NCC, stakeholders review regulatory instruments, age limit for acquisition of SIM Cards

*The Nigerian Communications Commission discloses the Public Inquiry on three documents was informed by the need to review and obtain stakeholders’ contributions to the regulatory instruments in line with the draft copy of the revised registration of telephone subscribers’ regulations in the country

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In consonance with the powers conferred upon the country’s telecoms regulatory Commission by Section 57 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the Nigerian Communications Commission has conducted a Public Inquiry on three documents, including Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations, Draft SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) Replacement Guidelines and Draft Spectrum Trading Guidelines.

ConsumerConnect reports the Commission stated this Tuesday at the well-attended physical and virtual forum held at the NCC Headquarters, in Abuja, FCT.

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Earlier in his address on the occasion, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, noted that the Public Inquiry was informed by the need to review the regulatory instruments in line with the draft copy of the modified registration of telephone subscribers regulations already published on the Commission’s corporate Web site.

Danbatta, while noting that the Commission is about 97 percent ready for deployment of the fifth generation (5G) technology across cities in country by January 2022, said Broadband is key to success of the Nigeria Digital Economy.

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According to him, the NCC has designated five slots of the 5G technology spectrum with frequencies of different categories for assignment to telecoms service operators in the country.

The EVC/CEO, therefore, urged participants in the forum to feel free to make helpful contributions towards enhancing the quality of the three regulatory instruments.

On SIM Cards for Nigerians below 18

Likewise, the Commission in accordance with Section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 suggests it has disqualified anyone below the age of 18 from registering and owning a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) in the West African country.

ConsumerConnect reports that in line with the revised regulations, the telecoms regulator seeks to limit a telecoms subscription to consumers above the age of 18.

Young telecoms subscribers

The instrument stated: “Subscriber means a person not below the age of 18 years who subscribes to communications services by purchasing a subscription medium or entering into a subscription contract with a license.”

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It also explains the licensee refers to “a provider of communications services that utilises a subscription medium in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

There were several presentations made by the Commission’s Management staff and other stakeholders at the Public Inquiry, anchored by Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan of NCC on Tuesday.

Barr. Adeleke Adewolu, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, in his opening remarks said, “the public inquiry is an avenue that enables the Commission to develop and review its regulatory instruments by incorporating the comments and suggestions of industry stakeholders.

“These spectrum trading guidelines, telephone users guidelines and SIM replacement guidelines would help to guarantee growth in the industry.”

Adewolu also appealed to the NCC to look into N200,000 penalty for active unregistered line and make an upward review so that it can serve as deterrent to defaulters.

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In his remarks at the forum also, Uche Nwodi, Executive Commissioner, Finance at NCC, urged the telecoms regulatory Commission to consider the 18 years age limit for mobile network subscribers in Nigeria.

Mrs. Josephine Amuwa, Director Legal Services of the Commission, in her presentation on the general overview SIM Registration and Activation, said that any network provider that fails allows a pre-registered SIM or SIM without full biodata is to pay a penalty of N200,000 per SIM.

Represented at the forum by Mrs. Helen Obi, Director of Telecoms Laws and Regulatory Unit, Legal Services Department, Mrs. Amuwa also noted some of the new guidelines.

These, she stated, include “Activation window (grace period where a1 subscriber enjoys limited services before full registration) a period has been increased from 30 days to 60 days

“Foreigners with visas two or more are to register their NIN before acquiring a telephone line but those of less than two years visas are not required to get a NIN.”

Others are: “A subscriber is a person that is of 18 years and above.

“Subscribers are only allowed to register four SIM cards per a network provider.

“For the reactivation of a deactivated line the person will have to go through the process of new activation of a SIM card.”

Adedoyin Oye of Airtel also solicited for an improved synergy between the NCC, Mobile Networks Operators and construction firms in order to protect MNOs’ optic fibres.

However, in regard to the fresh age 18 limit for ownership of SIM cards in Nigeria, key stakeholders, including MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, urged the NCC to revise the age limit.

MTN’s representative specifically suggested that regulatory Commission pegs the age limit at 14 years and above as against 18 contained in the regulatory instrument.

But in response to the suggestion, the Commission clarified that though the extant recommendation of “18 years and above for anyone who wants to own and register a SIM in Nigeria” stays, it would look into the matter.

ConsumerConnect reports the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) registration is a mandatory requirement for all mobile phone subscribers in Nigeria.

According to NCC, subscribers must register their SIM cards with their respective Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to have access to both voice and data network services.

Against the backdrop of vulnerability and security risk posed by unidentified network users in recent times, the Commission says Nigeria has aligned with the global best practice by mandating the collection of identity information in a Capture and Validate (C&V) Mobile SIM registration and Know Your Customer (KYC) process.

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