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Tag: NCC

  • NCC establishes monitoring committee

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has established Broadband Implementation Committee to fast track the deployment of infrastructure to raise broadband penetration in the country.

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC made this disclosure at the commission’s stakeholders’engagement meeting with relevant state agencies in charge of telecommunications matters.

    The meeting’s theme is: “Optimising the Benefits of Telecoms Infrastructure in Nigeria’’.

    Danbatta said that the committee would ensure targeted deployment of infrastructure needed to raise broadband penetration to 30 per cent before the end of 2018 would be met.

    “The license has gone out to the Infrastructure Companies (INFRACOs), and we have a total of six of them in all zones of the country.

    “And each zone has infrastructure company licensed by NCC to deploy infrastructure in that zone and no licensee is allowed to deploy infrastructure in any other zone because it will develop issues.

    “On top of all these efforts, there is a subsidy NCC intends to pay, this subsidy will be paid to INFRACO licensee for attainment of milestone.

    “The monitoring committee will confirm the milestone, verify that it had been attained and this subsidy will be paid,’’ he said.

    Danbatta said that the NCC was eager to support states in driving universal access to citizens in the remotest parts to universal affordability, accessibility and availability of service throughout the country.

    “This is a critical component of NCC’s Strategic Management Plan and 8-point Agenda,’’ he said.

    He said that NCC was keen to enable states maximise the benefits of broadband infrastructure and digital platforms to drive growth, create employment and improve socio-economic interactions.

    “In this regard, we are encouraging our licensees to explore opportunities for bilateral arrangements with your states.

    “We urge you to take advantage of these opportunities and launch your respective states into the digital age,’’ Danbatta said.

    Mr Sunday Dare, the Commissioner, Stakeholders Management of NCC said that over the years as telecoms infrastructure were becoming more ubiquitous, NCC licensees found it more and more difficult to meet prescribed rollout and quality of service benchmarks.

    Dare said that NCC carefully studied the issues and realised that the national network was not functioning at optimal levels due to a number of factors such as frequent interruptions, security of infrastructure, power issues, high cost of approvals and slow permitting processes.

    “We therefore enveloped an engagement template to deal with those factors that were understandably not within the control of the operators.

    “We approached the governors of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT through the National Economic Council for their assistance.

    “And in 2013, they agreed on basic principles to create a more enabling environment for the speedy deployment of new telecoms infrastructure and seamless operation of existing ones.

    “The 2013 framework is now being reviewed to address obvious gaps and to accommodate new developments, especially to achieve deeper broadband penetration and more efficient services.

    “We could just have limited our engagement to the governors. However, NCC strongly believes in applying well-tested approach of consultative regulation to our other endeavours, which is why we consider it critical to discuss with you.

    “This forum is therefore very critical to the development of our dear country and that is why it is centered on the theme of “Optimising the Benefits of Telecoms Infrastructure in Nigeria”.

    The meeting had in attendance representatives from over 26 states of the federation and FCT, amongst other stakeholders.

     

  • Withdrawn telephone lines: No time to allow waste – Danbatta

    Withdrawn telephone lines: No time to allow waste – Danbatta

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Umar Danbatta, has said telephone lines withdrawn from telecom operators, is to allow for good management of resources.

    TheNewsGuru reports 36.6 million telephone lines were withdrawn from some telecommunications operators from the National Numbering Plan (NNP) by NCC in March this year.

    The NCC boss explained that the telephone lines were found to be redundant.

    “Those are lines that are redundant. We always give statistics about active lines. We have noticed that the teledensity growing, steadily growing for six to seven months and has exceeded 150 million mark.

    “It is expected of NCC that resources that are not being put into use were withdrawn so that this can in turn be a sign to all operators so that they can put them in good use and activate them.

    “These are redundant lines that were withdrawn and if something is redundant, it means they are not being put to use.

    “We do not have time to allow resources to waste. The intention is to ensure that all resources at our disposal, number resources and spectrum resources, are put into good use and to the benefit of this country,” Danbatta said.

    The Commission said active mobile telephone lines in the country in lieu of the withdrawn 36.6 million telephone lines increased to 162 million.

    It stated that mobile lines figure was as at the end of May, adding that it rose from 160 million recorded in April.

    With 162, 075,116 lines in May and 160, 081,051 in April, the increase in the number of lines was 1,994,065.

    However, the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) for active mobile lines had 217,566 users in May, same as in April.

    In a report, NCC said that the number of fixed wired/wireless for active mobile lines in May was 137, 010 compared to April, which had 136, 496 lines, indicating an increase of 514 lines.

    According to NCC, the number of Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) was 93,080 in May compared with 89,477 recorded in April, representing a rise of 3,603.

    It also revealed that Teledensity rose by 143 in May to 11,609 as against 11,466 in April.

    TheNewsGuru reports teledensity is the number of telephone connections for every 100 individuals living within an area and it varies widely across the country.

    NCC also said that the number of connected mobile lines in May increased to 240,259,751 from 238,032,318 in April, recording an increase of 2, 227,433.

    “The CDMA for connected lines for May was 3,586,095, the same figure with April,’’ the subscribers’ data revealed.

    The report said the number of fixed wired/wireless for connected lines in May was 345,210 compared to April that had 344, 892, an increase of 318 lines.

    It also showed that the number of VOIP for connected lines in May was 611,376 as against 575,712 in April, rising by 35,644 lines.

     

  • 13,203 telecoms subscribers changed network providers in May – NCC

    13,203 telecoms subscribers changed network providers in May – NCC

    A total of 13,203 mobile telecommunications subscribers in Nigeria changed their network providers for others in May, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said.

    The subscribers changed their service providers under the Mobile Number Portability (MNP).

    The commission made this known in its Incoming and Outgoing Porting Activities of Mobile Network Operators Report posted on its website.

    The NCC said that, of the 13,203 porting activities in May, 6,498 were incoming, while 6,704 were outgoing.

    It noted that 9,983 subscribers ported within the networks in April, showing an increase of 3,220 in May.

    According to the commission, 2,243 subscribers moved from Airtel to other networks in May.

    The figure indicated an increase of 1,127 over the total of 1,116 Airtel customers who dropped the network in April.

    The commission said that 1,907 subscribers moved from Globacom in May, noting that the same number left in April.

    It added that 1,584 customers of 9mobile ported to other networks in May – an increase of 116, when compared with 1,468 users who left the network in April.

    The NCC said that MTN lost 970 customers through porting in May, an increase of 68 as against 902 customers who left in April.

    On the incoming table, MTN Nigeria led by an additional 2,514 customers on its network in May.

    9mobile came second on the gainers’ list with 1,868 subscribers, while 1,343 subscribers moved to Airtel, and Globacom gained 774 customers.

    In May 2017, 39,535 subscribers ported across all networks, while a total of 33,773 subscribers ported in April, 2017.

    Of the 39,535 porting activities in May, 2017, 19,816 were incoming, while 19,719 were outgoing.

    On the outgoing porting table for May 2017, 6,567 subscribers moved from MTN to other networks, 6,540 moved from Airtel, and 4,786 moved from Globacom, while 1,826 left 9mobile (Etisalat).

    On the incoming table, 9mobile (Etisalat) led by additional 15,253 customers, Airtel came second with 2,597 subscribers, while MTN gained 1,245 subscribers and Globacom secured 721 customers.

    The NCC launched MNP in March 2013.

     

  • Active Mobile lines in Nigeria hit 162m

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says active mobile telephone lines in Nigeria has increased to 162 million.

    It said in its monthly Subscribers Operator Data posted on its website on Friday that the mobile lines figure was as at the end of May, adding that it rose from 160 million recorded in April.

    With 162, 075,116 lines in May and 160, 081,051 in April, the increase in the number of lines was 1,994,065.

    However, the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) for active mobile lines had 217,566 users in May, same as in April.

    The report said that the number of fixed wired/wireless for active mobile lines in May was 137, 010 compared to April, which had 136, 496 lines, indicating an increase of 514 lines.

    According to NCC, the number of Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) was 93,080 in May compared with 89,477 recorded in April, representing a rise of 3,603.

    It also revealed that Teledensity rose by 143 in May to 11,609 as against 11,466 in April.

    Teledensity is the number of telephone connections for every 100 individuals living within an area and it varies widely across the country.

    NCC also said that the number of connected mobile lines in May increased to 240,259,751 from 238,032,318 in April, recording an increase of 2, 227,433.

    “The CDMA for connected lines for May was 3,586,095, the same figure with April,’’ the subscribers’ data revealed.

    The report said the number of fixed wired/wireless for connected lines in May was 345,210 compared to April that had 344, 892, an increase of 318 lines.

    It also showed that the number of VOIP for connected lines in May was 611,376 as against 575,712 in April, rising by 35,644 lines.

     

  • Telecoms: NCC must avoid monopoly with Visafone spectrum transfer

    There is a greater need for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to tread with caution in order to avoid monopoly with the Visafone spectrum transfer to MTN Nigeria.

    Given that the current MTN/Visafone spectrum transfer has raised issues among telcos operators in Nigeria, it becomes imperative that the NCC reached an informed decision to avoid monopolizing the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry.

    TheNewsGuru recalls the regulatory commission held a public enquiry in this regards on the 25th of June 2018; however, it is more imperative to properly cross the Is and dot the Ts if the NCC must reach an informed decision to avoiding monopoly.

    It is commendable that overtime the NCC has put in place certain guidelines to regulate telecommunication operations in the country.

    The June public enquiry was necessitated by the question of whether NCC should or should not transfer Visafone’s license and spectrum to MTN Nigeria Communications Limited.

    At a public hearing in Abuja recently, 9mobile and Airtel argued that transferring Visafone’s 800 Megahertz spectrum would concentrate 38 per cent spectrum available in the country on MTN and thereby give the company undue advantage to further dominate the Nigerian telecommunications market.

    TheNewsGuru also recalls that on the 7th of December 2015, the NCC granted MTN Nigeria final approval for the acquisition of 100% equity in Visafone. In 2016, Visafone sought NCC’s approval to transfer its operating and spectrum licenses to MTN to ensure the optimal use of its spectrum holdings.

    Although the NCC had approved the acquisition deal, it has yet to approve the transfer of the frequency and license to MTN, even as 9mobile had gone to court to challenge the transfer of the frequency to MTN.

    According to the Nigerian National Broadband Plan and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, NCC can issue spectrum licenses, and has such powers to reallocate or reissue. It also has powers to recall an unused spectrum license which has remained unused for 2 years, and reallocate to another client.

    As at May 2018, MTN has over 50% revenue market share and 66.4mn subscribers representing 41% subscriber market share in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry. It also has robust Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) margin of ~50% which underscores its capacity to undertake massive network investment compared to other telcos with less than 30% EBITDA Margin.

    Furthermore, the NCC in its study on the level of competition in selected communications market in 2013 declared MTN a Dominant Operator in Mobile Voice Market and Joint Dominant Operator alongside Glo in the Wholesale Leased Lines and Transmission Capacity sub-segment. This is also in addition to its interest in IHS, Colocation and Infrastructure Sharing Licensee with the highest number of towers in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry.

    Stakeholders concerns in this matter, considering MTN’s size, resources under its control, even without the 800MHz band, and its dominance status in both voice mobile and wholesale leased lines and transmission capacity segments of the industry, the proposed transfer of license and resources including the 800MHz spectrum from Visafone would not only increase MTN’s market power but will substantially lessen competition in the Mobile Voice Market and Mobile Data Market segments of the industry, which could lead to MTN becoming a monopoly.

    This is because, other telcos, including the top 3 operators, will not be able to compete, as the proposed transfer will enable MTN to grow from dominance into a monopoly, thereby distorting the competitive landscape in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry.

    MTN through the proposed transfer of license and resources including the 800MHz spectrum from Visafone to MTN is intended to unnecessarily amass and reserve spectrum bandwidth capacity at the detriment of other players in the industry.

    It is pertinent to state that the 800MHz spectrum band has been identified as the most ideal and suitable for the deployment of mobile broadband due to its characteristics to traverse farther distance and support mobile broadband rollout at optimal cost (~25% CAPEX) compared to 2.6GHz spectrum band.

    It is critical to mention that the proposed transfer of the aforementioned resources from Visafone to MTN will enable MTN to be the only operator among the top 4 pan-Nigeria operators holding this prime spectrum band.

    The National Broadband Plan (2013-2018) had intended that the digital dividend band will be relinquished by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and transferred to the NCC for mobile broadband services. MTN had, however, earlier engaged and acquired 10MHz bandwidth capacity on the 700MHz spectrum band from the NBC. The transaction was conducted in a closed and non-transparent manner which is disadvantageous to other interested operators.

    MTN had earlier opposed similar acquisition in South Africa. It is, therefore, sane to query the justification of its bid to replicate what it rejected in South Africa. If that acquisition is not good for South Africa, why is it good for Nigeria?

    Spectrum is the same all over the world, and in the UK, the regulator places a cap on the amount of spectrum an operator can buy. Also in India, there is a cap on the volume of spectrum that can be acquired and held by a particular operator. This needs to be introduced to the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry to avoid spectrum hoarding at the detriment of other stakeholders in the industry.

    There is need to ensure balanced investment and control of prime resources in order to build other strong players apart from MTN in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry.

    In line with international best practice for Mergers and Acquisition, NCC should consider conducting an assessment of the impact of the transfer of the License and other resources including the 800MHz spectrum from Visafone to MTN taking into consideration inputs from other industry players likely to be affected by the transaction.

    Example of such is the EU Merger Regulation 2004 and the United Kingdom Enterprise and Regulatory Act 2013 which provides detailed steps on the test to be conducted by a Regulator with regards to this kind of transaction.

    NCC recently published Spectrum Trading Guidelines intended to ensure optimal utilization of this finite resource and create a secondary market for spectrum transfer, spectrum leasing and spectrum sharing. The Guidelines further specify conditions to be met by both the Buyer and Seller in order to enter into Spectrum Trading arrangement.

    In line with general principles of law, the guideline cannot be applied retrospectively towards the regularization a pre-existing transaction, which in this instance is between Visafone and MTN.

    The same guideline stated that if in the considered opinion of the Commission, a transaction will negatively impact on competition and other regulatory considerations, the Commission may at its discretion conduct a Public or Private Inquiry in respect of an application for Spectrum Trading.

    NCC at this junction should consider all other stakeholders’ concerns to review their stand to see that monopoly should not be allowed.

    If MTN is given the access to the 800 MHz spectrum band which will enable it to provide 4G LTE services and apparently place it in an enviable position of being the only GSM operator with access to this spectrum, it will thereby increase their chances of becoming a monopoly in the industry.

    As much as NCC plan to surpass the 30 per cent penetration target set for 2018, critical consideration of the spectrum should be well reviewed.

    In view of the above, NCC should consider not to transfer the license and resources including the 800MHz from Visafone to MTN in order not to distort the competitive landscape in the industry.

    Way Forward:

    a) Enforcement of Licence Conditions: The NCC is invited to take necessary measures toward enforcing the terms and conditions of the licence issued to other telcos on the 800MHz frequency band. Given its uniqueness to effectively support pervasive rollout of high-quality mobile broadband services at minimal cost, it is critical for the NCC to ensure its optimal utilization. The NCC should exert pressure on current occupants on the band to either meet rollout obligations or sell, lease or share with other interested telcos within a particular timeframe failing which such assignment will be withdrawn and reassigned to licensees. This is a critical issue deserving immediate attention of the NCC to facilitate the attainment of the targets of the National Broadband Plan (2013-2018).

    b) Engagement with NFMC/NBC: In accordance with the provisions of the National Broadband Plan, the NCC is further invited to engage the National Frequency Management Council and the National Broadcasting Commission to revoke and invalidate every frequency assignments on the 700MHz carried out in a closed and non-transparent manner, so as to ensure fairness and equity in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry. The NCC will be required to subsequently conduct a competitive auction on the reallocated digital dividend frequency slots to interested licensees.

    It is believed that the NCC as a forthright and proactive National Regulatory Body will take necessary measures to ensure level playing field in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry to avoid creating a monopoly in the interest of the nation.

     

  • NCC says Internet users reaches 103m in May

    NCC says Internet users reaches 103m in May

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday described the growth of the internet as enormous with the number of users reaching 103 million in May.

    Danbatta, who was represented by Mr Haru Alhassan, the Director, New Media and Information Security of NCC, said this in Abuja at the Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF) 2018.

    The forum’s theme is: “Internet: An Enabler for Good Governance’’.

    He said that this was an impressive growth from 28 million internet users recorded in 2012.

    “This evolution shows the importance of harnessing the benefit of internet for good governance.

    “This figure of the internet subscribers’ data highlights the importance and the value of internet,’’ he said

    Danbatta said that the commission would also license three additional Infrastructure Company (INFRACOs), bringing the number to seven to boost broadband penetration in the country.

    He said the three INFRACOs were awaiting approval as the commission had earlier licensed two infrastructure companies earlier in the year to lay the foundation for internet penetration and increased broadband services.

    The two INFRACOs are Zinox Technology Ltd. for Southeast and Brinks Integrated Solutions Ltd. for Northeast.

    “The licenses are based on NCC open licensed model which is in line with the National Broadband plan 2013 to 2018,’’ he said.

    Over a year ago, Mainone Cable company had been licensed to provide services in Lagos, while HIS got its license to cover the North Central Geopolitical Zone including Abuja.

    “This event is very important in bringing various stakeholders to discuss issues of internet governance, ‘’ Danbatta said.

    Prof. Muhammad Mainnima, the Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University Keffi said the theme of forum was apt and worthy of participation as Nigeria was approaching the 2019 general elections.

    Mainnima, represented by Prof. Grace Pennap, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the university said Information Communication Technology (ICT) would have significant role to play in the elections.

    “While we agree that internet can promote good governance, it is important to think of how to make Nigeria cyberspace safe and secured.

    “Therefore, it is my sincere hope that this year’s conference will add value positively to the narratives of good governance powered by the internet,’’ he said.

    Earlier, Mrs Mary Uduma, the Chair, NIGF Multi-Stakeholders Advisory Group said NIGF was the local initiative of the UN Internet Governance that was agreed on by the world in 2005.

    According to Uduma, NGIF is a stakeholders platform that discuss public policy issues pertaining to internet such as internet security, good governance.

    “We have brought internet experts to dissect this along the line of global discussion in areas of access inclusiveness and diversity, cyber security and trust.

     

  • Data rollover consumers’ gain, network providers’ loss

    The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has described the new government directive on data rollover as a demonstration of consumer protection which would, however, impact negatively service providers’ revenues.

    The ATCON President, Mr Olusola Teniola, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Tuesday that the directive would ensure full utilisation of data purchased by telecoms consumers.

    He said that the consumers’ protection would, however, be to the detriment of network providers.

    “Currently, the annual operating levy imposed on our members is 2.5 per cent, and it is based on our net revenues.

    “This directive may have significant impact on the revenue because within those seven days consumers are not being charged for data plan, it is a loss of revenue for our members,” he said.

    On multiple taxation, Teniola said that the association was in dialogues with government for harmonisation of the Right of Way (ROW).

    Teniola said that ROW was one of the major elements that would enable ATCON members to invest in broadband infrastructure.

    “Our association is hopeful that we will have a decision made by the government as to the best way forward in terms of harmonisation of ROW.

    “On the remaining 37 taxes, we are really seeking further dialogues with the Ministry of Finance and the President’s office to ensure that our industry is not being targeted for taxes that are duplicated not only by the federal but state and local governments.

    “Taxes should not only be applied fairly but also have to be seen to be able to intensify further investment critical for investments that government and the country require,” Teniola said.

    On 30 per cent broadband penetration, the ATCON president told NAN that major stakeholders were of the view that it would no longer be achievable in 2018.

    According to him, the reason for the inability is that issuance of infracos licenses is not done timely.

    “They were only concluded by the first quarter of this year and have just been issued to infracos.

    “Secondly, we have a situation where by the multiple forex mechanism in place does not create certainty in the minds of investors.

    “That means it is much more expensive to import necessary equipment to actually create the demand needed to achieve 30 per cent broadband penetration.

    “Finally, it is very important to state that multiple taxation needs to be harmonized to allow investment to appear without it incurring taxes,’’ he said.

    Teniola told NAN that multiple taxation was a major barrier achievement of 30 per cent broadband penetration by the end of 2018.

    The Nigeria Communications Commission had directed that, with effect from June 26, telecoms consumers should be able to roll over unused data for seven days.

     

  • NCC, Consumer Protection Council meet to investigate call masking

    The Nigerian Communications Commission and the Consumer Protection Council held a meeting on July 2nd, to investigate call masking in Nigeria on the directive of the National Assembly.

    TheNewsGuru reports the meeting was also to review the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the two government organizations and discuss how to work together to improve complaints resolution of telecommunications consumers.

    Speaking at the meeting, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta said masking of calls with another number, especially international calls is a matter that has been trending and the NCC has been directed to address it as it has security implications.

    Professor Danbatta said “The office of the National Security Adviser had directed the NCC to put in place, measures that will contain this menace even before the directive from the National Assembly to the NCC and the CPC.

    “We have resolved to set up a joint committee to investigate call masking and filing and conclude within a month, and I am very happy with the outcome of the meeting.

    “What has happened today is a testimony to an important item on NCC’s 8-point agenda which is strategic collaborations and partnerships with other agencies of government”

    Babatunde Irukera, Director General, Consumer Protection Council said the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss consumer protection with respect to the telecommunications industry.

    Irukera said: “it was a very productive meeting and few key things we agreed on is that the CPC needs a good number of guidelines, directions, regulations and initiatives of the Consumer Affairs Bureau of the NCC, with respect to addressing consumer issues.

    “We are looking to concluding and existing negotiation on an MOU that will define on how our relationship goes going forward, and we will open a mutual investigation into quality of consumer experiences in the telecommunications industry, to address a lot of consumer issues.”

    The Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, Sunday Dare, stated that NCC’s journey with the CPC started many years back with previous MOU’s.
    “We been trying to review the MOU for some months and we’ve come to the final part of it, and what has happened today is to make sure we create the kind of synergy that we need to go forward to protect the consumers”, he said.

    He reiterated that the NCC under the leadership of Professor UG Danbatta prioritizes protecting, informing and educating the 154 million telecoms subscribers in Nigeria through various ways, including the interagency collaboration with other organizations, such as the CPC, that have a mandate to protect consumers across the country.

     

  • NCC restates commitment to funding research works

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it would continue to encourage research works in line with its mandate of ensuring excellence in all Human endeavors.

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Director of NCC, disclosed this when he received some research projects from Federal University of Technology FUT Minna, on Monday in Abuja.

    The projects -Mobile Communication Based Walking Stick and SIMless Data and Voice Connection, using multiple operators enable SIM Card were funded by the NCC.

    Danbatta, represented by Mr Ubale Maska, Executive Technical Services of the NCC said the commission was happy with the results shown by the university.

    The NCC boss said the commission would encourage the researchers to get investors who would continue to explore the research.

    According to him the projects were in line with the mandate of the commission as well as the eight point agenda of the current leadership.

    “The project shows that FUT Minna has been able to accomplish every single thing with the grant given by the NCC, and that they were visionary enough to look beyond what we expected them to do.

    “You have to consciously choose the SIM you want but the project on super SIM card can automatically select the SIM with the available network based on pre-determined instructions so it is very relevant.

    “And the project is in line with the consideration for national roaming that is being promoted now by the commission.

    Danbatta said that the project was funded by NCC with about N4 million.

    “We had hoped they would do it within a year so that they will get more but it has taken the last three years but we are happy because work like this is usually on-going all times,’’ he said.

    Prof. Moses Olutoye, Deputy Director Research, FUT Minna who represented the Vice Chancellor Prof. Abdullahi Bala, said the first project -the walking stick can be used at old age or when you are in danger.

    Olutoye said it was designed to look like a walking stick but it is not an ordinary walking stick.

    “It is designed to make calls and it has some other device that can detect obstacles in case you are approaching a danger point, it is enabled for the blind and the disabled to avoid obstacles.

    Prof. Abiodun Abinu, the Lead Researcher and Head of Department of Mechatronics Engineering, FUT Minna speaking on the second project SIMless Data, said people carry a lot of phones or SIMs as a result of quality of service.

    Abinu said using basic engineering and the technology behind mobile phone, the researchers infused in it artificial intelligence system to be able to take intelligent decision.

    “With this project, subscribers can enjoy quality of service even without having more than one phone,’’ he said adding that the product will soon hit the market,’’ he said.

     

  • 9 researchers get N50m NCC grant for telecoms research

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given a N50 million grant to nine researchers in Nigerian institutions to carry out research in the telecommunications sector.

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, while presenting the award letters in Abuja, said the grant would go a long way in transforming the country’s telecoms sector.

    Danbatta said the grant was in recognition of the role of the academia in the development of the telecoms sector.

    “Under this project, tertiary institutions submit detailed and well thought out research proposal to the commission on innovative use of telecommunications to solve national problems.

    “These prototypes which can be so varied include the development of a commercially viable prototype of their research, ‘’ he said.

    He said 56 proposals from the academia were received in 2016 by the commission, with only three selected for grant by the Inter-Agency Committee comprising of the academia and industry members.

    Danbatta said 96 proposals were received in 2017 , with six successful after stringent evaluation.

    He warned the researchers against showcasing the research work or its prototype to any organisation or at any exhibition until NCC receives it.

    “We have set out clear terms and conditions for the grant. We expect you to abide by the terms of the award.

    “In addition, we wish to provide a word of caution; you are not under any‎ circumstance to showcase the work or the prototype to any bodies or organisations or at any exhibition until the commission has received the final prototype and signed off on it,” he added.

    In his remarks, Prof Muhammad Muazu, the Chairman of the Inter-Agency Committee said the process that produced the nine researchers given grant was thorough and transparent.

    NCC gave the breakdown of the N50 million grant and the institutions awarded as Covenant University Ota, (N9,321,400), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi( N5,916,00) and Enugu State University of Science and Technology (N1, 381,000) .

    Also included were Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife(N3,545,266.00), University of Port Harcourt (N5, 265, 000.00), Nigeria Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna (N5,000,000.00) and Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin (N5,000,000.00.).

    Ahmadu Bello University(ABU), Zaria, got N12,332,000 and N6,995,180.00.

    Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Prof. Sani Suleiman of ABU, Zaria, thanked the commission for the confidence reposed in them, urging it to ensure that the laudable initiative was extended to telecoms operators.