interconnectivity rate for the country. The new rates which represents
a downward review takes effect from 1st April, 2013.
The new set of interconnection rates determination for voice services
for the country's telecommunications industry which is as low as
N4.90k is expected to be in operation for the next three years until
further review by the Commission.
Meanwhile, MTN telecommunication has been fined N90 million for
failing to meet up with the industry key performance indicators. The
company has up to April 3rd, 2013 to pay the fine.
Mr. Tony Ojobo, Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communication
Commission made the disclosure on Friday during public enquiry on the
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) regulations.
Number portability enables telephone users retain their mobile
telephone numbers when changing from one mobile operator to another.
Though this is implemented in different ways across the globe.
Speaking on the new set of interconnection rates, Ojobo said the
decision was arrived at after comprehensive consultations with various
stakeholders.
He also said that they were informed by the depth of competition in
the industry, while taking into consideration the position of New
Entrants and Small Operators .
The Termination Rates for voice services provided by New Entrants and
Small Operators in Nigeria , irrespective of the originating network
shall be:
N6.40 (six naira forty kobo) from April 1st, 2013;
N5.20 (five naira twenty kobo) from April 1st 2014; and N3. 90 (three
naira ninety kobo) from 1st April, 2015.
Ojobo noted that the review was a sign to show that the Commission was
a sensitive regulator and has been listening to the yearnings of the
people.
He also announced that the planned emergency centers will soon kick
off with two pilot centers in Minna, Niger State, which is targetted
to serve the northern part of the country and the Akwa, Anambra States
centres meant to serve the southern part of the country. Both are to
serve as a learning curve as more centres are to be opened afterwards.
He gave the emergency number as 112.
He also explained that the initiative which is expected to come up
soon is being delayed bythe issue of management.
Speaking earlier on the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) regulations,
the Executive Vice Chairman, NCC Dr. Eugene Juwah said the service was
being introduced into the Nigerian telecommunication market to act as
an incentive for service providers to improve quality of service and
customer satisfaction.
He further added that "these regulations will in addition create a
harmonious level playing field for all operators.
The draft MNP regulations, he said were aimed at providing a
regulatory framework for the implementation and operation of mobile
number portability in Nigeria, which according to him, "will foster
and strengthen the relationship between service providers in the
country."
Source: The Nation
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