The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced discussions with an European based company for possible grants and/or loans to telecommunication operators to drive digital infrastructure deployment in Nigeria, TechEconomy.ng can report.
Professor Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) disclosed this during his presentation on “Realizing the New Set Target of 70% Broadband Penetration”; at ATCON National Strategic Mobilization for the Actualization of National Broadband target of 70% Conference & Exhibition held on Thursday, June 9, 2022 in Abuja on Thursday.
He said the discussions with the company (name not mentioned), was part of efforts to drive Digital Economy development in Nigeria through broadband infrastructure deployment.
Danbatta also stated that seven (7) Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) have been licensed by the Commission, on a regional basis, to spear head the implementation of the National Communication Backbone (NCB).
“The Commission convened a Broadband Infrastructure stakeholders forum that identified the challenges impeding the speed deployment of the infrastructure.
“A joint Committee of all Stakeholders in the Broadband Infrastructure Ecosystem is due to be inaugurated in a few weeks.
“The Commission has opened communications with the European that is offering Grants and Loans to support Broadband Infrastructure deployment as part of Digital Economy development in Nigeria.
“The NCC has completed and published Spectrum Trading Guidelines to enforce the USE-IT OR LOSE-IT policy provision, as contained in the General conditions for Spectrum License, to further facilitate the attainment of the 70% Broadband penetration through mobile network services”.
He also told participants that NCC is in the process of introducing a license framework for the
establishment of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria.
“This will also lead to the massive penetration of Broadband services into the unserved and underserved areas of the country.
“The Commission has issued 5G spectrum licenses to two successful bidders (MTN Nigeria Limited and Mafab Communications Ltd). This again will contribute to a massive leap in Broadband penetration in the country.
The EVC further saif that the Commission is in the process of convening a Technical Awareness workshop for State Governors.
“The workshop is aimed at sensitizing the State Chief Executive on the need for them to support the Critical National Infrastructure that generate a chunk of the funds shared as Federation Account among all tiers of Government.
“The Commission has signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on the use of TV White Space (TVWS) spectrum for extension of broadband connectivity and services to rural unserved and underserved communities. This is another initiative that will lead to a mafor boast in Broadband Penetration.
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