The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has tasked telecommunications consumers in Nigeria on the need to protect telecommunications infrastructure as they play a major role in complementing efforts being put in place by the Commission.
The NCC gave the advice at a sensitization programme for residents in Sabon Wuse –Tafa Local Government Area of Niger state, NorthCentral, Nigeria.
Addressing residences at the event, the Director, Zonal Operations, NCC, Amina Shehu, decried the problem of vandalism caused to telecom infrastructure which often result in poor quality of service delivery to the consumer.
Represented by the Assistant Director, Zonal Operations, NCC, Abubakar Usman,Shehu urged the residents to ensure that they protect telecom facilities in their community.
“Some challenges in the industry arising from some misconceptions and misguided facts about key telecom infrastructure such as Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) etc. which have been targets of vandalization, theft, and hostility from some host communities. It is therefore imperative for the public to regard telecom facilities as “collectively owned infrastructure” that are crucial and essential for the provision of efficient and acceptable telecom services and therefore need to be keenly protected” she advised .
Shehu emphasised the centrality of telecommunications sector to the economy an also informed the audience that in the last 15 years, telecom has been a major contributor to the nation’s economic growth and development.
On the issue of misinformation about Electromagnetic Frequency (EMF) radiation emanating from telecommunications infrastructure which she said it was not harmful according to studies conducted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
“So, the Commission is saying again to you that there is no scientific evidence yet that shows that radiation from telecom masts constitute health hazards to human and we want you to help spread this information to those that are not here,” she said.
Shehu stated that the overall objective of the event is to sensitize members of the public on the need to protect telecommunication infrastructure, and more importantly, to correct the misconception people have on the effect of radio magnetic waves on human health.
She stressed the need for collaboration among relevant stakeholders and the healthy enabling environment provided by government in the sector.
Participants were also enlightened on the illegality of pre-registered Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, the importance of proper SIM registration and National Identification Number, NIN-SIM linkage exercise.
They were also informed about facilities provided by the Commission which they can use to improve their telecom experience and quality of life in general.
These include the NCC Toll-free Number (622); the 112 National Emergency Number; and the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 short code for managing cases of unsolicited text messages, among others.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Ruler ,Sangarin Sabon Wuse –Tafa Local Alhaji Adamu Bako appreciated the Commission on behalf of the participants for bringing the sensitization programme to the Community to educate the consumers on consumer-related issues as well as correcting wrong notions and clarifying misconceptions.
He also called on the indigenes to support NCC in protecting telecoms infrastructure so as to ensure that quality of service improves in the areas.
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