The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, has aligned on agenda broadband expansion.
Speaking during a meet between the duo, Dr Eugene Juwah, Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC said: “the issue of broadband availability and penetration in Nigeria today is very dear to our hearts at the Commission, and you will recall that it is one of the key areas that we have indicated to occupy our focus in the next few years”.
He said that the Commission has developed a model based on ‘Open Access’ in which the role of the Network Operator is distinct from those of the Service Providers.
“In this arrangement”, according to him, “the network provider offers access to the service providers on a non-discriminatory basis in a competitively neutral environment. Service providers, or corporations, or institutions, or even the public are allowed to access services in line with their needs”.
“Underlining these models and strategies are issues of availability, affordability, stimulation of demands for services, attraction of investments, creation of more employment opportunities, penetration of services to the nooks and crannies of the country, improving governance and energizing the economy”.
President of ATCON, Mr Titi Omo-Ettu in response said that “our reason for initiating this meeting is to enable us compare notes with the Commission on its Broadband Expansion Vision, and harmonise our plans with the Commission’s.
“Also, we seek the Commission’s listening ears when we would have latched unto its programme and require its support and intervention at any bend as we start implementing our plans. He thanked the commission for always supporting the programs of the Association.
The meeting discussed the ways of using Broadband to motivate investments, generate employment, improve governance and create an environment for investments to prosper.
The two teams agreed on the need to protect small businesses and to help big ones expand their networks.
No comments:
Post a Comment