The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NCC

  • Call masking: NCC summons telcos

    Call masking: NCC summons telcos

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday summoned the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of all the major telecoms firms in the country over what it described as overwhelming customers complaints over the security implications of call refilling and masking.

    A letter addressed to the telcos, a copy of which was obtained by The Nation through a source in the Commission, directed the CTOs of the telcos and their other relevant officials to report for a crucial meeting at the NCC office in Abuja on August 3.

    The Commission also gave Friday July 28, 2017 as deadline to put an end to call masking and call refilling, warning that failure to comply will attract stiff penalty.

    Titled: Re: Call Refilling and Call Masking Practices, the NCC lamented that it has been inundated with complaints by subscribers over the unwholesome practices, adding that there are grave security implications associated with it.

    The letter read: “Recall the complaints by different stakeholders in the industry in respect of receiving international calls which display numbers in the National Numbering Plan (NNP) as the calling numbers. The commission has been investigating these unwholesome practices of call masking and refilling in the telecoms industry before and after the complaints, and our initial findings show that this practice is currently widespread.

    “Due to the serious security and economic implications of this practice, the Commission is by this letter giving your organisation a deadline of Friday July 28, 2017 to ensure no call masking and refilling activity takes place in your network.”

  • Nigerians embrace 9mobile, port in droves to network – Report

    Nigerians embrace 9mobile, port in droves to network – Report

    The Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) monthly porting report released through the regulator’s website on Thursday revealed that subscribers from other networks migrated to the rebranded 9mobile, Nigeria’s fourth largest telecommunication company.

    The NCC’s “Incoming and Outgoing Porting Activities of Mobile Network Operators Report” for the month of May 2017, showed that 9mobile led the other four telecom operators in the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) activities for the month in review.

    NCC revealed that out of the total 39,535 porting activities in May, 19,816 were “Incoming Porting Activities”, while 19,719 were “Outgoing Porting Activities”.

    9mobile recorded the highest incoming porting activity (users leaving other networks to 9mobile) with a massive 15,253 telecom users leaving others to join the rebranded telecom company. Airtel had the second highest incoming porting activity with 2,597 subscriber migrations.

    MTN was third on the incoming porting migration table with 1,245 telecom users while Globacom had the least incoming migration figures on the table.

    The report further showed that 9mobile also excelled on the outgoing porting migration table (users leaving 9mobile to other networks) with only 1,826 subscribers of 9mobile leaving to other networks.

    This means 9mobile recorded the lowest outgoing porting when compared with the other operators. Globacom recorded the second lowest outgoing migration with 4,786 subscribers.

    Airtel recorded 6,540 outgoing migrations while MTN’s outgoing subscriber migration was 6,567, making the network topping the table with the highest telecom users leaving the network.

  • Danbatta tasks academia on solutions to challenges in ICT

    Danbatta tasks academia on solutions to challenges in ICT

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has charged the academia to research and come up with solutions to challenges plaguing the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

    Danbatta gave this charge on Thursday in a paper entitled: “The Place of Academia in the Telecoms Ecosystem’’ at the first Stakeholders Consultative Forum with Academia in Abuja.

    According to him, the academia should be able to go into research and find solution to issues such as channel congestion that had been hampering smooth communication by subscribers.

    He said that there seemed to be disconnections between the academia and the life on the streets as well as the daily expectations of the ordinary man.

    “The academia is not living up to our expectations when its expertise is not wired into the experience of the kind of market we are speaking about.

    “The academia should be at the vanguard of translating the technicality of technology to suit the needs of those who use them thereby making life easy for society.

    “It is the responsibility of the academia to reclaim its expected role by ensuring that research activities of its members will enhance and re-orient the market needs of the consumers and they will benefit from it.

    “The academia must attune itself to the reality on the street and search for solutions that can enhance life and businesses; it must contribute to the real world,’’ Danbatta said.

    The NCC boss said that the forum was important because the commission aimed to use it to help the academia to impact life and businesses with their research and scholarships.

    “The Nigerian Communications Act 2003, among others encourages the development of communications manufacturing and supply sector within the Nigerian economy.

    “It also mandates the promotion of effective research and development efforts by all communications industry partners,’’ he said.

    Danbatta therefore called on the academia to play a more productive role in the telecommunications industry with their researches having in focus the Buhari administrations change agenda of fighting corruption, providing employment and security.

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Universities Commission, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed called for strategic partnership among all stakeholders.

    “We need to work together to develop a list of competences and competences indicators to bridge the job gaps relevant in the telecom sector.

    “We need to equip most of our lecturers to be in tune with the global trend in technological advancement, lecturers must be competent in building the capacity of our students.

    “We need to enhance teachers’ quality, funding and have the correct focus for the funds.

    “There must be a well articulated plan on what funds should be used for and the time-frame when such objectives must be achieved,’’ Rasheed said.

    Rasheed said that the role of the commission was to leverage on adequate curriculum development and accreditation that would eventually lead to output management of best ICT products.

    Mrs Abigail Sholanke, the Director, Research and Development of NCC said the academia had its extensive relevance in contributing to growing knowledge to address concerns in the society.

    Sholanke represented by Mr Henry Okenwa, said research  was of great importance in the telecommunications industry as the level of competition and products of innovations were rapidly increasing.

    “The commission therefore is poised to consolidate its collaboration with the academia and chart new courses for the development of new models or modules of products in the telecommunications sector.

    “This will be done in conjunction with technical experts and the academia, the commission will also provide research grants for approved prototypes and research works,’’ he said.

    Sholanke said that the academia would be more effective if properly funded and structured, this he added could impact positively on business and society.

    “This was why the NCC wanted among other things to create a partnership with the academia,’’ she said.

  • NCC okays Etisalat Nigeria’s name change

    NCC okays Etisalat Nigeria’s name change

    The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday gave regualory approval to to Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), to officially rebrand from Etislat Nigeria to 9mobile.

    Its Director, Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo, said the regulator had been officially notified about the name change, adding that it has received the blessing of the regulator. The telco, in a statement, announced to its over 20 million subscribers, government, and all relevant stakeholder groups that the telco has changed its name Etisalat Nigeria to 9mobile.

    It said it is a further testament of its unwavering commitment to ensuring business continuity as Nigeria’s fourth largest telecom operator.

    Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Boye Olusanya, explained in a statement that the new trading name, 9mobile represents the telco’s 0809ja heritage, its 9ja-centricity, and evolution over 9 years of operations in Nigeria. “

    “Although our trading name has changed, we remain true to the same values on which our company was built.

    “A strong and resilient Nigerian spirit continues to reside in us, uniting us with you our subscribers and we are confident that you will continue to believe in our new brand, which strongly reflects our innate creativity and youthfulness.

    “Furthermore, this rebrand is a testament to our dynamism, responsiveness and agility as a business, while we leverage the power of technology to deliver innovative products and services that meet your needs. Our confidence in our ability to continue to make this happen is bolstered by the sheer determination, commitment and passion of our people to do more; and continue delivering excellent service,” Olusanya said.

    According to her, in order to ensure the change of name is delivered efficiently and responsibly, the telco will take a measured approach to the migration to the new brand over the next few months. “Therefore as we go through this transition, our esteemed subscribers we ask for your patience and reaffirm our commitment to remain a listening brand. We will continue to innovate, support, and empower you to do more – whether as an individual or a business.

    “To our business partners, your unwavering belief in the strength of our brand inspires us to do more. We will remain committed to working together and exploring possibilities to achieve our mutual goals; and to our stakeholders, we thank you for your abiding faith in us.  We will ensure that our core values of innovation, customer-centricity, and superior quality of service remain the pillars upon which we operate.The soul of our business remains authentically Nigerian. We are here for you, here for 9ja,” the CEO said.

    Etisalat Nigeria had been in talks with its lenders to restructure a $1.2 billion debt after it missed repayments but the discussions failed to produce a deal, forcing the banks to step in.

  • NCC vows protection for subscribers

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), yesterday in Kano launched an enlightenment campaign designed to ensure that subscribers are adequately protected from being exploited by service providers.

    Speaking at the 86th Edition of Consumer Outreach Programme (COP), in Kurna Asabe, Kano, its Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB), Abdullahi Maikano, said consumer education was identified by the Commission as one of the most cost-effective mechanism that will guarantee consumer protection against fraud by service providers.

    According to him, the 86th edition of COP with the team, ‘Information and Education as a Catalyst for Consumer Protection,’ was well-chosen to ensure that consumers at the end of the day get value for their money.

    He added that, “the event is one of the initiatives of Nigerian Communications Commission to bring together Telecom Consumers in the urban areas with the Network Operators and the Regulator (NCC) to discuss, proffer solutions to consumer related issues and ensure they have value for money through effective service delivery.”

    Maikano further explained that, “to ensure that the telecoms consumer is well protected, informed and educated, the Commission has developed series of initiatives with the main goal of empowering consumers with appropriate information that will ensure that their rights are not only protected but their choices provide them with value for money.”

  • Internet users hit 91m, says NCC

    Internet users in Nigeria are 91 million, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

    The NCC said internet users increased from 90,124,428 in April to 91,565,010 in May, an increase of 1,440,582.

    The telecommunications industry regulator made the disclosure in its Monthly Internet Subscribers Data obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos.

    The data indicates that internet users on both Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks increased from 90,154,737 in April to 91,565,319 in May.

    It said that out of the 91,595,319 internet users in May, 91,565,010 were on GSM networks, while 30,309 users were on CDMA networks.

    Also, the GSM service providers gained 1,440,582 internet customers after recording 91,565,010 users in May, as against 90,124,428 it recorded in April.

    The CDMA operators had retained 30,309 internet subscribers in May as recorded in April.

    The data also shows that MTN had 31,406,441 subscribers browsing the internet on its network in the month under review and also recorded an increase of 600,464 internet subscribers in May after recording 30,805,977 in April.

    According to the NCC, Globacom has 27,402,484 customers surfing the net on its network in May, revealing an increase of 211,713 users from the 27,190,771 that surfed the internet on the network in April.

    Airtel had 19,912,661 internet users in May, showing an increase of 504,811 customers from 19,407,850 recorded in April.

    The data also showed Etisalat had 12,843,424 customers who browsed the internet in May, an increase of 123,594 users from the 12,719,830 users recorded in April.

    CDMA operators, Multi-Links and Visafone had a total of 30,309 internet users on their networks in May, maintaining the same record of April.

    Visafone has 30,305 customers surfing the internet in May while Multi-Links has only four internet users.

    The increase in the use of the internet in May is in anticipation of the country’s broadband target of 30 per cent penetration by 2018

  • Internet users in Nigeria now 91m – NCC

    Internet users in Nigeria now 91m – NCC

    Nigeria now has 91 million internet users, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said.

    The NCC said internet users increased from 90,124,428 in April to 91,565,010 in May, an increase of 1,440,582.

    The telecommunications industry regulator made the disclosure in its Monthly Internet Subscribers Data obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

    The data showed that internet users on both Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks increased from 90,154,737 in April to 91,565,319 in May.

    It said out of the 91,595,319 internet users in May, 91,565,010 were on GSM networks, while 30,309 users were on CDMA networks.

    Also, the GSM service providers gained 1,440,582 internet customers after recording 91,565,010 users in May, as against 90,124,428 it recorded in April.

    The CDMA operators retained 30,309 internet subscribers in May as recorded in April.

     

     

  • NCC arrests four over sale of pre-registered SIM cards

    NCC arrests four over sale of pre-registered SIM cards

    The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) yesterday in Dutse, Jigawa State arrested four subscriber identity module (SIM) card dealers over their involvement in the sale of pre-registered SIM cards to the public.

    Its, Head, Enforcement Unit, Mr. Salisu Abdu who spoke to reporters in Dutse, said over 70 pre-registered SIM cards from various service providers were recovered during a raid on Hakimi Street and New Market Street in Dutse.

    He said the operation was as a result of a tip-off over the illegal activities of SIM card dealers in the state, adding that the suspects have already been handed over to security agents for further investigation.

    Abdu said the raid on the two identified areas by his men and security agents took them over two hours to clampdown on the hideouts of the illegal dealers.

  • Etisalat’s Debt Crisis: We Did Not See It Coming – NCC Boss

    Etisalat’s Debt Crisis: We Did Not See It Coming – NCC Boss

    The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, admitted yesterday that it never anticipated the daunting challenges thrusted upon the telecom sector this year, particularly the indebtedness of Etisalat Nigeria to a consortium of banks to the tune of 1.2 billion dollars.
    The Commission ,however, said the problem was being managed by concerned regulatory bodies in such a way that Etisalat’s 21 million customers would continue to enjoy its services, while not a single worker would be fired in the company as a result of the crisis.
    The NCC’s  Executive Commissioner in Charge of Stakeholders Management, Mr Sunday Dare, made the remarks at the opeing ceremony of the 80 edition of Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Abuja.
    He noted that while the forum was to find answers to various issues agitating the minds of the consumer, the regulatory body has been consistent in its resolve to protect the rights of the consumer in line with international best practices and standards.
    Dare who represented Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC at the forum maintained that the NCC declared this year “The Year of Telecom Consumers” to underscore the fact that if all the initiatives, projects and investments in the telecom sector had met with low consumer patronage, the telecom revolution would have been a failure.
    It is really the investment of the consumer through patronage of services  that has encouraged build out and supported service provision. Thus there is need to celebrate and recognize the consumer as the boss of the industry, Prof Danbatta stated.
    Danbatta further said: ” the commission has taken steps to ensure that the telecommunications sector remain vibrant and has carried out its regulatory functions to ensure that the companies operating in the country are healthy.
    “Where necessary NCC has made interventions to prevent disruptions to consumers experience. In addition, to ensure that licensees in the industry continue to operate as viable business, we have commenced aggressive enforcement of the NCC’s Code of Corporate Governance”.
    Acting Director General of Consumer Protection Council, Akinju Opelola noted that the telecom consumers have become vulnerable due to series of abuses in the sector and urged the regulatory body to enforce necessary penalties for the protection of the consumers.
    She listed invasion of consumers privacy, fraudulent and unstructured services and unsolicited messages as part of the abuses, saying the NCC should ensure the rights of consumers to standard services, value addition, and rights to healthy environment.

  • ‘Why NCC veered from regulation to sports’

    THE Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Garba Dambatta, has said it has decided to allocate time and resource to the sponsorship of lawn tennis championship because of its belief in the development of the skills of the citizens.

    Dambatta, who is also NCC’s Chief Executive Officer, spoke during the draw/launch of NCC Tennis Cup competition for this year at Ikoyi Club, Lagos.

    He said: “Our choice to sponsor this tournament was guided principally by our commitment to be socially responsible and to invest in the development and sharpening of skill of our citizens who could develop to the point of making living with this sport and also doing the nation proud by wining laurels. “NCC Tennis Cup increases competition among the players, which is an advantage when it comes to preparation for other competitions within and outside Nigeria.”

    According to him, part of the objectives in this sponsorship was also to give recognition to top tennis players through prize monies and empower them to launch professional careers abroad, and also attract sponsorship to teams, which can train them with professional coaches as members of a squad.

    “We have maintained the same prize of the 2016 Edition for the 2017 Edition. Therefore, the wining team will receive N7 million, the second best will go home with N5 million, the third will receive N3 million while the fourth will earn N2 million for their efforts. All the teams will each, receive N500,000 to support their preparation for the tournament,” Dambatta said.

    He said the competition is open to all, including the very best male and female tennis players in the country.

    “We are proud that this tournament has the cream of the best and promising female and male players who are equally as excited as well all are, ply their trade in the courts for the many weeks that this competition will last,” he added.