Modernising 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 Global System for Mobile communications Association (GSMA).
The report, Spotlight on Nigeria: Delivering a Digital Future, was launched at a GSMA industry event held in conjunction with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The event brought together leaders from across 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. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Office, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
“The mobile industry is not only a significant contributor to the economic activities of Nigeria, but also towards the growth of other sectors of the economy. The NCC has been, 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.”
Akinwale Goodluck, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA, added: “Mobile connectivity has already improved the welfare of millions of Nigerians, opening the door to new digital possibilities and powering the country’s economic development.
“For Nigeria to take full advantage of the next phase of its Digital Transformation, it’s vital that collaboration between industry and government enables the right policy environment for millions more to benefit from ultra-fast mobile broadband. If policies don’t keep pace with the needs of society and technological innovation, there is a risk that citizens will be left behind, and productivity and competitiveness will suffer.”
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 US$21 billion to GDP in 2017, representing 5.5% of Nigeria’s total GDP. In addition, the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy resulted 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 first and only technology for accessing the Internet, enabling better access to health, education and commercial opportunities, among other public services.
Smartphone adoption has already risen to over 53 million connections, and 49% of the population are currently connected by mobile technology, compared to less than 1% 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 lags regional peers in 4G adoption. Helping to accelerate adoption would enable more advanced services and create bigger societal impacts.
With increased spectrum harmonisation and licensing reform, the country’s mobile penetration is forecast to rise to 55% of the population by 2025, with 70% having 3G connectivity and 17% having access to 4G networks. Currently, only 44% of mobile subscribers in Nigeria are using 3G technology and 4% are using 4G technology, compared to over 18% 4G penetration in South Africa and 16% in Angola.
The GSMA has identified support for and release of harmonised spectrum and a modernised licensing framework as fundamental building blocks for Nigeria’s digital future. The harmonisation of 1427-1518 MHz and 3.3–3.6 GHz makes them critically important bands for mobile operators seeking to offer 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 of 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 have resulted 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 already achieved by the NCC, the GSMA recommends the following reforms in its report:
- Retire the Digital Mobile Licence, the National Carrier Licence and the International Gateway Licence
- Eliminate superseded conditions in the Unified Access Service Licence (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 unified approach to licensing, permitting licensees to offer the full range of services, as per the UASL scope of services provision
- Provide coverage obligations via radio frequency licences
