The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured international and potential investors that Nigeria remains a sure haven for ICT investors with over 107 per cent teledensity for voice segment of telecommunications services already achieved.
According to NCC quarterly magazine, Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC gave this assurance during a panel discussion in Spain.
Danbatta assured the international community that the NCC’s eight point agenda had been carefully packaged to cushion all aspects of investments, especially “as we move to the next frontier of ICT revolution broadband for Internet connectivity.’’
He said that NCC would keep fate with the National Broadband Plan, adding that in line with this, the country now had seven zones and each zone would have one operator which would deploy broadband services to every part of that zone.
“So far, two infrastructure licenses have been issued for Lagos and North Central Zones, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“And the process for issuing licenses for the other five zones has begun,’’ he said.
Danbatta further assured that “the regulatory framework has been put in place to ensure a transparent licensing process because we really want to bridge the digital divide.’’
“We want to bridge the digital divide by addressing the infrastructure divide and we will be transparent and open about this, ‘’ he said.
According to him, the commission has unfolded strategies to promote universal access to support market driven communications.
“NCC has adopted a number of internet related projects and initiatives for its strategic management plan.
“Some of these plans are ongoing while some are proposed or planned for future dates,’’ he said.
Danbatta listed them to include provision of online portal for stakeholder consultation, development of infrastructure database to link Regional Internet Code of Conduct and development of National Registry Database. (NAN)