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  • NCC pegs group call tariff at N50, bans data bundling

    NCC pegs group call tariff at N50, bans data bundling

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has pegged call rate at N50 per minute for closed user group (CUG) service and barred telcos from data bundling on the telecoms plan effective November 1.

    Service providers such as MTN, Glo, Airtel and 9mobile offer CUG services that allow enrolled customer group members to enjoy lower call rates and free on-net calls by paying monthly access fees.

    Apart from banning data bundles on CUG plans, telcos are now restricted to the provision of voice calls and text messages only on the telecom plan.

    “CUG rental/access fee must not be bundled with data, VAS or other ancillary services,” Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Pro Garba Danbatta said in the new rules that become effective November 1, 2023.

    “The price cap for voice shall be N50/min for voice and N4 per SMS. The minimum access fee for both prepaid and postpaid CUG services shall be N400, while maximum shall be N500,” NCC said.

    The regulator ruled that all calls and text messages within a CUG (on net) shall not be below the rate of N0.50 minute for voice services and N1.02 for text messages while all calls outside the CUG (off net) shall not be below the price floor of N6.40 per minute for voice services and N1.02 for text messages, according technologytimes.ng.

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    NCC which also restricted CUG services to six subscriber categories and set the limit of phone lines that can be allocated to the respective groups also decreed that a “CUG offering must have a minimum of three mobile station international subscriber directory number (MSISDNS) subscribers.”

    Prof Danbatta said the six subscriber categories and their maximum phone line limits include  large corporate organisations-30,000, government agencies-20,000, not for profit organisations-10,000, duly registered residential estate associations-2,000 and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)-200.

    He said the underlined documents are mandatory and must be submitted before they are registered for CUG  services in the respective categories below: large corporate organisations, NGOs and MSMEs.

    Business registration document (certificate of incorporation or certificate of registration or certificate of trustees);  Provision of tax identification number (TIN); signed contract agreement between the organisation and the telco; proof of identification of members within the CUG; the NIN of two company representatives either C-level director, CEO or board member/trustees; a request for the service shall be signed by two company representatives either C-level director, CEO or board member/trustees on the letter head of the organisation.

  • NCC: 220m active mobile lines in Nigeria

    NCC: 220m active mobile lines in Nigeria

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday said the number of active mobile subscriptions in the country has reached about 220.716 million as at August 2023.  Teledensity stood at 115.63 per cent at the same period.

    Also, the number of active internet subscribers was 159.035 million with broadband penetration at 45.57 per cent as at August 2023.

    Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC),  Prof Umar Danbatta, disclosed these at the NCC Day during the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at the Trade Fair Complex along Airport Road, Abuja.

    He said following such developments in the industry, it had become imperative for the Commission to ensure that telecommunication companies are not over burdened with taxes and levies.

    Danbatta was represented  by the Director of Consumer Affairs,  Umar Alkasim.

    He described the theme of the fair which is “Sustainable Financing and Taxation” as apt given the recent challenges of taxation in the country.

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    “This year’s edition of the trade fair with the theme – ‘Sustainable Financing and Taxation’ is very apt and timely, especially considering the pivotal role the telecommunications industry play in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens across the globe.

    “As the telecommunications regulator in Nigeria, we bear the responsibility of ensuring the sustainability and vitality of the sector,”  Danbatta said.

    He said the information and communications technology (ICT)  sector remains one of the fastest growing industries directly creating millions of jobs, therefore,  the sector should not be over burdened with taxes that can stiffen it growth and development.

    “Sustainable financing in telecommunication involves sourcing the necessary capital to build and maintain robust telecommunications networks.

    “As regulators, we understand that this financing should be stable, accessible and conducive for industry growth. Taxation while essential for funding of Government initiatives must strike a delicate balance between revenue generation and industry growth,” he said.

    Speaking on deployment of the Fifth Generation (5G) Technology across the country,  Danbatta expressed delight that some licensees have commenced operations with deployment of infrastructures to boost their operations.

    Danbatta  said:” As you may be aware, the NCC is driving initiatives for the full deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) network in Nigeria.

    ” Already, 5G spectrum licenses have been issued to companies for rollout. 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.

    “I am happy to inform you that licensees have kicked off the commercial launch of 5G network in some cities across the nation.”

  • Group lauds NCC boss for 5G, others

    Group lauds NCC boss for 5G, others

    A stakeholder group in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has commended the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, for  embracing 5G technology, positioning Nigeria as an early adopter in the global digital economy. 

    According to the group, under Danbatta’s leadership,  the telecom sector has witnessed a transformation, transcending previous limitations and emerging as a beacon of hope.

    His eight-year tenure as the EVC of the NCC has seen the sector attract a staggering $77 billion in investments, catapulting it to the forefront of the nation’s economic landscape, the group, acting under the aegis of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA), said.

    The ICT group lauded the chief regulator for overseeing a sector that now contributes a substantial 16 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a notable increase from its eight per cent contribution in 2015. The financial impact of the sector is undeniable, with a recent report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealing a significant N2.508 trillion contribution to the nation’s GDP in the first quarter of the year, representing 14.13 per cent.

    NITRA National Chairman of NITRA, Chike Onwuegbuchi, in a statement, said the strategic decision to adopt 5G has resulted in the generation of $820.8 million for the Federal Government from 5G spectrum license fees paid by leading operators.

    “Furthermore, the issuance of a license to Elon Musk-owned SpaceX for Starlinks broadband services, a satellite-based wireless broadband offering with nationwide coverage potential, has been a game-changer for the industry and a testament to Danbatta’s forward-thinking approach,” he said.

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    The ICT group also highlighted the growth in telephone users, internet subscribers, and broadband users which have soared to 218.9 million, 159.5 million, and 88.7 million, respectively, noting that these figures, along with the creation of numerous jobs, have underscored the sector’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic development.

    The ICT group said Prof Danbatta’s unwavering commitment to innovation, regulatory excellence, and active stakeholder engagement has set a powerful precedent for success and acknowledged the sector’s resilience in the face of challenges such as infrastructure vandalism, regulatory complexities, and power supply issues.

    The ICT community has urged the Federal Government to replicate the telecom sector’s success in other industries to propel Nigeria into the ranks of the world’s top 20 economies. They view Danbatta’s leadership as a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, innovation, and visionary leadership.

    Meanwhile, as the accolades pour in, Danbatta’s transformative leadership in Nigeria’s telecom sector serves as an inspiring example of how visionary leadership can drive growth, innovation, and prosperity in the nation’s economy.

    “His legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital transformation journey,” Chike noted.

  • How Nigeria can reap AI benefits, by NCC

    How Nigeria can reap AI benefits, by NCC

    Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday identified investment in digital infrastructure, digital skills development and collaboration, among other factors, that would enable the country and, indeed, Africa, to reap the fruits of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof Garba Danbatta, in a keynote at 11th Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition (DACE) in Abuja, said AI has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of our time with potential to revolutionise industries, enhance productivity, and improve the quality of life for citizens.

    According to him, AI will play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s digital future, adding that there are several examples of AI-powered software in use, including voice assistants, face recognition for unlocking mobile phones, fingerprint biometrics, and machine learning-based financial fraud detection.

    He said for Africa to fully embrace the benefits of AI, several critical factors must be addressed. “First, we must invest in building the necessary digital infrastructure. This includes expanding broadband connectivity.

    “In Nigeria, as of July 2023, the broadband penetration stood at 47.01per cent. Also, the continent must commit to ensuring reliable power supply and fostering a conducive regulatory environment. Without robust infrastructure, the potential of AI will remain untapped, and the digital divide will further widen.

    “Secondly, we must prioritize digital skills development. AI technologies require a skilled workforce capable of developing, deploying, and maintaining these systems. We need to invest in education and training programs that equip our youth with the necessary skills to participate in the AI-driven economy. By nurturing a generation of AI experts, we can elevate Africa’s position in the global AI landscape and create jobs for our youth.

    Read Also: NCC changes numbering format

    “Moreover, ethical considerations must underpin our approach to AI. As we deploy AI systems, we must ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness. We must guard against biases, protect privacy and data security, and uphold human rights. AI should be a force for good, promoting inclusivity and leaving no one behind,” he said.

    Prof Danbatta said collaboration and partnerships are also crucial in unlocking the potential of AI in Africa. “We must foster collaboration among governments, regulatory bodies, academia, the private sector, and civil society. By working together, we can share knowledge, pool resources together, and leverage expertise to drive innovation and create an enabling environment for AI adoption.

    “The NCC is fully committed to supporting the development and deployment of AI technologies in Nigeria and across the continent. We are working to create an enabling regulatory framework that promotes innovation while safeguarding the interests of consumers and citizens. We are also collaborating with stakeholders to establish AI research and development centres, incubation hubs, and startup ecosystems to nurture homegrown AI talent,” Prof Danbatta said.

    With “Artificial Intelligence and Africa,” as the theme, the NCC boss said it offered a glimpse into the immense possibilities that lie ahead. “AI holds the power to transform our societies, drive economic growth, and improve the well-being of our people. Let us seize this opportunity and work together to build an inclusive, sustainable, and AI-powered Africa,” he said.

  • NCC changes numbering format

    NCC changes numbering format

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday announced new numbering format for fixed lines.

    Under the new arrangement, the fixed-lines numbering format has changed from eight digits to 10 digits by just adding “02” prefix before the existing fixed number.

    The Commission,  said it is in keeping with its responsibilities under the enabling law, the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, to manage the nation’s numbering resources.

    It also clarified that existing numbers will continue to operate concurrently till the cut-over date of December 31, 2023. From January 1, 2024, the new numbering format beginning with “02” prefix will be operational.

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    In other words, the old and new number formats are allowed to run concurrently till the cut-over date (December 31, 2023). Thereafter (from January 1, 2024), the new fixed-lines format will assume full recognition across all networks.

    For example, in the new order, to dial the hitherto existing number, 09461700, please dial 02094617000.

    Additional examples are: for Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano’s current number format of 014630643, 094630643, 084460643 and 064460643 will now be 02014630643, 02094630643, 02084460643 and 02064460643 respectively in the new numbering format.

    However, it is important to note that the change only affects the fixed telephone numbers. There is no change to the existing mobile numbering format.

    The announcement is made to give expression to a key responsibility of the NCC and it is consistent with the practices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations arm supervising Information Communication Technologies (ICT), according to a statement endorsed by  Reuben Muoka

    Director, Public Affairs at the NCC.

  • NCC empowers 1.8 million students with digital devices

    NCC empowers 1.8 million students with digital devices

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given out 1.8 million digital devices to students of the federal government colleges in the six geopolitical zones of the country.

    The Commission said besides the deployment of Digital Learning platforms for the students as the first phase of its programmes to empower Nigerian youths, about 2,600 youths have also benefitted from its Digital Jobs Creation for Youths (DJC-Y) programme.

    Its Executive Vice Chairman, Prof Umar Danbatta disclosed this on Monday, September 18, at the Shehu Musa Yar Adua Centre, Abuja, during the opening ceremony of the 12th Edition of the Africa Youth Internet Governance Forum, (AfYIGF).

    The Conference had the theme: “Emerging Technologies: Leveraging Innovation for Sustainable Development and Youth Empowerment.”

    Prof Danbatta who was represented by the Head of Internet Governance Unit of the NCC, Ibiso Kingsley-George, said Africa has a burgeoning youth population which represents both an opportunity and a challenge.

    According to him, “harnessing the energy and creativity of Africa’s youth is crucial for the continent’s development.”

    Danbatta explained that NCC has over the years embarked on programmes and policies aimed at enhancing youths’ participation in digital entrepreneurship, education, and empowerment to fast-track economic growth and development for the country.

    He said: “Allow me to illustrate some of these initiatives. Through the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, the Commission has repositioned the youth for job opportunities through various initiatives. These include: Digital Job Creation for Youths (DJCY) as of date, 2600 youths have benefitted from both the physical and virtual platforms of the scheme, across the six geopolitical zones of the Country.

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    “Youth intervention programmes and projects in secondary and tertiary institutions across Nigeria through its Digital Awareness Programme (DAP) and Advanced Digital Awareness Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI).

    “Young entrepreneurs programme through a self-paced Online Digital Academy for Entrepreneurs, in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Through this programme, over 500 entrepreneurs were trained within a year.”

    The Coordinator of The African Youth Internet Governance Forum (AfYIGF) Multi-Stakeholder Advisory group, Lillian Nlawoga said the continent of Africa is home to a young and vibrant population, with an estimated 60 percent of its population being under the age of 25.

    She however regretted that “despite this, the continent is still lagging behind in terms of internet access, with only 28% of the population having access to the internet.”

  • NCC urges traders to avoid being defrauded

    NCC urges traders to avoid being defrauded

    Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged traders and people of Ebonyi State to be on the alert, in order not to become victims of fraudsters.

    It advised them to be wary of any offer that sounds too good to be true, as it may be an attempt to defraud them of their hard-earned money.

    The Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau of the commission, Umar Alkassin, gave the advice yesterday in Abakaliki. 

    He was speaking at an advocacy and sensitisation programme organised by the NCC with the theme: ‘Shine Your Eyes-No Fall Mugu’.

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    Represented by Clem Omeife, head of Consumer Protection and Advocacy Unit, Alkassin said the development and deployment of robust infrastructure to support innovative technologies and services had transformed the country’s socio-economic space.

    Mr. Chinedu Kama of the Consumer Protection Unit of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) enjoined customers not to release goods to customers paying with cheques until the cheque clears.

    Commissioner for Markets Development and Parks, Prof. Nwogo Obasi, said the government would work with industry stakeholders to develop and enforce stricter regulations and guidelines to protect businesses against financial fraud.

    He advised the traders to report suspicious transactions or unauthorised access to their service providers.

  • NCC, telecom stakeholders brainstorm on multiple taxation

    NCC, telecom stakeholders brainstorm on multiple taxation

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Wednesday met stakeholders in telecommunication industry in Southwest region to brainstorm on multiple taxation and regulations on telecom operators.

    The workshop attracted members of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) had as its theme: “Navigating the landscape of multiple taxation and regulations: Fostering sustainable growth through collaboration”.

    NCC Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management Adeleke Adewolu stated that though taxation is a veritable tools for economic development, but multiple taxes has become an impediments to the progress of Nigeria economy.

    He said stakeholders must ensure fair tax policies and eliminate every incident of multiple taxation and regulations which has impacted negatively on Nigerian telecommunications industry.

    He noted the workshop was to identify where there might be conflict between operators of telecom services and federal, state or local government agencies and how to resolve it amicably, adding that the whole idea was to foster conducive environment.

    According to him, telecommunication is a crucial utility for everybody, so it important to have enabling environment where it will thrive so that Nigeria can enjoy fully benefits of digital economy.

    While tasking telecom licensees to continue to bring burning issues on multiple taxation and regulation to the attention of the Commission as they experience in their daily operation, Adewolu assured them of NCC’s decision to always make necessary regulatory intervention to boost industry growth.

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    “Let’s work together, let’s work in harmonise environment, lets us prioritise the long term benefit over the short term benefit to create enabling environment for our digital economy.”

    The NCC Ibadan zonal controller, Bamijoko Olubori described the gathering as a significant milestone in possible steps to the prosperity of the nation.

    He maintained it was imperative for stakeholders to come together and address the challenges of multiple taxation and regulations, saying people should collaborate in fostering sustainable growth for all.

  • NCC partner SNA, others 

    NCC partner SNA, others 

    • By Goodness Okoroafor

    With the aim of harvesting the creativity of those behind bars, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) will partner the creative industry and Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS). The move, which is in line with its mandate and renewed drive to encourage the use of copyright to grow the creative sector, according to its Director-General, Dr. John Asein, will promote creativity in correctional centres.

    He disclosed this when he visited NCoS Controller-General (CG) Mr. Haliru Nababa.

    Elaborating on the initiative, Asein said the commission had concluded plans to collaborate with agencies, practitioners and associations, such as the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), to facilitate the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates through creative activities.

    The drive, he said, will help keep the inmates engaged, inspire hope in them, help to develop positive life-changing attitudes and hone their life-effectiveness skills. In his words, “the programme will introduce inmates to new value systems and role models that would make them more mentally ready and less likely to become reoffenders after serving their terms.”

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    Asein said aside strengthening the creative skills of inmates in various sectors, the Commission will promote reading by working with publishers and authors to donate books to correctional centres’ libraries, and collaborate with NPA and ANA to organise a creative writing competition with the aim of getting the best works from the competition published.

    Nababa appreciated NCC’s efforts at encouraging creativity, describing the Commission as an indispensable gem in the country’s economic growth.

    Represented by the Deputy Controller-General (DCG) in charge of Inmates Training and Productivity (ITP), Sylvester N. Nwakuche, he expressed optimism that the partnership would yield results and boost the redefined mandate of NCoS.

     for the holistic reform, rehabilitation and reintegration of Inmates.

    He noted that there are countless creatives in correctional facilities across the country that would benefit from the proposed partnership, adding that the NCoS has already put in place a Technical Team for the implementation of the partnership.

  • NCC, Multichoice train manpower on broadcast piracy

    The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has emphasised the importance of protecting creativity, restating its commitment to providing adequate capacity building for its workers.

    The commission made stated this at a national broadcast anti-piracy workshop themed: “Broadcast piracy and strategic management” for its workers, organised in collaboration with Multichoice Nigeria Limited in Abuja.

    The workshop was attended by NCC management staff, state coordinators as well as enforcement and prosecution officers drawn from across the country.

    Other participants included Anti-piracy Manager, Multichoice, Mr. Umar Abdullaziz; and Ms. Tanya Hill of the United States Department of Justice.

    According to NCC Director-General, Mr. John Ohi Asein, the workshop was meant to equip copyright officers with relevant knowledge on broadcast piracy. He added that the “commission was determined to provide the staff with necessary technical knowledge and facilities to enhance copyright protection in the country”.

    “The protection of creativity is essential to avoid a situation where the country’s creative potentials would be mismanaged by the activities of pirates. The inability to protect the country’s creative works could create a negative impact on Nigeria’s creative industry, which at the moment is rated among the top three in the world,” he said.

    The Head of Regulatory, Multichoice Nigeria Limited, Mr Gozie Onumonu, said the broadcast sector was critical to the development of a vibrant film industry, which necessitated frequent dialogue on finding ways of protecting broadcast content.

    Onumonu said stemming piracy was difficult, but that with more efforts the menace would be curbed. He said that the workshop would provide a platform for exploring ways of tackling the problem.

    Mr. A. Frikkie Jonker of IRDETO, digital security firm, who spoke on “Internet streaming: Piracy as it affects broadcasting industry worldwide”, said the importance of protecting creativity in the digital sphere had been challenged by pirates.

    The digital security expert decried the poor institutional response to issues of broadcast piracy, which has impacted negatively on the country’s economy, noting that the problem was a global one.

    While calling for collaboration among relevant stakeholders towards ensuring that the menace was eradicated, Jonker proffered a ‘teach-them-young’ approach to curbing piracy by inculcating the ideals of respect for copyright in youths.

    Speaking on “Internet streaming and counter Measures-paradigms across the world”, Senior Manager, Cyber Security, Mr B. Barrie Coll, examined the internet security measures put in place by IRDETO, in collaboration with Multichoice, observed that such instruments could be employed by organisations to check the menace of broadcast piracy in the country.

    NCC management staff and state coordinators in attendance included Head, Nigerian Copyright Institute (NCI),  Mrs Funmi Adewale; Director Administration, Dr Idowu Ogunkuade; Mrs Adewale, Director, PRS, Mr Mike Akpan; Director, Legal Services, Abdul Ter Kohol esq.; Director, Finance, Mr Mark Obasi and Accounts; Director, Prosecution, Mr Obi Ezeilo; Director, Public Affairs, Vincent Oyefeso; Enforcement, Akwa Ibom State, Idorenyin  Akpakpan; NCC Rivers State Office Coordinator, Mrs Nkechi Ezinma; Enforcement, Kano State Office, Oke Mosunmola and Prosecution, NCC headquarters, Joy Ogbonna.

    Others were Enforcement, Oyo, Kayode Fapohunda; Oyo State Coordinator, Olabisi Ogundiran; Enforcement, Headquarters, Sylvester Emeana; Benin State Coordinator, Joseph Akpeh Ajang; Kaduna State Coordinator, Hanatu Mshelia-Swat; Adamawa State Coordinator, Yusuf Ibrahim; Prosecution, Enugu, Paul Anagonye Odirah; Prosecution, Makurdi Marwell Tor-Anyin Torkaa; Prosecution, DGO Headquarters, Moses Ihuma; Kwara State Coordinator. Mrs Justina Akinwumi; Enforcement, Anambra State Office, Gabriel Anakwem; Enforcement, Benin Office, Henry Udomiaye; Akwa Ibom State Coordinator, Elijah Akpan; Assistant Director, Prosecution, Headquarters, Muslim A. Oke; Bauchi State Coordinator, Nasiru Ahmed Tijani; Enforcement, Headquarters, Ajala Oluwafemi; Enforcement, Bauchi, Ahmed Aliyu Dadi; Enforcement, Owerri, Abayomi Jolayemi, and Prosecution, Rivers, Alubo Inalegwu.