As part of new moves to deepen data services delivery in the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), earlier this week began strategic consultation with stakeholders on international data access and interconnect exchange services.
Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Mr. Sunday Dare who represented the Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta stressed that the essence of the meeting was mainly to get best, concrete solutions to the issues affecting the business of international data access, and interconnect exchange services in Nigeria from the regulatory standpoint as stipulated by Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003.
In his further submission, Dare averred that the Commission has received strategic recommendations from licensees on the implementation of a cost-based pricing for both local and international interconnections. He added that issues of efficient and effective interconnectivity settlement mechanisms, capacity development, and specific challenges of the sub-market will be factored into the emerging regulation.
Contributing, Director Licensing and Authorization, Funlola Akiode, noted that the Commission understands “there are counter accusations on where the faults lie,” stressing that “As a regulator, it is our responsibility to hear all sides, and follow painstaking consultations, develops modalities, processes, policies and improved rules to govern all segments of the industry”.
“We are therefore assured that the outcome of this meeting will not be business as usual, but will lead to clear improvements in the telecoms operating environment and business as a whole,” she added.
Business Hilights recalls that since the takeover of the Commission by the Executive Vice Chairman, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, there had been strategic drives by the Commission to deepen service delivery and growth of the sector’s contributions to the Gross Domestic products (GDP).
