NCC, Stakeholders Call For Collaboration To Bridge Digital Gap

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and a few IT professionals have asked for cooperation in the telecommunications sector to help Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) deliver services effectively.

At the Telecoms Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF) on Friday in Lagos, Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, stated that such a partnership would close the digital divide between the unserved and underserved.

MVNO is a wireless communications service provider that uses third-party cellular infrastructure to offer its customers services.

The Danbata claims that the NCC allowed MVNOs as part of its effort to establish an enabling environment in order to create jobs and close the gap between the unserved and underserved.

Danbatta was represented at the forum with the theme "Creating Awareness and Ensuring Sustainability of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria's 5G Ecosystem" by Alhaji Muhammad Babajika, Director of Licencing and Authorization for NCC.

According to Danbatta, MVNOs would increase competition and give customers more options in the telecoms industry.

Therefore, he said, it was crucial for the industry's stakeholders to work together.

"The effort would contribute positively while continuing to ensure that operations are conducted within respective telecommunications licences to ensure that service challenges and demands are adequately delivered.

"I know that the success of this gathering will result in strengthening partnerships for improved service delivery,” he said.

In his presentation on "How to construct a successful MVNO Business in Nigeria," Satya Mekala, managing director of Wireless Technology Labs, claimed that MVNOs have the potential to enhance people's lives and societies.

By extending the advantages of mobile services to lower-income households and smaller businesses and so making significant economic contributions, he claimed that MVNOs have the power to enhance people's lives and society.

The Chief Operating Officer, of WTES, Chidi Ajuzie, said the MVNO helped the local ecosystem thrive by fostering the development of new jobs and digital projects.

According to Ajuzie, the largest problem MVNOs face is the potential for large telecom carriers to stifle them if there is a perceived threat.

The managing editor of Business Remarks Olanrewaju Bukola stated that mobile technology was becoming more and more significant for both consumers and businesses, as well as for many Nigerians, in her welcome speech.

Olarenwaju said mobile broadband is the best and only way to access the internet.

She claimed that due to its increased adoption and growth, MVNOs now have the chance to offer fresh digital solutions to both small and large businesses as well as consumers.

She said that MVNOs' flexibility, agility, connection, and affordable pricing allow them to create novel value-added products, B2B, B2C, and IoT applications, as well as rich communication messaging and services.

According to her, MVNO penetration in Africa had previously been comparatively slower than in the rest of the world.

She said that the COVID-19 outbreak had given MVNOs additional chances to establish themselves as rivals in the market.

"The introduction of MVNOs is believed to add value for both operators and customers.

“For the operators by using their available excess capacity and for the customers by offering innovative and several niche value-added services that were not offered by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

"From the consumer side, MVNOs can provide more competitive offerings, which means lower costs without compromising on service,” Olarenwaju said.

According to her, using network capacity without having to own it allowed for a reduction in expenses that were then passed on to customers.

She stated that MNOs, which often give more of a general service that appeals to the people, may also help MVNOs provide a more tailored service.

Nevertheless, she added that the TSSF series would last for five years in order to collect and assess the successes noted in this area of the Nigerian telecom sector.