Telecom
Telecom Subscribers’ Expectations in 2010
Telecommunications industry in the country coming from the tortuous 2009 occasioned by global economic meltdown and Central Bank of Nigeria reform in the banking which have affected both operators and subscribers adversely resulting in reduction of Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) as well as expansion plans is looking forward to bounce back to growth path this 2010.
Operators and subscriber have entered 2010 with high hopes of a turn around experience in every sphere of telecommunications service delivery. These hopes are based on the facts that the economic meltdown which has started showing signs of recovery in America and Europe will reflect on Nigeria going by the fact that major telecom equipment vendors that supplies the country’s operators are based in America and Europe which will metamorphose into availability of credit facilities for operators to embark on network expansion projects among others.
More so, it is the expectation of both operators and subscribers that the ongoing reform in the banking sector will be concluded soon and banks positioned to start lending money to businesses that will increase liquidity in the sector and thereby increase ARPU.
SIM Card Registration
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has concluded all the necessary modalities for the smooth commencement of SIM card registration from March this year.
The SIM card registration an idea of Association Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (Atcon) being implemented by NCC requires pre-pay SIM cards to have their ownership details registered with the network operators. The registration process which starts next March will last for six months. SIM cards that are not registered after then will be shut out of the mobile networks.
Lolia Emakpore, head of Consumers Affair at the Nigerian Communications Commission, said the SIM card registration is in line with complaints that the commission had gotten that mobile phones are used to aid crimes and that government instructed the commission to adopt a mode to help curb it.
She said that Nigeria does not have an effective database, which is why six months is enough to cover the six geo-political zones in the country and even get to the local government areas.
According to her, the process will require subscribers to produce their National Identity card. Biometrics will also be taken, to curb fraud, during the process of registration.
Broadband Penetration
The importance of broadband internet service to development of information and communications technology cannot be over emphasized. This has led to different initiatives by both private and government geared towards making broadband internet services affordable and available to Nigerians. Among such initiatives are the state accelerated broadband initiative (SABI) project embarked upon by NCC and the laying of undersea submarine cable, Glo 1 to Nigeria from Europe by Globacom.
This year, many Nigerians are going to witness the availability of broadband services in their homes and offices expected to spring up small businesses. This projections are based on the fact that, the partnership entered into between NCC and Information Communication Technology company, ipNX and other companies to drive the state accelerated broadband initiative (SABI) project which began last year in the ancient city of Kano state will be extended to more towns and cities this year.
The project initiated by the Nigerian communication commission (NCC) contains retail product like the iwireless broadband which is a reliable, high speed wireless broadband solution designed to offer residential and small business subscribers the ability to browse, talk and fax documents all at the same time.
The 9,800 km long Glo1 submarine cable that will carry internet traffic between Nigeria and the rest of the world landed in Lagos last year.
The cable which is of the 32 STM 64 type has virtual infinite capacity and therefore offers sufficient capacity for traffic for the Globacom’s mobile, fixed, and internet telecommunication services. This service complemented by the launch of Glo fixed line service as well as the national fibre optic project is expected to be available to Nigerians this 2010.
MainOne another undersea cable initiative pioneered by MainStreet Technologies is expected to berth in Lagos by December this year.
More so, the renew bid to license 2.3 Ghz spectrum band will be concluded this year and operators that will emerge winners are expected to roll out service on this spectrum which is also NCC’s effort to make broadband affordable and available to Nigerians no matter where they may live.
Mobile Number Portability
One major challenge in the country’s telecommunications space especially in the voice service has been poor quality of service. This issue has generated a lot argument among industry stakeholders, while operators are blaming absence of infrastructure such as power supply, subscribers and the regulatory authorities are accusing operators of congesting their networks.
In all of these NCC decided that it will implement Number Portability expected to address the problem of poor quality of service. However, this is expected to be implemented this year.
The Commission however said Number Portability is one of the important tools it has at its disposal to foster open competition, stimulate improvements in Quality of Service and expand coverage in the Nigerian Telecommunications Market.
For the NCC, number portability must be implemented by all operators in Nigeria including fixed exchange operators, VoIP, Next Generation Networks Operators and Mobile Operators. This is even as transit of Interconnection Operators will also implement the service as it relates to direct routing of calls to the proper serving or terminating network as calls traverse their network avoiding unnecessary routing of calls.
It is also expected that NCC would consider including the porting of Toll Free/Free phone as well as Premium Rate Numbers, as it seeks inputs from the industry stakeholders on its implementation and timing.
Mobile Number Portability when implemented, allows mobile customers to port their telephone numbers between mobile operators, first while Fixed and Interconnect Operators will implement within their networks the ability to perform direct routing of calls originating in or transiting through their networks to the proper terminating mobile network.
Mobile number portability (MNP) enables mobile telephone users to retain their mobile telephone numbers when changing from one mobile network operator to another.
MNP is implemented in different ways across the globe. The international and European standard is for a customer wishing to port his/her number to contact the new provider (Recipient) who will then arrange necessary process with the old provider (Donor). This is also known as ‘Recipient-Led’ porting. The UK is the only country to not implement a Recipient-Led system, where a customer wishing to port his/her number is required to contact the donor to obtain a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) which he/she then has to give to the Recipient. Once having received the PAC the Recipient continues the port process by contacting the Donor. This form of porting is also known as ‘Donor-Led’ and has been criticised by some industry analysts as being inefficient. It has also been observed that it may act as a customer deterrent as well as allowing the Donor an opportunity of ‘winning-back’ the customer. This might lead to distortion of competition, especially in the markets with new entrants that are yet to achieve scalability of operation.
Reduction in Tariff
Nigerian Communications Commission in an apparent move to reduce call tariff paid by telecommunications subscribers in the country, on December 21, 2009 released a new interconnect rate.
Interconnect rate is the rate at which operators terminate calls to one another’s network.
Interconnection is critical to the proper functioning of a competitive communications market. This is recognized in the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which requires network facilities providers and network service providers to provide other licensees with interconnection on request at any technically feasible location.
The last regime of interconnection rate regulation was implemented through the
Commission’s Interconnection Rate Determination issued on 21 June 2006. Since then, the Nigerian communications market has seen further market entry by new operators, the introduction of a Unified Access Service Licence (UASL) regime, and tremendous growth in both subscriber numbers as well as call and data volumes.
In the current determination the interconnection rate for mobile (voice) termination provided by new entrants in Nigeria irrespective of the originating network is now N10.12 which took effect from December 31, 2009; N9.48 from 31.12.2010; N8.84 from 31.12.2011; and N8.20 from the 31.12.2012. The interconnection rate for mobile (voice) termination provided by other operators in Nigeria irrespective of the originating network is now N8.20 from December 31, 2009.
The interconnection rate for fixed (voice) termination in Nigeria irrespective of the originating network shall be: N10.12 from December 31, 2009; N9.48 from December 31, 2010; N8.84 from 31.12.2011; and N8.20 from the 31.12.2012.
NCC also put the interconnection rate for SMS termination provided by new entrants in Nigeria irrespective of the originating network as follows: N1.94 from December 31, 2009; N1.63 from December 31, 2010; N1.32 from December 31, 2011 and N.1.02 from the 31.12.2012.
The interconnection rate for SMS termination provided by other operators in Nigeria irrespective of the originating network which took effect from the 31st of December 2009 is now N1.02.
The implications of the reduction in the interconnect rate means that both voice calls and short message service have been reduced and will continue to drive down each year according to the determined rate as published by the commission.
Telecom
FG Scraps 5 Percent Telecom Excise Duty Under New Tax Law

Federal government has abolished the five per cent excise duty on telecommunications services, a levy that had long sparked public concern over rising costs for subscribers.

Pic credit… Itedgenews
Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), announced the development during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
Maida explained that the duty, which was earlier suspended, had now been completely removed by President Bola Tinubu under the new tax legislation.
“The excise duty, it was the 5 per cent or so, that is no longer there. Before it was suspended, but now the president has been magnanimous to remove it entirely. I was in a room when it was raised, and he said, No, no, no, we cannot put this on Nigerians. I was very pleased when the bills came out and we saw his words were followed through,” he disclosed.
Maida stressed that eliminating the charge would ease cost pressures on subscribers and enable wider industry growth.
He added that reforms within the sector were now guided by principles of transparency, accountability, and stronger consumer protection.
The EVC revealed that the regulator was moving beyond traditional rule-based supervision to incorporate behavioural economics, which includes providing more information for consumers and operators to make informed choices.
According to him, one key initiative is a nationwide public map of network performance, expected in September, that will provide independent data on download speeds, latency, and other service indicators.
“There will also be a quarterly network performance report based on user data. It extends accountability beyond mobile operators to also include infrastructure providers who play a critical role in reliability,” he said.
The NCC boss further emphasised the importance of corporate governance as a tool to attract investment and improve industry efficiency. He noted that the ultimate goal is to nurture a telecom company that is wholly Nigerian-owned, well-structured, and globally competitive.
He listed some of the NCC’s recent achievements, including the conclusion of the NIN-SIM audit, settlement of USSD debt disputes, transition to end-user billing, and the launch of a Major Incident Reporting Portal.
On call tariffs, he pointed out that competition had helped keep rates low, with the highest in the market today at about N18 or N19 per minute, compared to N50 per minute two decades ago.
Addressing frequent consumer complaints, he disclosed that the NCC and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had developed a new framework to standardise electronic recharge processes. In addition, Tier-1 audit firms were hired to investigate billing systems after reports of unexplained data depletion.
The results, he said, showed no systemic manipulation. Instead, factors such as background applications, device settings, and complex tariff plans contributed to user dissatisfaction.
“We are not trying to punish anyone. We want the industry to grow, so consumers are happier, operators perform better, and the government benefits from a broader tax base,” Maida added.
Telecom
Roqqu, SiBAN Unite to Drive Blockchain Innovation Across Nigeria

In a strategic move to propel the Nigerian blockchain ecosystem, Roqqu, a prominent digital finance and blockchain solutions provider, has officially partnered with the Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN).
This new alliance will leverage the combined expertise and resources of both organizations to foster innovation, drive development, and accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology across Nigeria.
The partnership comes shortly after Roqqu was welcomed into the SiBAN network as a corporate member, solidifying a joint commitment to building a more credible, transparent, and sustainable digital asset ecosystem.
The collaboration is designed to bridge the gap between rapid technological innovation and responsible adoption, while prioritizing user protection and ethical standards.
In a statement, the organizations detailed a range of initiatives to be launched as part of this collaboration, all aimed at promoting financial inclusion and responsible innovation.
Key initiatives to be carried out by the two organisations include jointly hosting events to educate both the public and industry professionals on blockchain technology, developing training programs to equip developers and the public with the skills needed to thrive in the blockchain space and actively engaging with regulators and policymakers to help shape a more informed and compliant blockchain community in Nigeria.
“We are delighted to have this collaboration. Our collective strength lies in the diversity and commitment that we both bring to the table and ultimately, contribute to the growth of the blockchain ecosystem,” said Obinna Iwuno, President of SiBAN in the statement.
Roqqu has seen remarkable growth in recent years, establishing itself as a leading force in making cryptocurrency and digital finance accessible. With a focus on providing fast, reliable, and user-friendly services, the company has expanded its footprint beyond Nigeria into other key African markets, including Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. This expansion, along with a virtual currency license to operate in the European Economic Area (EEA), positions Roqqu as a truly international fintech company.
Reacting to the partnership, the Chief Compliance Officer of Roqqu, Roimot Ajiboye-Ibitoye, said partnering with SiBAN is a natural step to make blockchain technology and digital finance accessible, safe, and beneficial for everyone, insisting that together, the two organisations are not just talking about blockchain adoption. Rather, actively building the frameworks, trust, and education needed for it to thrive responsibly in Nigeria.
“This collaboration represents a united front between innovators and industry advocates to create a credible, transparent, and sustainable digital asset ecosystem. By combining our expertise with SiBAN’s strong advocacy and regulatory engagement, we are setting the stage for a future where blockchain becomes a trusted driver of financial inclusion and economic growth across the globe,” he said.
This partnership highlights a shared vision between Roqqu and associations like SiBAN that play a crucial role in bridging the gap between industry innovation and responsible adoption to ensure the benefits of blockchain are accessible to a wider audience, creating a safer and more robust future for digital finance in Nigeria.
SiBAN as a body provides a platform where stakeholders can share knowledge and experiences, where companies can engage in constructive policy discussions with regulators, where communities can learn about safe, responsible participation in the blockchain space and where businesses can collaborate on solutions that serve both economic and social development goals.
Industry watchers believe that this partnership highlights a shared vision of creating a credible, transparent, and sustainable digital asset ecosystem. By working together, Roqqu and SiBAN aim to bridge the gap between rapid technological innovation and responsible adoption, ensuring that the benefits of blockchain are accessible to a wider audience while prioritizing user protection and ethical standards.
Telecom
NCC Claims to Have Eliminated Unregistered SIMs from Telecoms Networks

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that it has successfully eliminated users of unregistered subscriber identity modules (SIM), from the Nigerian telecommunication network, a development that can boost national and cyber security.

Eng. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of NCC,
Eng. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of NCC, who disclosed the information at a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, said, however, that it was beyond the scope of the agency to control the names with which some customers used in registered their SIMs.
The NCC CEO pointed out that while the commission had successfully removed unregistered SIMs from its network, some strange names being attached to some of the subscribers reflect what the owners used while registering with their operators.
“No unregistered SIM is operating on the network as of today, but there may be people using names they did not register with, apparently to mask their identities. We cannot control the names attached to each SIM, as they reflect what the owners used at the time of registration with their respective operators,” the EVC said.
“While NCC cannot control that behaviour, it is to be noted that it is an offence to use fake names to make or receive calls in Nigeria,” Maida warned.
The EVC, however, said that the commission has put necessary measures in place to ensure sanity and stability in the industry so that every user can determine the best network operator to patronise based on performance, service delivery and charges.
He said the commission would, in September this year, launch a public map to show subscribers which of the telecoms networks provides the best service and tariff plan to determine which to patronise based on their locations.
Mr. Maida said for the industry to make the required progress and serve the interests of the people, there is a need for a fresh injection of capital from outside the industry, adding that the commission had already revised a series of good governance guidelines to guide operators in the industry.
According to him, the guidelines are aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and boosting investors’ confidence and customers’ trust in the industry.
He said, “The need for good corporate governance guidelines requires that operators in the industry must provide audited reports to boost investors’ confidence and earn the trust and confidence of their customers”.
The ECV explained that the commission approved the recent tariff hike for the industry due to the fact that there had not been any cost-reflective tariff adjustment for a decade, adding that the commission was mindful of the need to protect the interests of both the operators and Nigerian subscribers.
On the issue of threats to telecoms infrastructure nationwide, the EVC announced that he would soon meet with governors to discuss the need for them to team up with NCC to protect telecoms infrastructure in their domains and to also eliminate multiple taxes on the operators so as to improve service delivery and ensure national security.
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