Robust telecoms infrastructure is backbone of digital economy, seamless connectivity: NCC

*Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, asserts the rapid growth of digital economy demands robust, scalable, and secure telecoms infrastructure, noting there are several key emerging trends fast shaping the deployment and future of infrastructure in the ecosystem

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In regard to the strategic role of robust and functional telecoms infrastructure in advancing the Nigeria Digital Economy, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated that the West African country “has a future with digital economy.”

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), who stated this in his keynote address delivered at the recent second edition of the West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE), in Lagos.

The event with the theme, “Shaping the future of the telecoms infrastructure industry: Trends and Insights for a Digital Economy”, attracted telecommunications experts across the West African sub-region.

Industry experts, at the forum organised by Technology Mirror, also examined trending innovations based on robust telecoms infrastructure, while harping on the strategies that are crucial for the sustainability of telecommunications infrastructure to fast-track the regions digital economy.

In his keynote address at the forum, Dr. Maida spoke on the theme of WATISE 2.0, and noted that the journey towards a digital economy has a future paved with immense possibilities and profound challenges in the ecosystem.

The EVC/CEO, however, emphasised that “how we navigate this path will determine the role Nigeria plays in the global digital landscape.”

Represented at the event by Engr. Victor Adoga, Head of Next Generation Technology and Standard at NCC, described telecommunications infrastructure as the backbone of the digital economy.

According to him, they facilitate seamless connectivity and support a wide of range of services from basic voice calls, high-speed Internet to cloud computing.

Maida also explained the rapid growth of the digital economy demands robust, scalable, and secure telecommunications infrastructure.

There are several key trends that are poised to shape the future of telecoms infrastructure, he posited.

The Executive Vice-Chairman as well noted that the deployment of the Fifth Generation (5G) networks in Nigeria is a transformative trend in the telecoms infrastructure.

He equally stated that 5G services promises significantly higher speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity, facilitating new applications, such as IoTs (Internet of Things), autonomous vehicles, smart cities and advanced augmented reality.

The EVC/CEO observed the other emerging trends affecting the deployment of telecoms infrastructure across the region as Internet of Things, fiber optic expansion, data localisation and security, regulatory frameworks, cybersecurity and energy efficiency and sustainability.

Maida, nonetheless, recommended the telecoms operators should consider strategic actions to remain in business, just as he opined that collaboration, which is partnerships between government, industry, and academia could drive innovation and development in the digital ecosystem in Nigeria.

The NCC Chief also emphasised that innovative financing models, investment in human capital, focus on sustainability, integration with AI and Machine Learning and developing smart infrastructure are crucial, as well as investing in rural telecoms infrastructure and making digital literacy a key component of the Commission’s educational programmes.