Multinational technology company, Ericsson has shown interest in the Nigerian market following a recent visit at the Nigerian Communications Commission’s office by the top officials of the company.
The Ericsson team of Shitlesi Makkhofane, Head Government, and Industry Relations at Ericsson Group; and Peter Olusoji of Ericsson Nigeria, were received on behalf of the Management of NCC by Mr. Sunday Dare the Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management.
Makkhofane stated that Ericsson had studied the Nigerian telecom market and had speculated that the vast potentials of the market were yet to be fully harnessed and expressed interest in the deployment of Broadband to unserved and underserved areas in Nigeria.
The Company also said it is going to deploy the latest innovative technology to this end paying emphasis on the tripod of availability, accessibility, and affordability of broadband – the leading item of NCC Management’s 8-Point Agenda.
The team said, while at the Commission’s Head Office, it will seek clarifications on licensing requirements for a couple of businesses including type-approval procedure for certain equipment because of its interest in exploring the realities of the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G networks; huge data management; as well as providing cybersecurity solutions to enable network interoperability and traceability to check the use of cloned devices that pose threat to security.
However, the Ericsson team expressed concern on the dearth of Forex and its implications for the development of telecommunications infrastructure and market.
In his response, Mr. Dare expressed NCC Management’s appreciation of the team’s visit as well as its knowledge and interest in the Nigerian telecom ecosystem. He expressed delight on the issues raised by the Ericsson team and assured the team that the NCC would continue to do what is right to attract FDI for the development and growth of the telecom industry in Nigeria.
Mr. Dare promised to convey the interests and concerns of the team to the EVC/CEO of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta for Management’s consideration and necessary action.
