts.

    Nwokike said the consumer’s feedback came through the NCC toll-free Line – 622, the NCC Consumer Portal, consumer complaint redress email and written complaints.

    Other channels were the social media platform, consumer town hall meetings, consumer outreach programme and telecom consumer parliament.

    He said that no fewer than 31, 202 consumers were engaged face-to-face through the three consumer outreach programmes held across the states of the federation on a rotational basis.

    He said that participants at the programmes were adequately educated on their rights and privileges, with respect to the provision of telecom services within the last two years.

    He said consumer fact sheets developed by the commission on various service-related and topical issues were also distributed at such fora to educate consumers on various issues in the industry.

    He said that the commission placed a lot of importance on consumer-related issues, hence it initiated programmes aimed at enlightening and protecting the consumers.

    He said that the essence was to ensure that consumers got quality services and value for the money they spent on telecom services, be it voice or data.

    “Also, we ensure that we embark on initiatives aimed at providing wider service options and also put more control in the hands of the consumers to determine what they receive, especially in terms of value-added services.

    “This is in line with our mandate of protecting, informing and educating the consumers,” he said.

    He said that the commission created the ‘Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 Short Code’ in 2016, as part of measures to put more control in the hands of consumers to determine what they received on their mobile lines.

    Nwokike also said that no fewer than 12 million telecom consumers have activated DND code, according to the report.

    “As a commission, we shall continue to create more awareness on DND in order for consumers to have control over the kind of unsolicited text messages they receive.

    “We expect that this number will continue to grow as more consumers become aware of the DND Short Code through continuous awareness campaigns,” he said.

     

  • NCC takes enlightenment campaign against cybercrime to Niger State

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken its enlightenment campaign against cybercrime to Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, to sensitise telecommunications consumers to the rising wave of the scourge.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by Mr Nnamdi Nwokike, NCC Director of Public Affairs.

    He said that the campaign was done at the 26th Edition of the Consumer Town Hall Meeting (CTM) held in Niger State with the theme: “Mitigating Effects of Cybercrimes: The Role of Telecom Consumers”.

    He explained that the commission sensitised the consumers to the threat of cybercrime, its various forms as well as measures to be taken to ensure they were protected from cyber criminals and hackers.

    Mrs Felicia Onwuegbuchulam, Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau of NCC, told consumers at the forum that as broadband penetration got deeper for positive engagement and efficient economic activities, there was tendency for some Internet users to use the access for criminal and illegal activities.

    She said that such criminal activities was also on the rise, thereby requiring adequate consumer education.

    Represented by Alh. Bashir Idris, Head of Government & Legislative Unit of Public Affairs Department, NCC, she said that it was necessary for individual and corporate consumers of telecoms services to become aware of cybercrime trends and forms.

    She said that it was also important for telecom consumers to make conscious efforts to ensure safe use of connected devices, to prevent cyber criminals from making cyberspace unsafe.

    According to her, businesses and individuals in every country currently rely on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for their day-to-day activities, where Internet is playing a key role in interconnectivity of devices.

    “It is common knowledge that the use of internet has become part of telecom consumer’s daily activities whether at home, in the workplace or any social setting.

    “Smartphones and other smart devices used by telecom consumers are a storehouse of data carrying sensitive information about the user, his or her family, businesses, associates and daily interaction as well as financial transaction details.

    “Admittedly, the Internet touches almost all aspects of our lives as telecom consumers,” she said.

    She said that the commission embarked on various initiatives to increase access to the internet for Nigerians for positive engagement.

    She then explained that hackers and cyber criminals also deploy sophisticated systems to intrude into your connected devices, to perpetrate their exploitative schemes.

    However, the commission’s chief consumer protector, stated that continuous consumer education and awareness remained one of the most effective ways to protect telecom consumers.

    “Hence, the commission is committed to using its various outreach programmes to embark on series of awareness campaigns, to keep consumers well informed on the risks associated with being online.

    “Enlightening them on safety measures to be taken once they use connected devices as simple as feature phones, smartphones and other more sophisticated Internet-enabled devices,” she added.

    The statement also said that Alhaji Ismail Adedigba, Head, Information & Reference Unit, Consumer Affairs Bureau of NCC, revealed that the commission was in the process of establishing an Internet Industry Code of Practice.

    He said that the objective of the Industry Code of Practice was to provide a robust framework to sanitise the cyber space for telecom consumers.

    Mr Jibe Abdul-Aziz, representative of a consumer advocacy group, Wheel of Hope, in his lead paper, enlightened consumers on forms of cybercrime such as phishing scams, online scams.

    Abdul-Aziz also enlightened the consumers on hacking, malware, and child soliciting & abuse and identity theft among others, while educating them on safety tips.

    According to him, the safety measures needed to be taken by the consumers should not be limited to outright deleting of suspicious scam emails or text messages but should include using strong passwords, using trusted software and keeping it updated.

    “Talking to children about internet fraud, reporting cases of lost Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card to service providers and respective banks, among others.

    Representatives of telecoms operators also took time to enlighten their consumers on efforts being made by them and role expected to be played by consumers to ensure safety when online on their various networks.

    The Commission also educated consumers on other Consumer-centric industry issues, such as the NCC toll-free line -622, Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 Code, consumer complaints management.

    They also talked about other industry issues such as base stations and health concerns, pre-registered SIMs, Mobile Number Portability (MNP), among others.

     

  • How to retrieve a lost SIM card without qualms

    Whether you are a postpaid or a prepaid subscriber, losing a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is worrisome.

    Not to worry, there is a standard procedure to follow to retrieve a lost SIM without qualms.

    The prescribed procedure for a subscriber to follow to effect a SIM replacement is necessary to prevent unauthorized replacements of SIM cards.

    A SIM can be replaced if it is faulty, damaged, stolen, lost, obsolete (but eligible for replacement or an upgrade), and any other reasonable legitimate reason or condition necessitating a SIM replacement.

    An operator may refuse a SIM replacement request where there are reasonable grounds to believe that the replacement ought not to be carried out.

    The SIM to be retrieved must have been registered in accordance with the registration of telephone subscribers regulations issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the SIM must be active on the network of the operator.

    An active SIM card is a SIM that can make and receive calls. An inactive SIM is one that cannot make or receive calls or one that has been recycled. A SIM becomes inactive after 6 months of inactivity. After 3 months or inactivity (i.e. no recharge, no calls on the SIM), the SIM enters inactive mode, and recycled after another 3 months.

    A subscriber requesting for the replacement of a SIM must provide the following:

    a. Information about the three (3) most frequently called numbers from that SIM which must be verified by the Network Service Provider. The frequently called numbers must have been dialed at least five times over a 30 days period.

    b. Where the SIM to be replaced is a data SIM, the subscriber will be required to provide any two of the following:

    i. Last recharge amount and date

    ii. Name of internet bundle value activated and data allowance allocated

    iii. Last three (3) sites visited.

    c. An affidavit signed by the subscriber and a passport photograph of the subscriber where the replacement is to be done by a proxy.

    d. Details of the last recharge on the SIM.

    e. Details of the last paid invoice for post-paid subscribers.

    A person requesting a replacement is expected to fill a standard SIM replacement form, and a valid photo identification of the subscriber must be provided.

    The SIM pack or other evidence of direct purchase/ownership of the SIM must be provided and where it is unavailable, an affidavit attesting to the ownership and loss of the SIM must be provided.

    The Network Service Provider is expected to capture a facial image of the subscriber.

    SIM replacement by proxy

    Also, a SIM replacement may be carried out by proxy. Any SIM replacement carried out by proxy must be in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 6 above.

    Where a replacement is done by a proxy, such proxy will be required to provide an affidavit sworn to by the owner of the SIM detailing reasons for the replacement, as well as the reasons for the subscriber’s inability to carry out the replacement, a copy of the subscriber’s means of identification and a valid photo identification of the proxy.

    A request for a SIM replacement may be made by a proxy for Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) registered in the name of a corporate entity, where such proxy has been duly designated as the entity’s interface with the operator on record, and produces a sworn affidavit by the entity duly authorizing the replacement.

    The proxy is also expected to fill the SIM replacement form, and the Network Service Provider is expected to capture a facial image of the proxy.

    Online SIM Replacement

    Online SIM Replacement can only be carried out either through the Network Service Provider’s secured website or self-service terminal.

    The Network Service Provider shall create on its secured website a platform where Subscribers can carry out SIM Replacement using the unique Identification and PIN issued by the Network Service Provider.

    The Network Service Provider shall issue interested Subscribers with a unique Identification and PIN.

    The Subscriber is required to purchase a new SIM Card to which the MSISDN of the old SIM Card would be transferred.

    The Subscriber can login to the portal through the Network Service Provider’s secured website using the unique Identification and Personal Information Number (PIN) issued to the Subscriber.

    The Subscriber will input the following information;

    a. Date of Birth

    b. Mother’s Maiden Name

    c. Place of Birth

    d. Three frequently called numbers

    e. The MSISDN of the SIM to be replaced.

    Where the information provided matches the record on the Network Service Provider’s system, the Subscriber will be prompted to enter the MSISDN of the new SIM purchased and the operator would then the carry out the SIM replacement by transferring the old MSISDN to the new SIM.

    No Network Service Provider is allowed to carry out SIM Replacement over the phone.

    Activation

    A replacement SIM shall be activated within two (2) hours once the verification of Subscriber information has being carried out.

    Violations and Penalties

    Any SIM Replacement done in violation of NCC guidelines shall be sanctioned in accordance with enforcement regulations.

    A Network Service Provider shall be held liable for any SIM Replacement carried out in violation of regulations or done fraudulently by its agent or dealer.

    The subscriber can pursue any other remedies against a Network Service Provider for any SIM Replacement done fraudulently by such Network Service Provider or its agent or dealer.

     

  • NCC, stakeholders to collaborate to boost local content in ICT

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says collaboration is essential to boost local content in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry.

    The Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta made this known during the ICT Community Roundtable, organised by the Association of Information Communication Technology Local Content (ICTLOCA) on Wednesday in Lagos.

    The theme of the roundtable is: “ICT Local Content: Dissecting Challenges and Proffering Solutions’’.

    Represented by the Lagos Zonal Controller of NCC, Henry Ojiokpota, Danbatta said that there was the need for stakeholders to work together to build the requisite skills that could boost local content.

    He said that there was the need to collaborate with tertiary institutions and the National Universities Commission (NUC) and look at contents the institutions had in the areas of ICT.

    According to him, the ICT industry needs to have a database of both formal and informal ICT skills across the country.

    He said that such database would ensure that skills required in a particular area were easily accessed.

    “We want to see how we can bring those people together under one roof, so that they can be able to speak with one voice.

    “Most importantly for us is having the data of all ICT skills available in the country, that will help people to be able to compete globally for jobs in other climes and also within Nigeria.

    “If Nigerians have the requisite skills, companies will not give their jobs to foreigners.

    “You don’t expect an employer to employ workers and then begin to train them all over again. The time is not there.

    “So if the skill that is required to take over the industry is not there, the problem of local content will continue.

    “We need to build up a database of ICT skills across the country, both formal and informal ICT skills and also collaborate,’’ he said.

    Danbatta said that NCC was bridging the skill gap by training people through the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), to help them to be able to compete for job in the oil and gas sector.

    He said that the commission was funding research proposals on ICT in universities across the six geopolitical zones, aimed at instilling local content.

    “We found out that people have excellent project proposals but with funding of those research proposals it can really help them to be able to bring those proposals forward and solve practical human problems,’’ Danbatta said.

     

  • E-banking fraud: NCC wants better authentication processes for mobile apps

    As fraudsters continue to exploit the weaknesses of mobile apps, especially mobile banking apps, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said putting better authentication processes in place has become vital.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta stated this during a stakeholder’s forum on Financial Fraud Using Telecoms Platform the commission held on Tuesday.

    The event was organized as a response to the inundated public complaints on the unceasing cases of financial fraud via the use of telecom platforms and is poised at seeking initiatives aimed at creating greater awareness on the issue as well as creating ways of addressing these challenges.

    Danbatta, who delivered the welcome address, stated that the commission is poised for a robust infrastructure to support innovative technologies/services that will enhance the pursuit of excellence and development in all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

    “However, the malevolent use of this technology has become a growing concern in the industry, especially in the area of financial fraud.

    “As mobile apps integration with online payment platforms and other financial resources have improved over the years, the proportion of legitimate trade conducted using mobile phones and other portable devices has also increased.

    “Little wonder then that mobile channels have been seized by cyber-criminals as a new avenue for fraud.

    “Mobile apps as a whole are now quite easy for hackers and cyber criminals to hijack, corrupt, making them tools for fraudsters to steal credentials, impersonate genuine account holders and gain illicit access to funds.

    “Phishing tactics and social engineering ploys such as SIM Swap are part and parcel of the online fraud mechanism regardless of whether the transactions are conducted via mobile phone, desktop browser or point of presence.

    “Fraudsters continuing to exploit these weaknesses, putting better authentication processes in place is vital,” he said.

    Danbatta assured that the commission was collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and other relevant agencies in the fight against e-banking fraud.

    He said, “Effective collaboration and private organisation is a tool to tackling the scourge that has besieged financial and telecoms sectors”.

    At the panel discussion, telecom operators, financial institutions and regulators discussed ways to collaborate and prevent financial fraud.

    The forum drew participants from several regulatory institutions, ministries, department, agencies, telecom companies, financial institutions, industry players, security agencies and members of the press amongst several others.

     

  • Nigeria braces for next level of tech revolution

    Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Garba Danbatta has stressed the need for collaboration among academia, telecom industry players and the regulatory body as the nation gears up for the next level of technology revolution.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Prof. Danbatta was speaking during NCC’s Fifth Roundtable Forum with Academia, Telecom Industry and other Stakeholders when he said, “the emergence of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Cities, 5th generation network (5G), Broadband technology have led to huge opportunities and consequent risks”.

    The forum, holding in Minna, Niger State on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th January 2018 is expected to improve collaboration among the Commission, academia, telecom industry players and other stakeholders to accelerate innovation, industrial growth and sustainable development in the Nigerian telecoms industry.

    Danbatta at the forum on Wednesday said the collaboration is needed to ensure that these technologies are adequately prepared for by the time they emerge in the Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem.

    He acknowledged that innovations, inventions and improvements that evolve from collaboration with academia are a catalyst for improving efficiency and productivity, driving economic growth and attracting more FDI into the country.

    Speaking at the event, Danbatta, represented by Engr Austin Nwaulune, Director Spectrum Administration, NCC, said, to this end, the NCC as regulator of this critical sector, aims to ensure all stakeholders are protected and the industry is nurtured for maximum benefits to all players in the industry.

    He stressed that regulatory excellence has the capacity to drive social and economic transformation in the country and, that the NCC seeks to ensure that regulations match with existing realities.

    Prof Danbatta reiterated that the three areas which are fundamental to future growth and development of the sector include: innovation in terms of new ideas, industry growth in terms of building capabilities and the role of the regulator in promoting synergy between the academia and the NCC while ensuring regulatory excellence and operational efficiency of the industry.

    “The potential opportunities and important aspects that should be considered by all stakeholders are critical aspects that academia are invited to research and proffer pragmatic solutions.

    “The Commission has, among other things, directed funds to encourage innovation by boosting research and development in Universities across the country.

    “There is need to collaborate with emphasis on development of prototypes that would meet the standards required by the industry,” he said.

    Present at the event include members of the academia from various universities and Polytechnics in the North Central region of the country, representatives of telecom companies and other regulatory bodies.