Dialogue, collaboration hallmarks of digital economy, says ATCON

President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr Olusola Teniola, has identified continuous dialogue and collaboration as typical features of a digital economy.

Speaking with LBN on a phone chat on Sunday, Teniola says a digital economy is no longer optional but mandatory, stating the need for solid infrastructure, which he described as a strong pillar of a digital economy, to be in place.

He, however, explained that the lifting of the suspension on Spectrum Trading Guidelines (STG) 2018 by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as a welcome development, expressing hope that the commission would continue its engagement with stakeholders.

Recall that Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC Director, Public Affairs, had in a statement last week said that the NCC had lifted the suspension on Spectrum Trading Guidelines, pending the conclusion of ongoing review.

According to Adinde, Spectrum is a limited resource, which, when inefficiently utilised, greatly limits broadband coverage and speed.

“This instrument allows the Spectrum resource be traded on the Secondary Market through Transfer, Sharing or Leasing (TSL) upon satisfying stipulated regulatory conditions.

“The Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025 launched by President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2020, requires that these Guidelines be reviewed to ensure that unutilised Spectrum is fairly traded to facilitate rollout by other operators among others.