NCC initiates guidelines on co-location, infrastructure sharing to reduce telecoms tariffs, boost services
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has continued in its giant stride to ensure that the telcos provide customers with good quality of service. In furtherance to this objective the Commission churn out the latest guidelines on co-location and infrastructure sharing that will result in reduced tariffs for telecommunication consumers, Editor Gentechnews, Tony Nwakaegho writes.
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) in a 31-page document just released, highlighted how this translation would benefit consumers in the final analysis and boost telephony service, among others in the country.
Co-location is a process through which a telecommunication facility is owned and operated by a communication service provider that is located on the same tower, building, accessory structure, or property as another telecommunication facility owned or operated by a different communication service provider.
According to the NCC latest document, co-location is an element of the interconnection of networks; therefore it is essential that operators agree on terms of its implementation towards ensuring seamless interconnectivity.
In the document, the telecoms regulator said co-location shall constitute part of the negotiations for interconnection and be governed by provisions of the Telecommunications Network Interconnection Regulations.
According to the Commission, every incumbent operator, especially dominant operators, as may be determined by the commission, should include in their Reference Interconnection Offer (RIO) an offer for the facilities available for co-location, including a price list for the different components of co-location.
The Commission explained that the new guidelines would ensure that unnecessary duplication of infrastructure is significantly reduced if not completely avoided with added effect on reduction in the tariffs chargeable to consumers eventually.
The document signed by the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, disclosed that the status, which is subjected to the Telecommunication Act revolved around networks interconnection regulations, competition practices regulations, Quality of Service (QoS) regulations, other laws, rules and subsidiary legislations that may be developed by the Commission from time to time and relevant licence conditions.
The NCC guideline would also “ensure that the incidence of unnecessary duplication of infrastructure is minimised or completely avoided.
“It will protect the environment by reducing the proliferation of infrastructure and facilities installation.
“Promote fair competition through equal access being granted to installations and facilities of operators on mutually agreed terms as well as ensure that the economic advantages derivable from the sharing of facilities are harnessed for the overall benefit of all telecommunications stakeholders.
“It will minimise capital expenditure on supporting infrastructures and free more funds for investment in core network equipment.”
Additionally, the new guidelines would encourage Access Providers and Access Seekers to pursue a cost-oriented policy with additional effect of a reduction in the tariffs chargeable to consumers.
NCC stated that infrastructure amenable to sharing include those that could be shared without an attendant risk of lessening competition, adding that it shall encourage and promote the sharing of passive infrastructure.
