The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has restated its commitment in providing a robust regulatory instruments that will meet the demands of the digital age and further enhance the flexibility of the Spectrum Trading regime.

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC reiterated this when he delivered a welcome address at the public inquiry on three (3) regulatory instruments, held in Abuja.

The Public Inquiry on three key regulatory instruments were developed to address the challenges of the ever evolving Communications Industry and to further strengthen the market structure.

The EVC noted that the regulatory instruments are vital to ensuring that the regulatory frameworks that pertain to SIM Registration and Replacement in the communications industry meet the demands of the digital age and also further enhance the flexibility of the Spectrum Trading regime.

The first instrument, the Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations, provides a regulatory framework for the registration of subscribers of communications services utilizing subscription mediums.

The second instrument, SIM Replacement Guidelines, provides guidance on the standards and procedure which Network Service Providers (NSPs) are expected to adhere to in the process of conducting a SIM Replacement, swap or upgrade.

He added that the Commission has also introduced Business Rules for SIM Registration and SIM Replacement to further ensure that the process for SIM activation and Replacement is seamless.

The third instrument, which is the Spectrum Trading Guidelines, seeks to promote certainty and transparency in the processes of the Commission by outlining the detailed procedure and conditions for Spectrum Trading in the Nigerian communications sector.

Danbatta disclosed that the availability of spectrum frequency is a necessary element in the deployment of the Fifth Generation technology in Nigeria noting that the recent approval of the 5G Deployment Plan by the Nigerian Government makes this process expedient.

He explained that the Public Inquiry is a precursor to the Commission’s current drive towards ensuring that frequency spectrum is readily available to Licensees through a rapid and effective process.

“Also, in view of the resolve of the Federal Government to tackle insurgency and insecurity through citizen identity management, it has become necessary to ensure that the provisions of the Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations and SIM Replacement Guidelines are in alignment with the National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration and related activities”, he said.

While emphasizing the important of the revision of both instruments, Danbatta stated that the review will ensure a more secure and robust process for the registration/activation and replacement of SIM’s.

“It is our expectation that this review will ensure a more robust framework for the registration of subscribers of communication services, improve the standards and procedures for SIM Replacements and ensure effective and efficient utilisation of frequency spectrum” he stressed.

Earlier in his opening remark, the NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Mr. Adeleke Adewolu, said that the draft of all the regulatory instruments Regulations have been published on the Commission’s website and comments from all Stakeholders have been received and reviewed.

He added: “Notwithstanding this, we hope to receive more comments from stakeholders, which would ensure that the final regulatory instruments will guide and guarantee the progressive development of the industry.”

He disclosed that the essence of the review was to ensure that the regulatory instruments issued by the Commission are in consonance with the best practices in the industry.

He added that the objective of the public inquiry is to engage stakeholders as part of the rule-making process set out in Section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.