The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has assured that the commercial launch of Nigeria’s Fifth Generation (5G) network in selected cities will benefit telecommunications consumers.
Danbatta disclosed this Thursday at the ‘NCC Day’ held during the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
Speaking on behalf of EVC, Director of Consumer Affairs Mr Umar Alkasim stated that as of August 2023, there were 220,715,961 million active mobile subscriptions in Nigeria, while Teledensity was 115.63 per cent at the same time.
He reiterated that the number of active Internet subscribers was 159,034,717 Million, with broadband penetration at 45.57 per cent as of August 2023.
“In this new environment, the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses depends on their ability to leverage new technologies by acquiring the necessary digital skills to do business on an international scale. This, in turn, benefits the economy financially.
“5G spectrum licenses have already been issued to companies for rollout. It is essential to state that the 5G network will bring substantial network improvements, including higher connection speed, mobility and capacity, and low-latency capabilities to communications services in Nigeria. I am happy to inform you that licensees have kicked off the commercial launch of the 5G network in some cities across the nation.
“More importantly, it is also our commitment, at NCC, to continue to provide a level-playing ground for operators to thrive, promote investment and delivery of innovative services to individual consumers and business owners by ensuring enhanced consumer quality of experience. “Danbatta stated.
He further assured that the Commission was working assiduously with various stakeholders, including the consumers, to see how more businesses can embrace digital platforms for delivering their services to the consumer.
“As a regulator, we also ensure we constantly inform you, the consumers, on how to be protected to prevent cases of online fraud or avoid consumers falling victims of cybercrime antics while in their legitimate use of the Internet.” The EVC stated.
Earlier, the Director of the Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, Alkasim Umar, represented by the Head of Consumer Policy Development and Monitoring at NCC, Mr Ayanbanji Ojo, outlined the various programmes put in place by the Commission to protect, inform and educate telecom consumers including Consumer Education Outreach, Consumer Complaints Management, Development of Do-Not Disturb-2442 short Code and others.
The Trade Fair kicked off on 28th September and is expected to end on 9th October.