The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Telecoms operators

  • Telcos tackle NCC over 95.7m ‘invalid’ SIMs

    Telecoms operators yesterday said the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) indicted itself over the huge number of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards it adjudged invalid, almost 10 years after the exercise started across the country.

    Acting under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the carriers wondered why it took the regulator so long to raise the issue.

    Its Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, said the NCC came out with SIM card registration rules which the carriers adhered to during the exercise, adding that huge cash was also sunk on the project.

    Adebayo who spoke at Vanguard e-Economy Forum on Telecoms at the Civic Centre, Lagos, said the NCC would still need to do more explanations because “operators duly followed the procedures, standards and protocols handed to operators at the commencement of the exercise some eight years back.”

    The theme of the forum was Unlocking the Revenue and Growth Opportunities in the Telecoms Sector in a Changing Business Model and Digital Technology Environment.

    The regulator however said it was not true that 95.7million subscriber data was ‘invalid’ but was undergoing scrubbing, stressing that the issue needed further clarification for the benefit of subscribers and other critical stakeholders who rely on subscriber registration data.

    “The Commission wishes to clarify that the process of scrubbing registration data submitted by operators is an ongoing one and that so far, over 60million records have been “scrubbed” successfully. “Scrubbing” in telecoms parlance refers to the screening process of verifying biometric and personal information submitted by all operators in respect of each of their subscribers.

    “Although the figures quoted in the news reports were disclosed at a sensitisation workshop to illustrate the quality of initial data submissions, subsequent process enhancements by the NCC and operators have led to better quality submissions. The process is ongoing, and is constantly being reviewed for higher efficiency. NCC disclosed the outcome of its initial scrubbing exercise at the sensitisation workshop in order to underscore the need for subscriber registration agents and operators to ensure strict adherence to the Subscriber Registration Regulations of 2011 as well as the technical specifications for subscriber registration.

    “NCC however wishes to use this opportunity to encourage all subscribers to ensure that their details are properly captured in order to avoid unnecessary complications which may affect their banking, educational, health, travel and other pursuits which rely on proof of personal identity,” the regulator said in a statement.

    The Commission also urged operators to restructure their business model, so as to boost their revenue as stiff competition from Over The Top (OTT).

    The Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta gave the advice in his keynote address at the forum.

    Represented by the Head, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Bako Wakil, Danbatta said presently, there were dynamics in the industry in terms of infrastructure investment and industry growth.

    “It is necessary for industry players such as telcos, vendors and Value Added Service (VAS) licensees to consider taking steps to change their business models in line with current and forecasted industry trends as may be required,”

  • NCAA cautions telecoms operators over mast

    NCAA cautions telecoms operators over mast

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned operators of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) to ensure they always obtain Aviation Height Clearance (AHC) Permits and Licences before construction of high-rise structures.

    The warning was contained in a statement issued yesterday by NCAA spokesman Sam Adurogboye.

    He listed firms affected by the warning as including landing facilities’ owners, stakeholders and the public.

    Adurogboye said the permits, aviation height clearance and licences are to be obtained before the construction of  tower, telecommunication masts, high-rise buildings/structures and landing facilities.

    The landing facilities include construction of helipad/helideck for civil use and heliports.

    He said the action was in line with the Civil Aviation Act 2006 Part IX (30) (L), which empowers the authority to prohibit, regulate and remove any structure which, by virtue of its height or position, is considered as endangering the safety of aircraft operations.

    “In addition, the Civil Aviation Act 2006 Part IX (30) (K) stipulates that the authority will grant and certify licences for the construction of helipads, helidecks and heliports.

    “It is, therefore, an  illegality to operate a heliport (surface level, elevated or helideck) without the approval of NCAA,” he said.

    He urged those who want to renew their heliport certificate to begin the process not less than 90 days to the date of expiration of the certificate.

    The regulatory authority, he said, was compelled to issue the warning as part of its oversight responsibilities.

    He warned: “The NCAA will, therefore, view very seriously and run the rule over any violation of these safety measures. All stakeholders should be guided.”

  • TUC rejects proposed increase in data tarrif

    TUC rejects proposed increase in data tarrif

    …Says it is against Nigerians
    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), said Tuesday that the proposed increase in data rate by the telecoms operators in the country was a conspiracy against the collective interest of the common man in the country.

    In a statement made available to newsmen and signed by the President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Acting Secretary General, Comrade (Barr.) Simeso Amachree, the Congress said the proposed increase was unacceptable as if is aimed at frustrating the lives of the Nigerian people.

    If said rather than increase awareness for greater citizens’ participation especially in ICT, they are doing the opposite, pointing out that while the government is banking on ICT for youth empowerment, the NCC is trying to cut youth participation.

    The statement reads: “The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria warns against the on-going conspiracy between the Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and some major telecom companies, especially MTN to further increase their data rates from December 1, 2016. It is really startling the extent government and its capitalist’s cronies would go to frustrate the lives of Nigerians.

    “We feel particularly awful about the move because data is one of the cheapest ways to empower the teaming youth. This move if allowed would make it unaffordable. In our view, this is insensitive and criminal on the part of the parties involved.

    “We are not surprised that MTN has thrown its whole weight behind the policy; but the telecom giant should realized that trying to lobby the government will not save the organization when the chips are down. Of course, this cannot happen in South Africa.

    “Naturally, we had expected that government would increase awareness for greater citizens’ participation especially in ICT, but unfortunately they are doing the opposite. One cannot really situate Federal government policy direction these days.

    “On the one hand, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is banking on ICT for youth empowerment while on the other, the NCC is trying to cut youth participation. All the promises made to the Chief Executive Officer of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg when he visited the country cannot be achieved if the policy is implemented.

    “This is not the best way to make money. This move is spineless and should be done away with. What then would be the benefit of the policy to the self-employed who depend on data for their businesses? The truth is, cheap internet data is a vehicle of some sort to economic development.

    “It is very unfortunate, very unreasonable and inhuman to come up with such idea at a period of recession. Any call for increase in anything for now is most unreasonable, uncalled for and a calculated attempt to record more suicide cases and insecurity in our already tension-soaked country.

    “The telecoms sector was often used as a case study to justify the removal of fuel subsidy. But the question is, is the telecoms sector truly deregulated? What happens to the issue of free market in the telecoms sector?

    “There is so much deceit and insincerity in the system. We are calling on government to come up with godly policies that would encourage investment and stimulate growth, instead of deliberately trying to stifle businesses.”

  • NCC gives seven days ultimatum to telecom operators

    NCC gives seven days ultimatum to telecom operators

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Wednesday handed down a seven-day ultimatum to Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and other network providers to deactivate all pre-registered Subscribers Identification Module (SIM) cards or face sanctions.

    The Nation gathered that the deadline was informed by the need to step up efforts towards improving on the security situations in the country.

    According to a press statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs of NCC, Mr Tony Ojobo, the ultimatum was the fallout of a meeting between Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Department of State Service (DSS), the network operators and the NCC.

    Ojobo said the meeting took into cognizance crimes committed against members of the public either by kidnappers, terrorists, robbers and threats to lives, through the use of such unregistered SIM cards across all the networks.

    The statement noted that operators were however told to notify such subscribers before deactivation of their SIM cards.

    At the meeting were the representatives of the NSA, Group Captain, Ibikunle Daramola, DSS, Mr. Godwin Ometu, the immediate past NCC Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Dr Eugene Juwah Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Ubale Maska and representatives of MTN, Globacom, Etisalat, Visafone , Airtel and others.

    The statement reads; ” Seven days’ notice is hereby given for deactivation of all invalid/improperly registered SIM cards; these include all SIM cards without or improperly captured facial pictures and or finger – prints.

    “Henceforth, all registrations must conform to the Data Dictionary, Technical Specifications on finger prints and facial images and the business rule agreed by all stakeholders.

    “All registration records must be validated before sending to the Commission; thus eliminating all invalid records that does not conform new registrations and indicate same in the monthly reports sent to Commission.

    “It was also resolved that operators will be held liable for cases for cases of pre-registered SIMs.

    “Earlier grace of 21 days given by the Commission has lapsed.

    “Accordingly, the Commission has commenced monitoring as from Monday, August 3, 2015.

    “Sanctions for default will apply in accordance with the SIM registration regulations.”