The NCC Is Set To Adjust The 20 Year Old Telecom License

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Nigerian telecommunications industry needs to be checked thoroughly to balance its operations without defaults, TechBooky reports. The NCC is initiating a license structure review process exclusive to existing Telecom companies in Nigeria.

NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, led an in-house committee responsible for this task. Danbatta noted that his Agency had to adjust to the dynamics in Information and Communications Technology, which depicts NCC’s responsiveness towards global trends and its tech ecosystem.

Danbatta addressed the advancement and vast range of technology — the convergence and services of technology of global telecom indulgence have reportedly influenced a reform of the current Nigerian license structure. In line with Danbatta, the entire industry is aware of participating in reviewing tech license structures within the country.

It worth noting that the current license that existed for roughly two decades, “ is clear that this Standing Committee, drawn up from competent hands in various departments of the Commission, is perfectly suited and capable of addressing the enormous task of reviewing the existing license structure of  telecom licensees in Nigeria.”

While Danbatta addressed the need for adjusting the Nigerian telecommunications license structure, he highlighted optimistic outcomes such as “provision of extra revenue for the government and elevating homeland licensing to match with international policies.” For contrast, the current social clash between Buhari and Twitter Inc was influenced by the mis-relation of foreign tech policies.

The assigned committee will assist the NCC to institute its license structure review which Danbatta noted the process will be done according to its scheduled phases — a gradual process that involves illustrating the diverse terms and conditions of its license categories.

This next license structure is expected to enlist the limitations involved with these diverse categories in a different section, as well as check and balance the exact license that needs amendment or a definite erase.

Danbatta noted the refurbished license will include a fee — he outlined a seven-point for the committee to centre their reports, including, report on recommended new license undertakings, a report on the impact of certain licenses on other license holders,  a report on recommended amendment to license fees and durations; etc.

According to the Director, Licensing and Authorisation, NCC, and Chairman of the Committee, Mohammad Babajika — the committee is expected to suggest solutions in line with the possible adjustments. The NCC and its committee set to commence amendment of license framework which is likely to draft new structure.