By Emmanuel Elebeke

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the Umbrella Association for all licensed and network operating companies in Nigeria, last week made an 8-Point demand from the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.

Led by its Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, the association enumerated key areas of concern which it believes hold the key to unlocking the potential growth of the Nigerian telecom sector.

It noted with disappointment   that issues of the multiple taxation, indiscriminate closure of telecom sites and Right of Way among others were still persistent and reduces the speed of industry leapfrogging to the next level.

Multiple Taxation

The association said that while acknowledging the fiscal pressure on government and its agencies in the face of the dwindling federal allocation, multiple taxation on the telecom industry has remained one of the most critical risks to the growth of the telecom sector.

He charged the Nigerian Police, the regulator (NCC) and all other critical stakeholders to do a lot more on public awareness on these taxations and the attendant impact of incessant site closures to enforce them

Declaration of emergency in telecoms sector

Adebayo also argued that unless Operators receive first level of protection by government, with the declaration of state of emergency on the telecom sector, growth will still remain stunted.

Damaged telecom infrastructure in N/E

While taking a stock of the impact of damage telecom infrastructure in the North Eastern part of the country, the Association Chairman lamented the destruction of base station sites, exchanges and other critical equipment in the regions by insurgents and appealed for support, considering that it has remained increasingly difficult to restore services in those areas.

Sim cards data harmonization

On harmonization of sim cards data, he reminded the EVC that ALTON had submitted some position papers to the NCC on it and urged the Commission to ensure definition of Controlled Environment and seamless approach in the entire exercise.

Communication Service Tax Bill

He warned on the potential impact of the proposed communication service tax bill 2015, which he said portends danger of widening the digital divide the more.

The bill, which is already with the National Assembly is for the establishments of communications service tax, and for the imposition, charging and collection of Communication Service Tax.

The Report

The association demanded a critical look and implementation of a report “Industry Report on the Socio-Economic Impact of Telecom in Nigeria, aimed at tackling the challenges to usher in the Nigerian ICT industry into the next decade of growth”   which it presented to the regulator.

Spreading good news of telecom impact

The association also called on NCC to join ALTON in telling the good story about the impact of telecommunication sector on the Nigeria Eco – system.

Responding, the EVC of the commission, prof Umar Danbatta, acknowledged   the contribution of the association to the sector and to the larger Nigerian economic growth

He however, decried the discriminated value added services by operators, warning that if the trend was not reversed, there will be consequences.

He said:   “when you refuse to regulate that, then you have agreed to poor quality of service, no matter how much operators make, there is need for them to do so in an orderly and proper manner.”

He called on ALTON to support NCC’s broadband initiative, and Ascelerated broadband initiative, Wire Nigeria Project, as well as the 8-Point Agenda of his administration.