TECH NEWS REELS

  By Funmilola Gboteku   The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has initiated a tariff simplification exercise to reduce the numerous tariff options and promotional elements that make it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC said this during his  presentation at a capacity building training for reporters at Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Oshodi, Lagos,  "The current tariff structure, with multiple promotions and add-ons, creates uncertainty for consumers. Our goal is to simplify the process, making it easier for consumers to choose plans that suit their needs," Adinde explained. He noted that the commission had analysed data from major networks, revealing an overwhelming number of tariff plans.  "For instance, a telco has 14 voice plans and 145 data plans, while another one has 27 voice plans and 41 data plans. This complexity hinders consumer satisfaction, "he said. Adinde emphas...

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has made a significant move to harness the 6GHz spectrum’s potential for enhanced Wi-Fi 6 to address Nigeria’s growing broadband needs. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, disclosed this during a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies in Lagos on Thursday. Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services at NCC, Abraham Oshadami, said the move would address growing demand for high-speed internet. He said that the current 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands are facing capacity constraints. Maida said that Nigeria would be joining the league of countries already utilising part of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi -6 applications. “The 6GHz band, spanning from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, offers a substantial increase in available spectrum, which is crucial for supporting the growing demand for high-speed internet and advanced applications. “Wi-Fi plays a crucial role in the distribution of fixed ...

    The Pervasive and Mobile Computing Research Group (PMCRG) at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has asked the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to release findings of a 2022 study on Nigeria’s telecommunications competition landscape. The group of researchers made the appeal in a statement signed by Prof. Adeniran Oluwaranti, the Coordinator, PMCRG Africa Centre of Excellence, OAU ICT-Driven Knowledge Park on Monday. The group said the request was made under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, which underscored PMCRG’s commitment to driving transparency and innovation in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving ICT sector. According to them, the NCC engaged the globally renowned consulting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), in 2022 to assess competition in the critical areas of collocation and infrastructure sharing (CIS) within the telecom industry. They, however, noted that despite  completion of the study, its findings had not yet been made public. The PMCRG said it soug...

  By Admin Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) says to  ensure full compliance of NIN-SIM linkage policy, it has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024. This was disclosed in a statement signed by  Mr Reuben Muoka,  Director, Public Affairs at NCC on Wednesday. It said that the Nigerian Communications Commission was pleased to announce significant progress in the Federal Government’s 2020 policy to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs).  According to the statement, till date, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to a NIN, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96 per cent, a substantial increase from 69.7 per cent in January 2024.   " As we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 per cent compliance.  The co...

  Source:Nairametrics The once-booming telecommunications sector in Nigeria has continued its downward spiral with a continuous decline in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate over the last one year. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the sector’s real GDP growth has steadily declined from 11.71% in the first quarter of 2023 to 5.17% by the second quarter of 2024. This significant drop is attributed to a challenging operating environment characterized by inflation and currency depreciation. While telecom operators are reporting revenue growth, the gains have been overshadowed by the broader economic challenges facing the sector. Industry stakeholders said the inability of these companies to adjust prices in line with the depreciating naira has eroded the real value of their earnings, limiting their overall growth. The forex debacle  Aside from other peculiar challenges in the industry telecommunications companies in Nigeria are now grappling with hea...