COVID-19: How NCC wants telecom companies to support customers
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone and keeping people in their homes, aside the health sector, there are other essential services that must not be disrupted as the world and Nigeria sail through these difficult times. The telecommunications sector is one of those crucial sectors that must stay active while people are confined in their homes.
A disruption in telecommunications could put the foundation presently holding every element of the society in danger. To ensure that networks keep running and everyone is able to stay connected, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed how it plans to support telecom companies to continue providing service and also help their customers.
“The Commission has approved resource sharing by operators throughout the period of coronavirus. These include fibre optics cables and other resources in the event of cable cuts and other unforeseen developments during the period of coronavirus outbreak,” a statement by NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Henry Nkemadu said.
“The Commission has also directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to ensure that their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes are in tandem with government initiatives to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic in order to provide safety and support aid materials that will protect the public against coronavirus,”
The industry regulator also listed the following measures it is taking to support mobile network operators:
1. The NCC supports Right of Passage (RoP) for all telecommunications members for easy movement in the event of a total lockdown and or restriction of movement.
2. NCC is in support of RoP for suppliers that are involved in supplies of fuels, foods and other support services to telecom operators, to allow for free movement in the event of partial or total lockdown as a result of the coronavirus.
3. NCC is in touch with Law Enforcement Agencies to constantly protect telecom infrastructure nationwide.
4. NCC will come out from time to time with enlightenment information on the dangers of the virus so that consumers can be guided accordingly.
