Availability, Accessibility And Affordability Of Telecommunications Services To Consumers In Focus As NCC Holds TTTR In Yenegoa
By Clifford Agugoesi, Editor-in-Chief
The availability, accessibility and affordability of telecommunications services to consumers on the Nigerian telecommunications network, came under focus as stakeholders of the industry converged on Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, south south, of the country for the `Talk to the Regulator Forum(TTTR).
As explained by Zonal Controller, Nigerian Communications Commission, Port Harcourt Zonal Office, Rivers State, south south, Nigeria, Venny Eze, this TTTR was for Selected Licensees in the South-South Zone….
Particularly of note, according to Ms. Eze, was that, this event, was coming at the heels of the licensing of the 5G network, and the effort by stakeholders to ensure the availability, accessibility and affordability of telecommunications services to all Nigerians.
Said she: “This event, is the second, in the series of the Nigerian Communications Commission`s engagement with licensees, in the South-South, having held similar forum, in Port Harcourt for the licensees in the South-East and the South-South geopolitical zones in 2021, with a brief hiatus in 2022, due to unforeseen circumstances.
Today`s event, provides a veritable platform for interaction between the regulator and the licensees, on one hand, and other industry stakeholders, on the other hand. It is a rare occasion that would enable the Commission to identify the challenges confronting the industry from the pragmatic point of view of the industry players. In other words, licensees are expected to engage the regulator, through robust discussions, with a view to identifying the various challenges affecting their operations, while making suggestions, requiring regulatory interventions, within the mandate of the NCC.
As it were, this forum, would afford the Licensees, an opportunity to be educated on topical issues of concern, which would help them comply to the licensing terms and conditions, in the various license categories.
On behalf of the Nigerian Communications Commission, I will like to seize this opportunity, to express gratitude to the Licensees from the South-South Zone, for honouring the invitation, to participate in the Yenogoa Edition of the 2023 `Talk to The Regulator Forum`. You are enjoined to take advantage of the opportunity provided by this forum, to engage in robust discussions, while proffering solutions to certain topical issues of concern that would be raised, in the course of this engagement.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, there is no doubt that the NCC values the views and contributions of its stakeholders. It is our sincere hope that the views and contributions that would arise from this session would aid the Commission in the development and advancement of the telecommunications industry.”
-With Additional Reporting By Precious John, Senior Special Correspondent
