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Nigeria’s telecoms regulator has affirmed commitment to the 8-Point Agenda to facilitate the country’s prosperity through the development of digital inclusiveness and a globally competitive telecoms sector.
The regulator has issued licenses to AVANTI Communications Group Plc for satellite space segment, permitting HYLAS 4 Satellite Space Landing Right to the operator in Nigeria. The UK- based satellite operator is a pioneering world-leader in the provision of satellite technology across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta said the commission would continue to implement regulations and initiatives targeting to grow the sector, boost investors’ confidence, advance the interest of operators and protect the rights of consumers within the dynamics of the industry.
The NCC’s boss while speaking in Abuja during the formal presentation of the Landing Right Permit to AVANTI for the HYLAS-4 Satellite Space Segment over Nigerian territory said Nigeria welcomes all investors interested in partnering to develop the market. HYLAS-4 is a telecommunications satellite owned and operated by AVANTI.
The 8-Point Agenda focuses on eight key areas designed by the management of the commission as a strategic plan to consolidate the growth of the telecom sector and also to encourage the industry to continuously leverage the ever expanding possibilities of the digital economy.
NCC remains a progressive regulator and is committed to pushing real growth in the sector, said Danbatta while emphasizing that part of the ideals of the 8-Point Agenda is to increase broadband penetration especially to unserved and underserved areas of Nigeria.
The landing permit granted AVANTI is first of its kind in satellite communications in Nigeria. It is an authorization that operators required to enable their satellites to beam signals over the territory of Nigeria, said Danbatta who was represented by NCC’s Director of Spectrum Administration, Mr. Austin Nwaulune.
Danbatta expressed joy that Avanti’s authorization will enable local operators to deploy services via satellite technology to mass of rural and urban centres in a way that will further drive digital inclusiveness among all Nigerians.
