NCC Boss, Danbatta Attributes Communications Sector as Key Driver of Economic Development

• As NCC opens public inquiry on six regulatory instruments

The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Danbatta, has declared that the communications sector holds the key to innovation and advancements in technology that will drive economic growth and national development.

Danbatta highlighted this while speaking at an engagement with stakeholders in the telecom industry in Abuja, adding that with the remarkable advancements in the sector comes great responsibility on the part of government to ensure that there exists an enabling environment for the industry to thrive, through the introduction/amendment of key regulatory instruments.

The commission, he said, has opened public inquiry into six of its regulatory instruments to ensure that the communications sector meets the demands of the ever-evolving digital age.

Danbatta harped on the need to create an environment that encourages innovation, empowers individuals and communities with the transformative potential of modern communications.

He hinted that technology affords seamless communication, fosters connectivity and thereby creates an enabling environment to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world

EVC NCC affirmed that the Commercial Satellite Guidelines, which is now intended to be Regulations, has been amended to address the growing demand for satellite services, satellite licensing and orbital slots, thus guaranteeing fair access for all stakeholders towards ensuring that the broadband penetration targets of the government are attained.

Danbatta also disclosed that the Quality of Service Regulations has been amended to ensure that the quality and standards of service are in line with current realities, noting that the Commission has also introduced Business Rules for Quality of Services, which includes all the various Quality of Service parameters, to ensure that they can be easily adapted to meet the ever evolving and changing trends in technology as well as different deployment approaches of the sector.

According to him, another instrument which is the draft Guidelines on Corporate Governance for the communications sector has been introduced to promote transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in Communications companies.

The Numbering Regulations, he said has comprehensively analyzed the current numbering regime to identify possible gaps and ensure it is adaptable to the ever-evolving needs of the sector.

EVC NCC said “The Competition Practices Regulations has been amended to ensure that the current Regulations strike the right balance between encouraging healthy competition and safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.

“Finally, the draft Data Protection Regulations has been developed to ensure that communications sector specific data is handled responsibly and with utmost care.

“Data Protection regulation has become exigent as our daily activities have become more intertwined with digital technologies and it is the responsibility of the Commission to ensure that the personal information and traffic data entrusted to communication service providers are handled responsibly and with utmost care.”

Danbatta posited that the Public Inquiry affords the Commission an opportunity to critically examine and provide valuable insights on the draft instruments, noting that the expertise and perspectives of all stakeholders that were present will help shape the final instruments that will govern the communications sector and determine their impact on society in the years ahead.

He encouraged the participants to engage in meaningful and constructive discussions and elicit issues that will explore the potential strengths and weaknesses of the draft regulatory instruments, identify areas for improvement and propose innovative solutions to address the challenges ahead.

Earlier, the Director, Legal Affairs and Regulatory Services, Ms. Helen Obi, explained that over the years, the Nigerian communications industry has made considerable strides with exponential growth in mobile penetration, broadband infrastructure and digital services.

Obi said that the Commission was engaging key stakeholders on the review and development of subsidiary legislations, noting that the Public Inquiry was to address several significant amendments and introductions to NCC regulatory instruments which the Commission was proposing to the Nigerian communications industry as prescribed by Sections 70-72 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

tHE Director, Legal Affairs and Regulatory Services, pointed out that the public inquiry would ensure that the industry continues to evolve and thrive, in accordance with the commitment to uphold the highest standards of service.

Obi added “The first review is the amendment of the Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations, 2013. Quality of service is central to the quality of user experience, and it is vital that we maintain, and enhance the standards of service that our consumers receive.

“The proposed amendment to the QoS Regulations intends to introduce stricter performance standards, more robust monitoring mechanisms and more transparent reporting systems that will improve the overall customer experience. More importantly, these changes will also drive operators to enhance their networks and services through efficient deployment and network optimization processes.

“Clearly, these expectations will ultimately foster a culture of continual improvement which is essential for the competitiveness and vitality of our industry.”