Policy reforms to lift Nigeria's digital economy, GSMA report
Modernizing regulation and policy reform will be crucial to boosting Nigeria's digital economy and accelerating internet access for millions through increased mobile broadband penetration, according to a new report released by the GSMA. The report, "Spotlight on Nigeria: Delivering a Digital Future", was a collaboration between GSMA and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The event brought together from the mobile industry with policymakers to discuss future regulation and how to enable the next generation of 5G connectivity.
"In the world we live in today, mobile communication is a cardinal tool of economic development, growth and integration, and the mobile industry is a key enabler of productivity across economies and societies," said Prof. dr. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Office (EVC / CEO), NCC. "The mobile industry is not only a significant contributor to the economic activities of Nigeria, but also to the growth of other sectors of the economy. The Nigerian Communications Commission has, and continues to play a key role in the development of mobile communication in Nigeria, and I am delighted to be part of this event today. This provides and avenue for regulators, operators, investors, and other relevant stakeholders to examine, share and constructively exchange ideas. "
"Mobile connectivity has improved the scope of economic development," said Akinwale Goodluck, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA. "For Nigeria to take full advantage of the next phase of its digital transformation, it's vital that collaboration between industry and government allows the right environment for millions to benefit from ultra-fast mobile broadband. If policies do not happen with the needs of society and technological innovation, there is a risk that people will be left behind and have productivity and competitiveness. "
Mobile's Contribution to Economic Growth
GSMA research shows that the mobile market in Nigeria makes an important contribution to the economy. The mobile industry contributed $ 21 billion to GDP in 2017, representing 5.5 per cent or Nigeria's total GDP. In addition, the growth of Nigeria's digital economy in the creation of nearly 500,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Accelerating Mobile Broadband Adoption
Growth in the adoption of digital services by government, businesses and consumers is having a positive impact on daily life in Nigeria. For the majority of Nigerians, mobile broadband is the Internet, enabling better access to health, education and commercial opportunities, and other public services. Smartphone adoption has already risen to about 53 million connections, and 49 per cent of the population are connected by mobile technology, compared to one per cent who have a fixed-line connection.
However, the report concludes that there is still broad scope for Nigeria to increase its mobile penetration. Although more Nigerians are getting access to mobile broadband, the country's regional peers in 4G adoption. Helping to accelerate adoption would enable more advanced services and create bigger societal impacts.
With increased spectrum harmonization and licensing reform, the country's mobile penetration is forecast to rise to 55 per cent of the population by 2025, with 70 per cent having 3G connectivity and 17 per cent having access to 4G networks. Currently, only 44 per cent or mobile subscribers in Nigeria are using 3G technology and 4 per cent are using 4G technology, compared to over 18 per cent. 4G penetration in South Africa and 16 per cent in Angola.
Harmonized Spectrum, Licensing Reforms Critical to Nigeria's Digital Future
The GSMA has identified support for and release of harmonized spectrum and modernized licensing frameworks as fundamental building blocks for Nigeria's digital future. The harmonization of 1427-1518 MHz and 3.3-3.6 GHz makes them critically important for mobile operators seeking new mobile services to consumers and businesses. Making these bands available for assignment to mobile operators will be a core component in reinforcing Nigeria's position as Africa's leading mobile market.
With active participation in the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19) process, Nigeria is hugely influential. With a year to go until WRC-19, leading the region in support or identifying new IMT bands that 5G will benefit from, especially the 26GHz, 40GHz and 70GHz bands, will be crucial.
Licensing Updates to Promote Market Growth
Changes in the market and technologies in a licensing framework and licensing conditions in Nigeria that could benefit from a review and update; left as is, they could pose an impediment to future growth. A future-fit licensing regime will help promote market growth, boost investor confidence and enable increased connectivity.
Building on the progress, the GSMA recommends the following reforms in its report:
- Retire the Digital Mobile License, the National Carrier License and the International Gateway License;
- Eliminate superseded conditions in the Unified Access Service License (UASL) and migrate many others towards a supplementary general UASL conditions document or to parallel regulations;
- Transition to an indefinite duration for the UASL;
- Guarantee a true approach to licensing, permitting licenses to offer the full range of services, as per the UASL scope of services provision; and
- Provide coverage obligations via radio frequency licenses.
