Nigeria’s
robust telecommunications regulatory environment, guarantee of Returns On
Investment (ROI) and investors renewed confidence in the fast growing sector
will form part of the country’s narrative at the International
Telecommunications Union (ITU) Telecom World 2017.
The
yearly global event hosted by the ITU will hold in Busan, South Korea from
September 25 – 28, 2017
Since
2001 when Digital Mobile Licences (DML), were issued by Nigerian Communications
Commission (NCC), the country has witnessed multiplier effects in social and
economic development.
Telecommunications
services are now available to everyone unlike the pre-GSM era when only 500,000
lines were available to a population of nearly 90 million from an investment
profile of about $50m. Teledensity was about 0.01 percent. Internet
connectivity was a nightmare. But the story has since changed.
There
are over 150 million active subscribers now. Internet connections are over 90 million,
teledensity is well over 100 percent. There is over $80b invested in the sector
so far with over 70% of it as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
The
investors have never known a better yesterday.
So,
as Nigeria’s delegation berths in Busan, South Korea, the narrative will be
endearing as the country beckons on more investors especially in broadband Internet.
Existing
and potential investors will want to hear the cherry news of a robust
regulatory agency, the NCC, which has carried out its regulatory functions in
line with global best practices, stakeholders’ engagement, among others.
Honourable
Minister of Communications, Barrister Abdulraheem Adebayo Shittu, will lead the
country’s delegation which will include the Chairman of the Board of
Commissioners of NCC, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye; the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC)
of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta; key industry leaders and players among
others.
The ITU Telecom World 2017
is a global platform for major industry players, Small and Medium Enterprises
(SMEs), Countries and Organisations to network and share ideas about new
developments and technologies that would lead to better connected societies.
It is an event for international
visibility of innovative Information and Communications Technology (ICT),
Products/Services and solutions from around the World.
In general terms, it
involves high level debates on the core issues affecting ICT industry, sharing
knowledge and working for sustainable development.
Although Nigeria has had a
very robust telecommunications sector with active connected subscribers in the
region of 150 million and about 110 percent teledensity, the NCC believes that
more efforts should be deployed to deepen broadband penetration.
By the National Broadband
Plan, NBP (2013 – 2018) the country is expected to attain 30% broadband
penetration by 2018, which currently stands at 21%.
Nigeria will host an
investment forum at ITU Telecom World 2017 and Broadband Nigeria will be at the
focus of discussions.
Signed
Tony Ojobo
Director,
Public Affairs, NCC
Tags
Business