NCC Targets 50% Broad Band Penetration By End Of 2023
The Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who disclosed this at the Talk To The Regulator Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, said currently, over a One Hundred and Fifty (I50) million Nigerians have access to internet, while over eighty (80) million can access high speed internet.
Danbatta, said the ‘Talk-To-The Regulator` Forum is a common platform for non-discriminatory interaction on a one-on-one basis, between the Licensees and the Regulator on several industry issues, pertinent to the Licensees and of national interest.
He said, “You will agree with me that the telecom industry has witnessed milestones in more ways than one, including the rapid growth in technology, which is redefining service delivery, and creating wide and high expectations from all stakeholders.
“To keep up to date with developments in the industry, the Commission has equally taken measures to improve regulations to accommodate the rapid and continuous development.
“I am pleased to welcome our Licensees to this event and hopeful that during the 2-Day Session, we would discuss and identify the measures necessary to improve investment and service delivery.
He however, appeal to the stakeholders to feel free to ask questions, provide feedback and proffer possible solutions that would address the concerns that might be raised during the interactive sessions.
The Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, Mr. Adeleke Adewolu ESQ, said the communications sector has proven to be pivotal to growth and development of the national economy.
He explained that the sector has continually ensured that the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government is established on solid foundations. “It has also proven to be the catalyst for entrenching the activities of both the public and private sector in the digital space, seamlessly.
“The Communications Sector is indeed the pace-setter sector as far as the expansion of the frontiers for national development is concerned. This was further underscored by the recent deployment of the Fifth Generation Technology (5G) services in the Country which we believe will ensure that Nigeria maximises the benefit of the 4th Industrial Revolution whilst being sufficiently prepared for any attendant risk that may occur.
“A market study has shown that the deployment of 5G Technology Services will result in $13.2 trillion in global economic value by 2035, generating 22.3 million jobs in the 5G global value chain alone. Thus, the Commission has played an effective role in placing the nation at a vantage position in order to reap these benefits.
“Recently, the Commission issued a regulatory framework for the licensing of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria as well as the requisite licence for such services and this has witnessed significant interest from prospective investors.
“New Market Entrants in this category can leverage on the growth and infrastructure in the telecommunications industry and it is particularly attractive to investors due to its low cost of entry in terms of capital expenditure”, he said.
