At a public inquiry on the Commercial Satellite Communication Guideline and the Draft Consumer Code of Practice Regulations, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed that it is planning to regulate satellite communication in Nigeria especially the various services and satellite networks.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman, NCC, noted that the draft commercial satellite communications guidelines are aimed at creating a legal framework to regulate the provision and use of satellite communication services and networks.
“In whole or in part within Nigeria or on a ship or aircraft registered in the country. The intention behind the development of the guidelines is to ensure a well-developed and organised satellite communications market in Nigeria. With appropriate legal framework that meets international best practices, encourage innovation and guarantee public safety,” he said.
According to him, the guidelines would ensure effective management of scarce frequency resources, especially bands where frequency is shared between satellite and terrestrial systems.
Furthermore, the guidelines are also expected to encourage the use of satellite connectivity to unserved areas that lack terrestrial transmission infrastructure backbone.