*The Nigerian Communications Commission discloses the basic objective of strengthening collaboration with state governments, and other industry stakeholders on the Dig-Once Policy initiative is to fast-track Broadband penetration, access and expansion to power telecoms cum the entire Nigeria Digital Economy
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
For seamless synergy between the regulator and all industry stakeholders, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said disclosed the current effort at strengthening collaboration with state governments and industry players.
ConsumerConnect reports the NCC noted the overarching objective of the partnership is to develop a transparent, cost-based pricing framework for sharing telecoms ducts.
NNPCL unveils Nigeria’s strategies for improved global energy investments, shared prosperity
The telecoms sector regulatory Commission said the move was part of ongoing measures to fast-track Broadband penetration, access and expansion across Nigeria.
Ayuba Shuaibu, Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis at NCC, disclosed this at the Stakeholders’ Forum, held in Abuja, FCT.
The Commission revealed the Broadband initiative was designed to build consensus among all stakeholders in the all-important telecommunications sector of the Nigerian economy.
The forum attracted state commissioners, telecoms operators, tower companies and representatives of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
What’s Dig-Once Policy about?
The Commission explained the Dig-Once Policy was introduced to reduce the cost and disruption of Broadband deployment by requiring fibre ducts to be installed whenever roads are constructed or rehabilitated in Nigeria.
The industry regulator also noted that the policy initiative is intended to encourage infrastructure sharing while supporting wider Broadband access and expansion across the country’s digital environment.
Stakeholders highlight Dig-Once policy core objectives
Highlighting the fundamental objective of the stakeholder engagement, Shuaibu reportedly said: “The primary purpose of this forum is to ensure seamless synergy between the Commission and all stakeholders.”
The Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis of the Commission also longstanding complaints over permits, levies and other charges imposed by different levels of government actually promoted the stakeholder engagement.
He further stated: “This engagement is a work in progress.
“We expect more inputs from stakeholders before presenting the outcome to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.”
Speaking at the stakeholder engagement, Dr. Helen Adeneye, Kogi State Honourable Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, welcomed the consultation.
Adeneye noted that Nigeria needs a harmonised policy, which clearly defines the responsibilities of both the Federal and state governments in the Broadband connectivity ecosystem.
She said: “We need a harmonised policy that allows states to collaborate better with telecom operators and creates a more business-friendly environment.”
The Commissioner also said adopting the Dig-Once policy for enhanced Broadband connectivity would establish a uniform pricing system, and help to resolve disputes over charges for telecoms infrastructure deployment across the West African country.
Cost structure for duct-sharing, Broadband investment and economic growth
Offering helpful insight into the Broadband expansion initiative m, Chidi Ajuzie, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WTES Projects Limited, said the proposed framework would introduce a common cost structure for duct-sharing to support Broadband investment and economic growth in the country.
The Chief Executive of WTES Projects Limited, a firm which conducted the consultancy study, stated: “The study is designed to create a uniform pricing model that will drive broadband growth, economic development and wider adoption across the country.”
Ajuzie also disclosed the project consultants have developed preliminary floor and ceiling prices to guide network operators while allowing flexibility within the approved range.
He explained: “We’ve recommended floor and ceiling prices ranging from about N2,000 to N7,000, depending on the product being sold.
“These are preliminary proposals, and the industry will still provide input before the Commission finalises the report,” stated Ajuzie.