The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has revealed that Nigeria has achieved more than 20 per cent broadband penetration as recently disclosed by the International Telecommunications Union, ITU.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, while underscoring the resilience of the telecom sector, said the active total subscribers in the network has surpassed 152 million, with Internet penetration of more than 97 million, even as the nation retains its 30 per cent broadband penetration target by 2018.
Speaking at the 2016 Abuja International Trade Fair, Danbatta, said the penetration level signifies that the country is getting nearer its target of 30 per cent by 2018 as set by the National Broadband Strategy Report.
The EVC who was represented by the Head, Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, averred that NCC’s robust broadband deployment programme through the open access model of fibre infrastructure provision licensing and auctioning of broadband spectrum licenses are yielding results.
“These are to show that the telecom industry will continue to add value to our lives and economy. A lot of solutions are available with the availability of telecom services. Internet banking and online bookings are prevalent,” Danbatta said.
“The Nigerian social media is alive and thriving. We have a full dose of social media interactions going on across the length and breath of the country.”
Danbatta urged telecom consumers to take advantage of the Do-Not-Disturb Code: 2442, to combat the menace of unsolicited text messages, adding that NCC has now empowered the consumers to determine which text messages to receive.
