NCC sets up committee to review framework for licensing InfraCo

The Nigerian Communications Commission has constituted a committee to review the framework for the licensing of Infrastructure Companies.

According to a statement on Sunday by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, the committee is expected to recommend sustainable funding options for effective implementation of the proposed national fibre project.

Adinde said the constitution of the committee was sequel to the requirements of the new Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, and reports of relevant committees set up by the Federal Executive Council.

He said other committees set up by FEC to included the Inter-Ministerial Review Committee on Multiple Taxation on Telecommunications Operators over Right-of-Way, and the Technical Sub-Committee on Right-of-Way for Deepening Broadband Penetration in Nigeria.

He noted that the requirements and reports related to the imperative of reviewing the InfraCo framework to cater for the delays in take-off and change in exchange rate.

The framework, he said, would also cater for the supply chain and other challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“So far, the committee set up by the commission has met with all licensed InfraCos, as well as the preferred bidder for the North-Central zone.

“The committee is also looking at the challenges facing the InfraCo project, the need for accelerated deployment of fibre infrastructure and means of mitigating the exorbitant RoW charges, among others,” he said.

Adinde said the commission was also working actively with the Broadband Implementation Steering Committee, as constituted by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, based on the recommendations and requirements of the NNBP 2020-2025.

Meanwhile, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, said, “This will drive service availability, accessibility and affordability.

“We are keen on ensuring the project delivers maximum benefits for the economy at large and that is why the ongoing review is very critical to the overall success of the project in line with the new realities of the time.”

Ehime Alex
Ehime Alex
Ehime Alex reports the Capital Market, Energy, and ICT. He is a skilled webmaster and digital media enthusiast.

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