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Tag: NCC

  • NCC moves to regulate use of satellite communications services

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said the commission would create a legal framework to regulate the use of satellite communications services and networks.

    Danbatta represented by Mr Austin Nwulune, the Director, Spectrum Administration Department, NCC said this at the Public Inquiry on the Commercial Satellite Communication Guideline and the Draft Consumer Code of Practice Regulations (as Amended).

    According to him, the draft commercial satellite communications guidelines are aimed at creating a legal framework to regulate the provision and use of satellite communication services and networks.

    “In whole or in part within Nigeria or on a ship or aircraft registered in the country.

    “The intention behind the development of the guidelines is to ensure a well-developed and organised satellite communications market in Nigeria.

    “With appropriate legal framework that meets international best practices, encourage innovation and guarantee public safety, ‘’ he said.

    Danbatta said the guidelines would ensure effective management of scarce frequency resources, especially bands where frequency is shared between satellite and terrestrial systems.

    He said the guidelines would also encourage use of satellite connectivity to unserved areas that lack terrestrial transmission infrastructure backbone.

    The NCC boss said on the draft Consumer Code of Practice Regulations was an amendment on the previous regulations made in 2007.

    He said the guidelines would provide a more robust framework, effective and efficient processes /procedures to be followed by licensees in developing their individual consumer code to govern the provision of services and other related consumer practices.

    “This to ensure that consumers are adequately informed of the type of services being offered by operators, thereby aligning with the commission’s function of protecting the interests of consumers against unfair practices.

    “Furthermore, these regulations have been amended to reflect best practice in the industry,’’ he said.

    Danbatta said the public inquiry forum was part of the commission’s rule-making process aimed at ensuring wide consultation in the development of regulatory instruments in accordance with NCC Act, 2003.

    He said over the years, the process had proven invaluable in sourcing the opinions and inputs of stakeholders toward the development of sound regulatory frameworks for the Nigerian telecommunication industry.

    Mrs Yetunde Akinloye, the Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, NCC while speaking on the overview of the amended Consumer Code of Practice Regulations said all codes must be submitted to the commission for approval.

    Akinloye said approval should be granted within 30 days of submission of a code, unless the commission informs the licensee to amend the submitted code.

    She said an approved code shall be published in two national newspapers within 30 days of approval.

    “Licensees are required to provide a copy of the approved code to consumers on request,’’ she said.

     

  • NCC storms Ogun, shuts down Arcelor for operating illegally

    Officials of Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) on Thursday shut the premises of an internet service provider in Abeokuta for allegedly operating illegally.

    The officials, led by Mr Chukwuemeka Obi, the Principal Manager, Compliance and Enforcement unit, disrupted activities at the cafe located inside Government Reservation Area, Ibara, Abeokuta.

    Workers were forced to leave their offices by armed policemen after which the place was put under lock and key.

    Speaking to newsmen, Obi said the commission acted in compliance with Section 31 of the NCC Act.

    He explained that the Act prohibited any company from operating any telecommunications service in Nigeria without the required authorisation.

    Obi said that the internet provider, with company name “Arcelor”, had been operating illegally.

    “As far back as 2016, we discovered they were providing services to commercial outfits in Abeokuta, after which we wrote them to tell them they’re operating illegally.

    “We asked them to come, since then till now, they’ve not come to do what they’re supposed to do. That was what necessitated this enforcement action today.

    “This is like a lesson to other operators out there. We know there are so many of them operating illegally.

    ‘‘You cannot operate telecommunications services illegally in any part of Nigeria if you are not authorised by the NCC,” he said.

    Obi said that the commission would continuously monitor all telecommunication service providers on a daily basis.

    “It’s a continuous process. Anywhere we find anyone operating illegally, we’ll follow the law. NCC is good at following the law, it took us two years to do this,” he said.

    The NCC principal manager, however, warned that if their seal was broken, the company would be severely punished and prosecuted.

    “When we seal, the law gives us a chance to prosecute them, but what we’ve done is to give them a chance to come and regularise.

    “They can start regularising their licence immediately. Normally, we give them 14 days to do what they’re supposed to do.

    ‘‘If they’ve done what they’re supposed to do, definitely, we’ll unseal them, but that has to be done on the stability of their request.

    ‘‘And if they don’t come forward within the two weeks, their office remains shut,’’ he said.

    Arcelor is providing internet service to more than 300 clients.

     

  • NCC reiterates commitment to protect mobile phones users from unwholesome practices

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has reiterated its commitment to ensure the protection of consumers of telecommunications services from unwholesome practices by service providers.

    The Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau of NCC, Mr Abdullahi Maikano, said this at the commission’s 92nd edition of Consumer Outreach Programme (COP) in Ikot Ekpene on Thursday.

    Maikano, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ismail Adedigba, said COP sought to educate consumers and other stakeholders on contemporary issues generating interest in the telecommunications industry.

    He said the programme served as a feedback mechanism for the commission in making regulatory intervention for the benefit of the consumers, service providers as well as the industry.

    “To ensure that telecom consumer is well protected, informed and educated, the commission has developed series of initiatives with the main goal of empowering consumers with appropriate information.

    “That will ensure that their rights are not only protected but their choices also provide them with value for money.

    “Consumer education is identified by the commission as one of the most cost effective mechanisms that provides and guarantees consumer protection.

    “Besides serving as a proactive way of protecting consumers from making wrong choices, it also serves as a preventive measure that protects consumers from being exploited and against fraud.

    “It is my hope that each of the service providers, present here today, will demonstrate clearly to our esteemed consumers of telecom services the various initiatives by the commission.

    ‘’The initiatives are put in place to inform, protect and educate consumers of their services,” Maikano said.

    The director urged participants to take advantage of COP to be well informed ‘’so that service providers do not take undue advantage of them.’’

    Earlier, Adedigba said the objectives of the commission’s outreach programmes were aimed at empowering and protecting consumers.

    He said NCC considered the consumer as a critical stakeholder in the telecoms industry, stressing that it would not relent in ensuring that their rights were protected.

    “I want to emphasise that focus on consumer did not end with 2017 as year of telecom consumers.

    “In fact, it has just begun as the commission is not in any way winding down on our avowed commitment to serve the consumer better in all fronts,” he said.

    According to him, the theme, “Information and Education as a Catalyst for Consumer Protection”, is to educate consumers to stand up for their rights.

    The deputy director appealed to stakeholders to be responsive to all the complaints raised by the consumers.

    He also urged participants to spread the messages and issues discussed to others who were not able to attend the programme.

    A consumer, Mr Ndifreke Umanah urged telecom providers to improve the way data expired after every month.

    Umanah also called on them to allow consumers exhaust their data before its expiration.

     

  • Danbatta calls for renewed thinking in policy framework for telecom industry

    Danbatta calls for renewed thinking in policy framework for telecom industry

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has called for renewed thinking by global policymakers and regulatory framework in the telecommunication industry.

    Danbatta was quoted as making the call during a panel discussion at the just concluded 2018 World Mobile Congress in Barcelona, Spain, in a statement issued on NCC’s website on Wednesday.

    Danbatta said global policymakers in the telecom industry should ensure not only renewed thinking in the development of policy frameworks but also promote innovation and investment in the sector.

    He said the regulators should promote innovation, investment and better quality of service as well as putting in place mechanisms that would limit unfair pricing and exploitation of consumers.

    “In Nigeria, we are trying to digitally transform and the process is ongoing as I am talking to you.

    “Hence, we have been paying attention to five interdependent elements of the digital transformation processes which include enabling policies and institutions, human capital, applied ICT industry, communications infrastructure, ICT applications and institutional change.”

    Danbatta said the strategic vision plan he unveiled two years ago in form of eight-point agenda had so far made significant impact on the growth of telecommunication’s sector in Nigeria.

    He said broadband penetration in the country merely stood at about eight per cent when he took over the mantle of the leadership in the commission.

    “But it is now 22 per cent, according to the ITU-UNESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development.

    “We also decided to look at how we can improve Quality of Service (QoS) consistent with key performances indicators that characterise the quality of service.

    “The information we are getting from the consumers as well what we source from network operators is that QoS has improved.

    “The experiences by consumers through their accounts also indicate significant improvement.”

    Danbatta told the gathering about the successful auctioning of the spectrum 2.6 GHZ band, which had already been assigned and contributed to broadband penetration in Nigeria.

    The NCC boss said to empower the consumers of the industry’s product in Nigeria, the year 2017 was dedicated as the year of the consumer.

    He said when NCC started the campaign; the commission was flooded with a lot of complaints, especially on unsolicited text messages sent to consumers.

    “Consumers in many cases are surcharged, NCC has put behind this menace in Nigeria through the campaign.

    “As I am talking to you, we have a Do- Not- Disturb facility, which is very easy to use by consumers as more than nine million users have activated this facility.

    “Again, close to that number have gained access to our 622 toll-free line, which is provided to consumers to lodge their complaints on the quality of service provided by the telecommunication firms.”

    NCC listed other notable industry giants who participated in the panel discussion to include Ajit Pai, the Chief Regulator of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

    Other participants are Ram Sharma, the Chief Regulator of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India; and German Pimienta of Communications Regulatory, Colombia.

     

  • NCC announces collaboration with US War College on cyber security

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced it will collaborate with the US War College in the area of cyber security.

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta announced this when the commission hosted a delegation of students from the US War College on Monday.

    The EVC, who was represented by the Director Media and Publicity, Mr. Tony Ojobo explained that the commission is working very hard to provide access to all nooks and crannies of the country in line with the Universal Access Provision, which stipulates that access to telecommunication must be provided within every five kilometers.

    “It goes to show that the activities of the NCC go beyond our national boundaries; to have chosen NCC as one of the agencies to come and visit is an indication that we are playing an important role in the economic development of this country.

    “We know issues of cybercrimes and cyber threat are major national security issues today and so people from the military understand why they came to NCC being the regulator of telecommunications in Nigeria. As you know Nigeria is the biggest Telecom market in Africa.

    “We collaborate with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on industry experiences and practices which you can also apply in your own environment. We will probably articulate areas of cooperation because you know they are coming from a military institution in terms of regulations,” he stated.

     

  • How NCC’s strategic vision plan is impacting telecoms in Nigeria

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, has said the strategic vision plan unveiled by his commission two years ago in form of 8-Point Agenda has so far made a significant impact on the growth of telecommunications sector in Nigeria.

    Danbatta who spoke at a panel session of the just concluded 2018 World Mobile Congress in Barcelona, Spain, however, called on the global policymakers in the telecommunication industry to ensure not only renewed thinking in the development of policy frameworks but also to promote innovation and investment in the sector.

    “In Nigeria, we are trying to digitally transform and the process is on-going as I am talking to you. Hence we’ve been paying attention to 5 interdependent elements of the digital transformation processes: enabling policies and institutions, human capital, applied ICT industry, communications infrastructure ICT applications and institutional change,” he stated.

    Speaking further, Danbatta observed that broadband penetration in the country merely stood at about 8 per cent when he took over the mantle of the leadership of the industry, but it is now 22 per cent, according to the ITU-UNESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development.

    “We also decided to look at how we can improve Quality of Service consistent with key performances indicators that characterize the quality of service. The information we are getting from the consumers as well what we source from network operators is that Quality of Service has improved. The experience by consumers through their accounts also indicate significant improvement,” he noted.

    He also told the gathering about successful auctioning of the spectrum, 2.6 GHZ band, which he said has already been assigned, which contributes to broadband penetration in the country.

    To empower the consumers of the industry in the country, the EVC noted that, the year 2017 was dedicated as the year of the consumer.

    “When we started the campaign, we were inundated with a deluge of complaints, especially on unsolicited text messages sent to consumers, and in many cases, they were surcharged. We have put behind this menace in Nigeria through the campaign.

    “As I am talking to you we have a Do- Not- Disturb- facility, which is very easy to use by consumers. More than 9million users have activated this facility. Again, close to that number have gained access to our 622 toll-free line which is provided to consumers to lodge their complaints on the quality of service provided by the telecommunication firms,” he explained.

    He, however, observed that: “There is a need for renewed thinking in developing policy and regulatory framework in the industry. The Regulator should promote innovation, investment and better quality of service, as well as put in place mechanisms that will limit unfair pricing and exploitation of consumers”.

    Other notable industry giants who participated in the panel discussion include, Ajit Varadaraj Pai, the Chief Regulator of the United States Federal Communications Commission, Ram Sewak Sharma, the Chief Regulator of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, and German Dario Arias Pimienta of Communications Regulatory, Colombia.

     

  • NCC to open up 60 GHz band ‘for people to talk without Internet or cell phones’

    The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) says it in the process of opening up a 60 GHz Band, also known as the V-band, for the deployment of Amateur Radio Services.

    The NCC Executive Vice-Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, made this known on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ consultative forum in Lagos.

    Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together.

    People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones.

    It is fun, social, educational and can be a lifeline during times of need.

    The use of the 60-GHz (V-Band) goes back to 2001 when the U.S regulator (FCC) adopted rules for unlicensed operations in the 57 to 64 GHz band for commercial and public use.

    This very wide frequency band, with over a 7-GHz of continuous spectrum, makes the band very desirable for applications requiring high transmission bandwidth.

    Danbatta, represented by Mrs Abigail Sholanke, the NCC Director, Research and Development, said the regulatory body “sincerely believed that the action must be guarded by the decisions and inputs of stakeholders’’.

    He said that the commission sought active participation of stakeholders toward the framework being put in place to regulate the 60 GHz V-band for the development of Amateur Radio Services.

    According to him, the Radio Frequency Spectrum is the fundamental resource for the provision of wireless communication services.

    The NCC chief said that the services had become scarce due to the emergence of new technologies and growing demand of wireless service.

    Danbatta said that the commission had decided to provide an avenue for stakeholders and users of telecommunication to converge and make inputs in the opening of the 60 GHz spectrum band.

    “Radio spectrum in the 60 GHz band, also known as the V-band, has yet to be opened for deployment of services in Nigeria.

    “The commission says to boost the eminent advantages that are coming with the 5G and to support short range machine to machine communication, opening band for unlicensed application is an advantage.

    “The global unlicensed band exists on 57GHz to 64GHz, a wide spectrum of up to 7GHz,’’ Danbatta said.

    He said that the commission was also using the seminar as an opportunity to present draft authorisation framework for the use of Amateur Radio Services in Nigeria.

    The framework, according to him, was intended to provide a clear and comprehensive outline for amateur radio operations in Nigeria.

    He said: “Like-minded users of amateur radio build a community of amateur users to exchange personal, cultural and technical information.

    “It is good for technical investigations and wireless experimentation.’’

    Also at the forum, Mr Austin Nwaulune, the Director, Spectrum Administration in NCC, said that amateur radio was a popular hobby.

    Nwaulune said that amateur radio operators came from all works of life.

    “Operators of amateur radio could be doctors, students, politicians, truck drivers and even your average neighbours,’’ he said.

    Nwaulune explained that only eligible persons were allowed to register for amateur radio licences.

     

  • NCC bars over 750k numbers, sanctions implicated operators

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has barred over 750,000 numbers assigned to several Private Network Links (PNL) and Local Exchange Operator (LEO) licensees, which number ranges, were found to have been utilized for call masking.

    Mr Tony Ojobo, NCC Director of Public Affairs, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, adding that the commission has imposed various sanctions on licenses of operators implicated in the practice.

    TheNewsGuru reports that call masking is a technique used in e-commerce to protect buyers’ and sellers’ personal phone numbers.

    The same technique can also allow the parties to send SMS to each other without revealing their personal phone numbers.

    Ojobo said following a painstaking investigation process, which was done in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Service, the commission imposed a range of sanctions on licensees involved in the fraudulent practice.

    The sanctions Ojobo said include Suspension of the Interconnect Clearinghouse License issued to Medallion Communications Limited for a period of 90 (ninety) days, in the first instance.

    “Issuance of a strong warning to Interconnect Clearinghouse Nigeria Limited, Disconnection of Information Connectivity Solutions Limited (ICSL), and Solid Interconnectivity Services Limited from all networks, until they regularise their operations.

    “Issuance of letters to Exchange Telecoms Limited, NiconnX Limited and Breeze Micro Limited, cautioning them against engaging in the fraudulent practice.

    “Barring of over 750,000 numbers assigned to several Private Network Links (PNL) and Local Exchange Operator (LEO) licensees, which number ranges, were found to have been utilised for the practice,” he added.

    According to Ojobo, NCC has recently been inundated with complaints from service providers and consumers regarding the high incidence of call-masking, call-refilling and SIM-Boxing.

    He said there were complaints on disguise of international calls as local calls in order to profit from price differentials between international and local calls.

    He said apart from the resultant loss of revenue by service providers, the practice of call masking also had some negative security implications.

    Ojobo explained that the sanctioned entities were found to be directly and indirectly complicit in several infractions, including covertly allowing organisations with expired licences to transit calls.

    “The entities were also sanctioned for failing to undertake due diligence on parties seeking to interconnect, deliberately turning a blind eye to masking infractions by interconnect partners.

    “And using a licence issued to another organisation to bring-in and terminate international calls which were masked as local calls to other operators.

    “Regarding the barring of numbers, more than 750,000 individual numbers across the nation, made up of about 31 number ranges have been barred.’’

    Ojobo also listed the licensees that their numbers had been barred to include Vezeti Communications Services Limited, Voix Networks Limited, Mobitel Limited, and Peace Global Satellite Communications Limited,

    Others are; ABG Communications Limited, Vodacom Business Africa (Nigeria) Limited, Swift Telephone Networks Limited, QVODA Telecoms Limited, Wireless Telecoms Limited and Emcatel Networks Limited.

    He said the commission found out that some of the barred numbers were terminating millions of minutes, whereas they only have very few active customers.

    “The commission is pleased to note that the incidence of call masking has significantly reduced since it commenced a multi-faceted approach to address the menace.

    “The commission hereby informs all stakeholders that the actions so far taken are just the first stage of the exercise.

    “The second stage which has now commenced will focus on the Mobile Network Operators and other persons involved in SIM-Boxing.’’

    He said the aim of the commission was to completely stamp out the fraudulent practice in the overall interest of all Nigerians.

    According to him, every service provider that has been sanctioned still has an opportunity to correct the identified anomalies and satisfy the commission that it should be allowed to continue to operate in Nigeria.

    He explained that the commission reserves the right to revoke the licence of such service providers where they fail to take the necessary corrective measures.

     

  • NCC board re-assures stakeholders of its commitment on sale of 9Mobile

    The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has re-assured stakeholders of its commitment to ensure that 9Mobile is taken over by investors with the requisite technical capability and pedigree to manage it.

    Mr Tony Ojobo, NCC Director of Public Affairs made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Ojobo said the NCC board took the decision during its meeting in Abuja to establish its determination to avoid the recurrence of missteps that might have led to the current situation in 9Mobile.

    “The board is acting in line with the powers conferred on the commission by the provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and other instruments in that regard.

    “The commission will ensure that all relevant statutory and regulatory processes are duly complied with in the process leading up to the emergence of new owners for the company,’’ he said.

    Ojobo said the board also assured all stakeholders that the commission would apply all necessary diligence, to see the ongoing sale process through to its logical conclusion.

    He said this would be done in a manner that would protect the overall national interest and the seamless operation of the national telecommunications network.

     

  • NCC warns against illegal usage of GSM boosters

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned against the illegal usage of GSM Boosters, stressing that offenders would be made to face the law.

    This is contained in a public notice issued by the commission, which was signed by Tony Ojobo, the commission’s Director of Public Affairs.

    “The attention of the Nigerian Communications Commission has been drawn to the fact that GSM boosters are illegally used by individuals in Nigeria.

    “Individuals desirous of using the GSM boosters should note that they can only do that in conjunction with licensed network operators.

    “Anyone caught using the GSM booster without obtaining approval of a duly licensed network operator will face arrest and prosecution,” the NCC public notice read.

    TheNewsGuru reports a GSM booster is a device that transmits and receive telecommunications signal.

    NCC said using GSM booster can interfere with other radio frequency equipment, hence the need for due approval.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, wilful interference with any wireless telegraphy is an offence under Section 16 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2004.

    “The commission will not condone any flagrant breach of this law,” the notice read.

    NCC GSM booster public notice