Operators seek better policy on spectrum licensing

Telecommunications operators in the country have urged federal government and the sector’s regulator Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to focus on creating investment friendly environment alongside spectrum auctioning as a way to achieve the 30 percent broadband penetration target by 2018.

Engr. Samuel Adeleke, immediate past president, Internet Services Providers Association of Nigeria (ISPAN) said that licensing of spectrum as a way to increase broadband penetration is not enough to achieve the target.

He explained that the just concluded spectrum auction where only one bidder bided for the spectrum is a sign for NCC that either the licensing fee is expensive or the objectives of the licensing are unachievable.

“NCC should take a look at the success rate of its auctioned spectrum licenses, for me, it is only the GSM spectrum auction that was successful, others were faced with issues of winners after paying for the license find it difficult to roll out services. NCC needs to look at the proper use of its licenses moving forward. For instance, Globacom has invested in intra-city and inter-city fibre network, which are presently not in use. This infrastructure is required to increase broadband penetration in the country, the regulator should ensure the effective utilization of licensed spectrum,” he said.

Adeleke also blamed the current economic situation in the country which is not conducive for people to make investment.