Nigerian Communications Commission Restates Commitment to Deepen Digital Services 

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC says the full commercial launch of Fifth Generation, 5G in Nigeria will accelerate access to digital services in the country.

The Commission gave the assurance at the ‘NCC Day’, held at the 17th Abuja International Trade Fair Convention Centre  with the theme: “Creating an Export-Ready Market Through SME Digitalisation ”

The Executive Vice-Chairman, Professor Umar Danbatta said that 5G network would bring substantial network improvements, higher connection speed, mobility, and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities to communications services in Nigeria.

Danbatta, represented by Mr Efosa Idehen, Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, recalled that one of the 5G licensees had launched its commercial 5G network on September 18 2022 in Lagos, South-West Nigeria.

He said, “Though, the deployment will start from the state capitals and gradually extend to other areas across the state.It is important to state that the 5G network will bring substantial network improvements, including higher connection speed, mobility, and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities to communications services in Nigeria.”

Danbatta further said “I am happy to inform you that one of the licensees has kicked off commercial launch in Lagos.Already, spectrum licences for the companies that will rollout service have been issued,” he noted.

The NCC Boss explained that NCC’s regulatory efforts in deepening access to digital services would 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.

He assured that NCC would provide a level-playing field for operators to thrive, promote investment and delivery of innovative services to individual consumers Small Medium Enterprises,SMEs and big businesses owners by ensuring enhanced consumer quality of experience.

The Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, Efosa Idehen while sensitising  consumers on their  rights and telecoms services provided, said that the Commission carries out its functions to ensure service availability, accessibility, affordability and sustainability for all categories of consumers.

Edehen, represented by Mr Clement Omeife, Head, Consumer Protection and Advocacy, NCC, said that the commission was working to resolve issues of incessant complaints on data depletion among others.

“Currently, the Commission is working on resolving the issue of incessant complaints on Data Depletion, Fair Usage Policy on Unlimited Data Plan,
Others are compensation policies of Service Providers and the hidden Terms and Conditions that apply to services in the industry,” he added.

Confidence Okwuchi