NCC TAKES ACTION TO STOP DATA LOSS

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), one of the most frequently reported complaints from telecom customers concerns the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, and Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, of the Nigerian Communications.

The EVC said that the 90th Edition of the TCP, held in Lagos on June 23, 2022, focused heavily on topics related to 5G technology, prospects, and challenges.

He claimed that as a result of the 90th event and the rollout of 5G, the Commission has improved its ability to manage device type clearance.

Speaking on the topic of "Data Depletion: Discussions on Different Views," which serves as the event's theme this year, he said that customers have been reporting to the NCC that they have been experiencing data depletion as a result of data usage or consumption.

He pointed out that the COVID-19 lockdown had a negative impact on the country and had forced an increase in the usage of data-enabled gadgets for social, professional, and educational communication.

"This deliberation could therefore not have come at a more auspicious time, as Nigeria moves with the rest of the world towards 5G technology following the issuance of 3.5GHz spectrum licenses to MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, MAFAB Communications Limited and Airtel Networks Limited," he said.

"It is therefore important that we completely appreciate and understand the issues surrounding data depletion, its usage and consumption in the era of 4G technology before we fully commence 5G usage.

It is against this backdrop that the Commission invited the key industry players today to dialogue on the theme "Data Depletion:

"Discussions on Various Perspectives" to understand the various perspectives to this prevalent issue, identify the possible causes, and brainstorm on the way forward.

"During this programme, we will listen to representatives of the Regulator, the Industry and the Consumer Advocacy Groups as they present the issue of data depletion as seen from their respective perspectives.

"As much as the Commission has an obligation to the telecom consumer, it also has an obligation to the Industry; a symbiotic relationship in which one party cannot survive without the other.

"The consumers are the basis for the operators' business; if their interests ignored, the operators.'

"The consumers are the basis for the operators' business; if their interests are ignored, the operators' investments would collapse, and there would be no industry for the Commission to regulate.

"It is thus expedient that we utilize opportunities presented by the Commission's high-level outreach events such as this Parliament to genuinely exchange ideas on how to reduce the challenges militating against effective service provision to the barest minimum," he said.