'Only NCC can license social media platforms' - ITREALMS

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The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has faulted the recent directive for licensing of social media platforms in the country, declaring that only the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has the powers for such regulatory function, reports ITREALMS.

ALTON chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo gave this insight in an exclusive chat with ITREALMS at the weekend.
He told ITREALMS that ALTON subscribes to the fact that the licensing of social media platforms under Over-The-Top (OTT) has to happen.

Adebayo maintained that its not in the scope of the influence or concerns of NBC, but the NCC.

According to him, “Indeed yes, Over-The-Top (OTT) is a layer on communication channels provided on telecom services: it’s part of the Quad Play of Broad-bands which refers to Telephony, Television, Internet and other Mobile Services.”

He also explained that “It’s part of the convergence of telecommunications and broadcasting and the regulator of the base infrastructure should be responsible for licensing of the players which in this case and in our understanding is the Nigeria Communications Commission.” 

ALTON chairman, further said that “It is a conversation that needs to happen but not under the current circumstances of a suspension of Twitter as a service and the directive for licensing arising therefrom.”

Remmy Nweke/DoP

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