THE Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has stepped in to prevent the telecoms
industry from being heated-up by unfair competitive practices among operators.
The
NCC has also pledged to keep a close watch on the activities of the operators
particularly as it relates to the issue of competition stressing that it has
the mandate to maintain sustainable competition in the industry.
Speaking
at a one-day stakeholders’ forum on the current level of competition in the
industry in Lagos, the executive vice chairman of the Commission, Mr. Eugene
Juwah said the incredible growth in access to telecoms facilities as well as
investments in the industry since the liberalization of the industry is ample
proof of the gains of a competitive market.
According
to Juwah, who was represented by a Commission at the NCC, Mrs. Biodu Olujimi
forum was meant to address the issues of transparency among the operators in
the practice of competition in the industry.
While
pledging to deepen competition in the industry, the Commission disclosed that
independent consultant; KPMG Professional Services Limited was commissioned to
carry out a study on assessment of the current level of competition in the
telecoms industry.
Juwah
said that had a one-one interface with licensees in the various segments of the
telecoms market in the course of the assignment saying that the forum was a
further consultation to gather more facts in the regulatory process that is aimed
at determining the current level competition in the industry.
According
to him, the consultant is expected to ex-ray the telecoms market with the aim
of determining regulatory intervention when necessary.
He
said that the information, which will be obtained from the operators will help
to develop regulatory initiatives to prevent anti-competitive practices saying
that it will help to ensure confidence and certainty in all players in the
various markets over unfair practices of their competitors.
While
pledging that all contributions of all stakeholders will be given due
consideration by the consultant as well as the commission, he said that the
forum will not be conclusion of the consultation on the study.
Director,
Policy Competition and Economic Analysis at the Commission, Mrs. Lolia Emakpore
said that the forum is a proactive strategy of the NCC to prevent
anti-competitive behaviour in the industry before it happens.
She
said that the market has grown considerably to an extent that will require
regulatory intervention that will ensure healthy competition in the industry.
Emakpore
disclosed that the NCC has received complain from some persons about what seems
to be anti-competitive practices noting that the Commission would investigate
such acts.
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