NCC Launches Public Inquiry on Spectrum Allocation, Data Pricing, Quality of Service, 2 Others

…Push for Regulatory Excellence in Nigeria’s Telecom Sector

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken a bold step towards shaping the future of the country’s telecom sector by launching a 2-day Public Inquiry.

This Public Inquiry initiative which is aimed at strengthening regulations and fostering a robust communications sector, seeks active participation from stakeholders to craft an all inclusive regulatory framework that fosters innovation, competition, and ultimately, empowers Nigerian citizens.

The announcement comes at a time of significant advancements in the Nigerian telecom landscape. Recognizing this dynamic environment, the NCC is taking a proactive approach to ensure regulations keep pace with technological evolution.

“This Public Inquiry underscores our commitment to building a communications sector that supports the Nigerian economy,” declared the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighting the importance of stakeholder involvement. “We value your contributions and look forward to shaping a strong, dynamic industry together.”

By inviting a wide range of stakeholders to participate, NCC aims to harness valuable insights and perspectives.

During his opening remarks, Maida noted that the Public Inquiry will explore ways to ensure that interconnection agreements are fair, transparent, and encourage efficient network peering practices. This will ultimately benefit consumers by enabling them to connect with anyone, regardless of their network provider.

He also stated that the second instrument to be reviewed is Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators.

According to him, the ability to disconnect a service provider in cases of non-payment or service quality breaches is a critical enforcement tool. However, it’s crucial to ensure a fair and transparent process for disconnections. The Public Inquiry will examine the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunication Operators. This review aims to strike a balance between protecting consumer rights and ensuring financial sustainability within the telecom industry.

Also speaking, the Ag. Head of Legal and Regulatory Services Department of NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte said during her welcome address that this collaborative approach will ensure the new regulations address the most pressing concerns within the industry, particularly focusing on three key regulatory instruments: spectrum allocation, data pricing, and quality of of service.

Speaking on spectrum allocation, Whyte noted that spectrum is the lifeblood of the telecom industry, as it provides the essential resources for wireless communication.

According to her, a transparent and efficient spectrum allocation system is crucial for fostering healthy competition and ensuring that all players have a fair shot at accessing this vital resource. The Public Inquiry will delve into how spectrum allocation can be optimized to meet the growing demand for mobile broadband services in Nigeria.

Whyte aldo highlighted data has become an indispensable part of modern life, and Nigerians are increasingly relying on mobile data for communication, information access, and economic activity. The affordability of data services is a major concern for consumers, she said.

The Public Inquiry will explore ways to ensure that data pricing is fair, competitive, and reflective of the underlying costs.

As the quality of service provided by telecom operators directly impacts user experience, Whyte stressed the Public Inquiry will address how to ensure that Nigerians receive reliable and consistent service, from voice calls and text messages to mobile broadband connectivity. By establishing clear quality of service benchmarks and robust enforcement mechanisms, the NCC aims to improve service delivery across the board, she stated.

A well-defined regulatory framework for these five key areas is crucial for fostering a healthy and competitive telecoms environment. This, in turn, will pave the way for innovation and improved services for Nigerian consumers.

The Public Inquiry is expected to generate a comprehensive review of the current regulatory landscape. By incorporating diverse viewpoints, the NCC hopes to identify areas for improvement and implement regulations that best serve the evolving needs of the sector.

The NCC’s commitment to open discourse and collaboration is a positive development for Nigeria’s digital future. The Public Inquiry presents a unique opportunity for stakeholders to play an active role in shaping the regulatory environment that will govern the country’s telecommunications sector for years to come. This approach stands in contrast to a purely top-down regulatory model. By prioritizing stakeholder input, the NCC is fostering a more transparent and inclusive process, ultimately aiming to achieve a regulatory framework that benefits all participants in the Nigerian telecom ecosystem.