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Tag: Umar Danbatta

  • Telecom industry loses about $60bn annually to call masking

    Telecom industry loses about $60bn annually to call masking

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the telecom industry globally loses about 60 billion dollars annually to call masking.

    Danbatta said this on Thursday in Abuja at the 86th edition of Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) with the theme: “Overcoming Challenges of Call Masking/Refilling: Task Ahead for the Telecom Industry.”

    Call masking is the act of concealing international calls coming into a country and presenting them as local in order to make profits from the difference in prices between local and international calls.

    Danbatta, who was represented at the TCP by Mr Sunday Dare, the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management of NCC, said that between 54 billion dollars and 60 billion dollars was lost to call masking.

    He added that the commission was taking proactive measures to curb the menace “even though we don’t have the exact amount lost in Nigeria.

    “This is a global menace which is not specific to Nigeria and it is possible because of innovative technology that is available.

    “We talk about the VIOP which is Voice Over Internet Protocol, we talk about the OTT; Over The Top platforms where you do WhatsApp and all other video calls, thanks to innovative technology.”

    He said that these were innovations and technologies that allowed for some of these to happen.

    “But we are happy to say that in the last eight months, the NCC took very proactive measures, through investigations.

    “I think the most critical point is; we have tried to look for a technological solution to solve what is a slight technical problem.

    “As I speak now, we have found a solution.”

    He explained that the solution was tried in Lagos “and about nine people were arrested in the basement of a house and a few cars.

    “We tried that concept, it is working and we hope to launch it in January.

    “When launched in January; I can assure Nigerians that before the end of 2019, we would have had 80 per cent reduction in call masking”.

    He called on the public to report cases of call masking to NCC for appropriate measures.

    He added that arrests had been made using tracker and the culprits would be prosecuted and treated as criminal offence.

    Earlier in a address of welcome, Mrs Felicia Onwuegbuchulam, the Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, said that the forum allowed for interactions with the public and stakeholders in the telecom industry.

    She explained that the theme of the TCP was aimed at ensuring national security and a level playing ground for telecom licensees.

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

  • Nigeria achieves 2013-2018 broadband penetration target

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

  • NCC holds stakeholders forum on emerging 5G technology

    Stakeholders in the telecommunications sector on Tuesday in Abuja held a one-day stakeholders forum to brainstorm on Nigeria’s readiness for 5G and High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) technology.

    The forum was organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

    In his presentation, Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive-Vice Chairman NCC said the forum was to bring stakeholders in the telecom sector together to develop a regulatory framework in preparation for 5G and HAPS technologies.

    Danbatta was represented by Mr Austine Nwaulune, Director, Spectrum Administration, NCC.

    According to him, though the 5G framework is still being defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), there is the need to prepare toward massive deployment of infrastructure tailored to support the technology.

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

    Danbatta stressed that this step would ensure that Nigeria was not caught unawares when those frequency bands were harmonised by standardisation bodies, key among these are 26GHz, 38GHz and 42 GHz bands.

    “HAPS is one of the emerging technologies developed to compliment capacity expansion efforts to improve broadband access to both served and underserved areas,

    “The technology is unique and promising, it is scalable and customisable, and therefore often equipped with mission-dependent payloads, which are intended to act as fixed stations, delivering services such as high-capacity wide area coverage broadband.

    “Relay stations, remote sensing, weather observations, navigation, digital TV, within the earth atmosphere, HAPS are also known to be low cost at its implementation and are expected to be the next big infrastructure for wireless communications.’’

    He said that it supports rapid roll-out and had the ability to serve many users, using considerably less communications infrastructure being its key advantage as a wireless communication platform.

    Danbatta said there was therefore the need for strategic government policies, robust frameworks and required infrastructure which was the reason for the forum.

    In his capacity, Nwaulune said the technological evolution toward 5G and the role of HAPS to increase broadband penetration in Nigeria 5G networks are the next generation of connectivity in the telecommunications industry.

    “What we are doing is to bring together stakeholders, people who are involved in one way or the other in 5G technology delivery and the regulatory conditions to discuss with them, rub minds and to guide us in taking further regulatory actions.

    “There is progression, 5G is not about today, there are still trial networks going on around the world, this is just to position people to know that there is something coming in the very near future.

    “All the technology mixes are used in bridging the digital divide and bringing service to the unconnected and some marginally connected.

    “It is the operators that deploy the networks once the standards are set and defined, the operators will roll out their networks that is when it is fully developed.’’ Nwaulune said.

    Mr Austine Igbe, who represented the President, Nigerian Institute of Information Communication Technology Engineers, said the cost of not embracing technology was higher than the cost of ignoring it.

    He added that the nation must be critical of the health and safety implication of the current trends, and must prepare to make regulations that would protect the citizenry from negative impacts.

    The forum had in attendance a cross section of ICT professionals and engineers both within and outside Nigeria.

    A research by McKinsey Global estimated that more than 75 billion devices would be connected to the internet by 2025, with global economic contribution ranging from 3.9 trillion dollars to 11.1 trillion dollars annually.

     

  • Deployment of 5G network will foster economic development – NCC

    Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has called for regulations and successful deployment of 5G network to foster economic development.

    Danbatta made the call on the side-lines of a workshop themed “Future of Industry, Driving Innovation and Growth’’ organised by Global System Mobile Association (GSMA) in collaboration with NCC in Abuja.

    The workshop brought together leaders from across the telecommunications industry and policymakers to discuss future regulations in the industry and push for consensus on reforms.

    “The telecom industry is a key enabler of productivity across economies and societies.

    “It is not only a significant contributor to economic activities of a Nation, but also towards the growth of other sectors of the economy.

    “The proposed 5G networks are the next generation of connectivity in the telecommunications industry, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections on smart phones and other devices than ever before,’’ he said.

    According to the NCC boss, it is imperative that issues of telecommunications be taken seriously to foster innovation and growth in the industry.

    Danbatta noted that the factors hindering growth in the sector were policies, regulations and performance of networks and called for adequate measures to address them.

    Similarly, Mr Akinwale Goodluck, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA said Nigeria had always been in the forefront of development and should play a leadership position in the deployment of 5G services.

    “Mobile connectivity has already improved the welfare of millions of Nigerians, opening doors to new digital possibilities and powering the country’s economic development.

    “For Nigeria to take full advantage of the next phase of its digital transformation, it is vital that collaboration between industry and government enables the right policy environment for millions more to benefit from ultra-fast mobile broadband.

    “If policies do not keep pace with the needs of society and technological innovation, there is a risk that citizens will be left behind and productivity and competitiveness will suffer,’’ Goodluck said.

    5G network is expected to support a significantly faster mobile broadband speed and heavier data usage than previous generations while enabling full potential of the internet of things.

    Stakeholders at the workshop include Mr Sunday Dare, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Mr Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, Oluwatosin Bamidele, Chief Technical and Information Officer of Ntel, among others.

     

  • Digital Bridge Institute to run academic programmes

    Digital Bridge Institute to run academic programmes

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), says the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) is set to run approved academic innovative programmes that will transform the economy.

    Danbatta said this during the presentation of the Expert Group on the Development of Appropriate Blueprint/Curriculum for ICT Innovation Research Programmes in Nigeria in Abuja.

    He said the institute had all it took to run programmes that the country could leverage on to build the economy.

    “We must develop programmes that would in turn transform the economy as well as empower citizens without recourse to government jobs.

    “If all of us rely on government for employment then government will be overwhelmed; the responsibility of government is to provide key services, water, electricity, roads – the engine room of the economy in any country is the private sector.

    “DBI has shown how to do it by introducing the national innovation diploma programmes and I believe that they will introduce more of such programmes immigrating from the short courses into programmes that will impact more on the lives of citizens,” he said.

    Danbatta said Nigeria was right to give attention to Information Communication Technology (ICT) in order to leverage on the power of ICT to transform not only governance but key sectors of the economy, governance, finance, transportation and health.

    “We can only achieve this transformation by building a critical mass of ICT adoption and use, training the human capital that is needed in order to ensure the trainees innovate applications that will further empower citizens economically and be able to socially transform the country.”

    Dr Ernest Ndukwe, the Chairman of the panel, said ICT plays a pivotal role in powering the development of the modern world and to choose to ignore it was to remain in the doldrums of underdevelopment.

    According to him, the World Forum in its 2017 Global Information Technology Report stated that `ICT are vectors of economic and social transformation by improving access to services, enhancing connectivity, creating business and employment opportunities’’.

    He added that the Heads of States in the United Nations’ Declaration at the beginning of the new Millennium resolved to develop and implement strategies that give young people a real chance to find decent and productive work.

    “This is also in line with the leadership role of the Commission in ICT capacity building to promote digital literacy and support the development of manpower for the ICT sector of the economy.

    “The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) which has been a most important channel for NCC to facilitate ICT training and development has trained over 50,000 participants since inception.

    “It is in that spirit that the panel reaffirmed it as a veritable vehicle for furthering the broad goals articulated in the recommendations in the panel report.

    “DBI can become the hub and the catalyst for ICT innovation research programmes in the country enabling skills acquisition, tech start-ups and the much needed job creation for the digital economy of today,’’ Ndukwe said.

    Speaking on sustainable funding for DBI, the chairman noted that similar successful training and manpower development institutions around the world do not the sustain their operations from internally generated income alone.

    “It is our recommendation that sustainable funding can be guaranteed for DBI if a small proportion of the Annual Operating Levy (AOL) is permanently earmarked for its operations but within a framework that ensures accountability.

    “The funding mechanism would guarantee that DBI is able to sustain the operations of the ICT hubs and innovation centres and achieve the objective for which they are setup.

    “It is also proposed that these hubs and innovation centres would be primarily devoted to software development and engineering,’’ he said.

    Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiye, Board Chairman, NCC, while commending the panel, said the assignment given to the panel was premised on the commitment of the commission to the establishment of ICT learning and education in the country.

    Durojaiye noted that the DBI had basic facilities to house ICT research centres in Lagos and Abuja, and the focus was to actualize its mandate in accordance with the ideals of its founding fathers.

    This, he said, included identifying the `Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg’ of Nigeria who are currently roaming the streets in search of salaried jobs.

    “The challenge is for our youths to be major actors in the world Fourth Industrial Revolution by discovering, innovating and inventing solutions that will address current and future needs of mankind.

    “Nigeria will thereby earn more foreign exchange and respect in the comity of nations. Therefore the panel was to look into the development of an ICT curriculum for Training and Research programme in each proposed centre.

    “Identify and profile the current state of DBI physical infrastructure and existing gaps, as well identify utility requirements for the centres, among other things,”he said.

    The board chairman assured the panel that the outcome of the report would receive serious attention, adding that the commission will work in conjunction with DBI toward implementing the recommendations of the panel.

    The panel came up with 18 recommendations and membership comprising of Dr Ernest Ndukwe as the Chairman; Titi Omo-Ettu, member, and Prof. Mohammed Ajiya, member.

    Other members are Alhaji Abdullahi Maikano, Dr Ike Adinde, Mr Johnson Asinugwo and Mr Shehu Olaniyan.

     

  • NCC charges consumers on safeguarding telecom installations

    The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) on Thursday charged telecom consumers to protect telecom installations in order to enhance quality and efficient service delivery.

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, gave the charge during a Consumer Conversation Forum.

    Danbatta, who was represented by Helen Obi, NCC Head of Zonal Operations, said vandalisation of telecom installations and equipment remained one of the major challenges confronting the industry.

    He said that both the telecom service providers and consumers were duty bound, as critical stakeholders, to genuinely contribute their quota toward ensuring the desired stability and improvement in the sector.

    The NCC boss said the misconception about telecom antennas being hazardous to human as a result of radiation emission was far from the truth.

    According to him, a lot of breakthrough has been achieved in regulating the radiation level of telecom antennas so as not to be harmful to human.

    “A development that has been duly certified by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

    “These antennas are installed far atop telecom masts at a level that the amount of radiation being emitted has been largely reduced for human habitation.

    “We are therefore using this opportunity to appeal to Nigerians to inculcate the habit of safeguarding telecom installations rather than being subjected to unnecessary vandalisation,” he said.

    Danbatta said the Consumer Conversation was designed in line with NCC’s 8-point agenda of educating, protecting and empowering consumers toward ensuring growth and development in the sector.

    He urged telecom consumers who are dissatisfied with unsolicited messages from telecom providers to activate DO-NOT-DISTURB service on their mobile lines by sending “STOP” to 2442 short code.

    Consumers that wish to receive promotional messages are also asked to send “HELP” to the same short code of 2442 and choose from various options available.

    He charged consumers to always lodge their complaints with their respective service providers for redress and to also dial NCC’s 622 toll free short code when dissatisfied with response received.

    Danbatta said the commission had set aside an intervention fund to assist telecom un-served or under-served towns and communities in order to facilitate unhindered access to telecom operations in such localities.

     

  • NCC partners academia on research, innovation

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has directed funds to universities to encourage innovation in the country.

    The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, stated this on Wednesday in Lagos, during the Second Roundtable with the Academia, Industry stakeholders and others, for the South West Region.

    Represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Mr Ubale Maska, Danbatta said that the commission had partnered universities to boost research and development.

    He said that the advancement of technology across several spheres of human endeavour had created new industries, opportunities, knowledge areas and challenges.

    This, according to him, had increased the speed at which alignment between the different stakeholders in the economy should take place, to ensure that no aspect of development was left behind.

    “Innovation is seen as a way to break out from the old and embrace the new technologies.

    “’Innovate or Die’’ is a slogan used by many business enterprises. In order to survive, the industry needs to embrace innovation.

    “Innovation to telecommunication companies can be a linear machine to deliver what they deliver best.

    “Every telecommunications provider will aspire to transform into that new agile future-looking telecommunication company,’’ Dabatta said.

    He said being aware of this increasing phenomenon, the commission among other things, directed funds to boosting research and development in universities across the country to encourage innovation.

    “I am glad to say that our universities are making good progress in Information and Communication Technology research and development,’’ he said.

    According to Danbatta, the academia is a key driver of innovation in all spheres of human endeavour.

    He said that the ideas, inventions and improvements that emanated from the academia were required by the industry for improved efficiencies and productivity.

    Danbatta said that there was increased delivery of speed by various broadband technologies like 4G and 5G technologies.

    He said advancement in processor and other electronics technologies had led to huge opportunities and risks.

    This, he said, necessitates collaboration between academia, industry and regulators to ensure the technologies can be properly harnessed and standards built in such a way that is beneficial to all stakeholders.

    Maska, who was in turn represented by Mr Bako Wakil, Deputy Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, NCC, said the NCC was seeking to promote synergy between academia, industry and the regulator.

    He said this was to facilitate innovation, industry growth and sustainability.

    Maska said that technology had become the driving force that was unleashing new ways of doing things in an unprecedented manner.

    According to him, how the telecommunication sector advances and how it does so in a sustainable and ethical way should be the concern of all.

    “As a consequence, the NCC’s vision of what this forum should achieve is that Nigerians become an integral part of the global ICT community; contributing our quota to advances in ICT globally.

    “’Over the years, the industry has experienced a remarkable growth. Recent forecasts by Insight Research Corp. shows that worldwide, telecommunications industry revenue will reach 2.4 trillion dollars in 2019.

    “Consumer demand for the latest wireless devices and higher bandwidth are driving the growth in telecommunications service, while the shift to cloud-based solutions is enriching the value of the networks.

    “A large percentage of business activities now depend on these mobile devices and network applications for everything from electronic commerce to navigation to consumer service.

    “Success I believe usually comes with talent, willpower and hard work in equal measures. The academia has all of these in abundance,” he said.

     

  • NCC establishes industry code to regulate internet access

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has concluded plans to establish internet industry code of practice to regulate internet access and services in the country.

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC made this known at a Stakeholders’ Consultation Forum on the Establishment of Internet Industry Code of Practice in Abuja.

    Danbatta, who was represented by Mrs Yetunde Akinloye, the Director Legal Regulatory Services (NCC) said that the code would clearly define the rights and obligations of internet access service providers.

    He said that the code would also put measures in place to safeguard and protect minors, vulnerable audiences and consumers as a whole.

    “This envisioned as a co-regulatory effort between the commission and industry stakeholders, hence the need for extensive public consultation and in the final document, ‘’ he said.

    Danbatta said that the establishment of the code was conceived to ensure safety, security and to harness the benefits of the internet for good governance and better user experience.

    He said that the Sub-Saharan Africa had lost between seven and 20 per cent of its GDP to cyber crimes as stated by internet society, adding that it was very vital to intensify efforts to secure the country against imminent threats.

    He said that NCC also considered other factors including but not limited to online child protection, privacy and data protection, objectionable content and traffic management practices.

    “The global perspective is that the internet be open and unregulated creativity and internet access. Propositions are for either self-regulation or government regulation in repressive economies.

    “However, both have their advantages and disadvantages. Thus, the drive for a co-regulatory practice as it relates to the internet in Nigeria.

    “Consequently, the NCC in accordance with its mandate to regulate the communications sector in Nigeria as expressed in the Nigerian communication Act 2003 sets out to establish Internet Code of Practice.’’

    Mr Destiny Amana, the President, Nigerian Internet Group, one of the stakeholders at the event said that internet fraud was one the major problems in the country.

    Amana said that there was need to protect the young and old ones online.

    “Hence there is need for check and balances, which the commission is trying to put in place, ‘’ he said.

    Another stakeholder, Mr Adeboye Adegoke, the Programme Manager, Digital Earth, Paradigm Initiative called on the commission to emphasis importance of judicial oversight instead of using phase such as legal authority.

    “The importance of judicial oversight is that it creates system of checks and balances,‘’ he said.

     

  • Educating telecom consumers on their rights our priority – NCC

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said on Wednesday that educating the telecom consumers on their rights would be given top priority by the commission.
    Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, represented by Mr Reuben Mouka, Head Public Relations, NCC, made this assertion at the NCC Special Day at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair in Abuja.
    He said the theme of the fair ” Enhancing SMEs in Agribusiness through Innovative Technology” was in line with the objective of the commission to use technology as an enabler of the overall economic growth and development in the country.
    He said the commission through the availability of information and education would helps consumers to make informed choices in the use of ICT services as well as to protect telecom services consumers’ rights and privileges.
    “We, as the independent telecom regulator in Nigeria, recognizes that telecommunications services are very important to our nation,
    “More importantly, that the consumers of telecommunications services deserve to get value for their money, and be treated as very important stakeholder in the scheme of things as far as service delivery is concern.
    “The strategy, which we have adopted in achieving these agenda item, is to strengthen initiatives to educate and inform consumers in the use of communications services and to act swiftly and consistently whenever necessary.
    He said the main thrust of NCC participation at the fair was to promote a major campaign, dedicated to the welfare of the consumer, which the commission launched on March 15, 2017
    Speaking on the issue of data rollover, Danbatta said that the commission has directed all the service providers to give 14 days window to the subscribers to enable them roll over their unused data, even if they do not renew on the expiration data.
    “In other words, this will stop the current practice where subscriber lose their entire unused data if they fail to renew on the date of the expiration of the current data
    “Therefore, we can say that our citizens have not been left behind with services and innovations that abound in the ICT industry; it is our promise to keep the nation abreast of developments in telecommunications industry.
    On her part, the Director Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mrs Felicia Onwuegbuchulam, said the commission was facilitating deployment of broadband network for economic growth.
    Onwuegbuchulam represented by Mr Ayabamji Ojo, Deputy Director Consumer Affairs Bureau, said that the deployment of broadband infrastructure would also be a platform for innovation and job creation.
    “The forum is to educate consumers on the Do Not Disturb code 2442 to stop unsolicited text messages, the commission’s 622 Toll-free line, data roll over, the menace of call masking among others.
    Also speaking, Mrs Tonia Shoyele, Director General Abuja Commerce of Industry, said the theme was chosen in line with the Federal Government vision in diversifying the economy from a mono economy with total dependence on oil to other sectors.
    She appreciated the NCC for creating an enabling environment for competition among operators in the industry as well as ensuring the provision of qualitative and efficient telecommunications services throughout the country.