5G Technology: NCC focused on improved communication services, consumer experience –Danbatta

*The Nigerian Communications Commission says the telecoms sector regulator is driving initiatives for full commercial launch of 5G technology for higher connection speed, mobility and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities for communication services

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated its commitment to increased connectivity for telecoms consumer through the deployment of robust infrastructure in the country’s ecosystem.

ConsumerConnect reports the telecoms sector regulatory Commission, which said this at the weekend, reassured Nigerians of enhanced quality experience through innovative service delivery.

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission, stated this on the NCC Special Day at the 44th Kaduna International Trade Fair, in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria.

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Danbatta, represented on the occasion by Mr. Banji Ojo, Head of Consumer Protection and Advocacy at NCC, disclosed the Commission would continue to focus on excellence and efficiency its regulatory activities.

Overview of industry statistics

Danbatta disclosed that the country’s active mobile telephone subscribers’ base had increased to 222.571million, while the teledensity rose by 116.60 percent as of December 2022.

The Internet subscribers stood at 154.8million, and with a Broadband connection of 47.36 percent, the Nigerian social media space has continued to thrive, he stated.

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The NCC EVC/CEO also noted: “The Commission will ensure increased connectivity to telecoms consumer through deployment of robust infrastructure.

“The NCC is driving initiatives for full commercial launch of Fifth Generation (5G) network in Nigeria.

“Already, spectrum licences for the companies that will rollout service have been issued.”

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He further stated: “Though, the deployment will start from the state capital and gradually extends to other areas across the state.

“The 5G Networks will bring substantial network improvements, including higher connection speed.”

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He stated that the 5G would provide higher mobility and capacity, low-latency capabilities to communications services, adding that one of the licensees had began commercial launch in Lagos.

Telecoms as driver of digital economy agenda

Danbatta particularly, noted that the telecommunications sector has been a driver of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government, as it continues to provide the needed digital stamina to support the country’s economy.

According to him, Commission has activated digital literacy and skills training programmes for entrepreneurs to equip them with the requisite skills across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

He restated the NCC’s commitment to protecting and empowering consumers from unfair practices willingly or unwillingly, orchestrated by the telecoms service providers.

“This is based on our regulatory mandate of ensuring that consumers of telecommunications services get value for their money, and to be treated right as very important stakeholders.

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“As a regulator, we also ensure we constantly inform you, the consumers on how to be protected to prevent cases of online fraud or eschew consumer falling victims of cybercrime antics during their legitimate use of the Internet,” said he.

NCC’s commitment to regulatory mandate, efficiency

The NCC Chief Executive as well stressed that Information Communications Technology (ICT) is not only one of the fastest growing industries directly creating millions of jobs, but it is also an important enabler of innovation and development.

According to Danbatta, the sector provides the backbone infrastructure for transnational business.

He said: “Hence, in line with the Digital Literacy and Skills Pillar of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020-2030, for a Digital Nigeria, the commission embarked on digital literacy training for entrepreneurs across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

“The aim was to equip small-scale business owners with the requisite skills and to generate ideas for development of product and service that can be exported.”

The EVC/CEO further explained: “NCC’s regulatory efforts in deepening access to digital services will benefit Nigeria and make it competitive comparable with other economies in the areas of job creation; contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth; emergence of new services and industries; workforce transformation; and business innovation.

“It is in our response to ensuring that Nigeria is competitive in all these areas that Commission continuously puts a number of regulatory measures in place to ensure seamless access by Nigerians to telecommunications services in order to deepen competitiveness of the Nigerian economy by making our SMEs digitally compliant.”