Admin l Wednesday, October 06, 2021
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has commenced review of three key regulatory instruments developed to address challenges of the ever evolving Communications Industry and strengthen the market structure ahead of the deployment of 5G technology in Nigeria.
Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta made the revelation in his address at the public inquiry on three regulatory instruments held at the NCC headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, the regulatory instruments being reviewed are vital to ensure that the regulatory frameworks that pertain to SIM Registration and Replacement in the communications industry meet the demands of the digital age and also enhance the flexibility of the Spectrum Trading regime.
He explained that the first instrument, which is the Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations, provides a regulatory framework for the registration of subscribers of communications services utilizing subscription mediums, while the second instrument, SIM Replacement Guidelines, provides guidance on the standards and procedure which Network Service Providers (NSPs) are expected to adhere to in the process of conducting a SIM Replacement, swap or upgrade. Already, the Commission has introduced Business Rules for SIM Registration and SIM Replacement to further ensure that the process for SIM activation and Replacement is seamless.
“The third instrument, which is the Spectrum Trading Guidelines, seeks to promote certainty and transparency in the processes of the Commission by outlining the detailed procedure and conditions for Spectrum Trading in the Nigerian communications sector”, Danbatta said, adding that the availability of spectrum frequency is a necessary element in the deployment of the Fifth Generation (5G) technology in Nigeria.
He noted that the recent approval of the 5G Deployment Plan by the Federal Government makes this process expedient and that the Public Inquiry is a precursor to the Commission’s current drive towards ensuring that frequency spectrum is readily available to Licensees through a rapid and effective process.
Besides, Danbatta explained that in view of the resolve of the Federal Government to tackle insurgency and insecurity through citizen identity management, it has become necessary to ensure that the provisions of the Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations and SIM Replacement Guidelines are in alignment with the National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration and related activities.
“ It is also important to state that the revision of both instruments is geared towards ensuring a more secure and robust process for the registration/activation and replacement of SIM.
He said the review will also ensure a more robust framework for the registration of subscribers of communication services, improve the standards and procedures for SIM Replacements and ensure effective and efficient utilisation of frequency spectrum.
