By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that it is developing a policy in order to promote the use of clean energy sources among telecommunication companies.
NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Umar Danbatta, disclosed this at the Commission’s commemoration of the 2023 World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), which was held in Abuja on Tuesday, and where he was represented by NCC’s Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Mr. Adeleke Adewolu.
According to Danbatta, the new policy being developed will make sure that the use of clean energy sources is harnessed to address the three main needs of the telecommunication industry.
He further explained that the three essential needs include a decrease in the use of diesel, the expansion of telecommunication infrastructure to off-grid areas, and a decrease in carbon emissions.
The NCC Boss also claimed that the Commission has labored in order to make the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) cashless policy smooth for Nigerians. He said this was done by ensuring that the connectivity platforms through which electronic transactions are carried out were potent to the extent that they are able to absorb the surge needed for cashless transactions.
Danbata said that due to the recent licensing of the Fifth Generation (5G) spectrum, Nigeria will witness an increased distribution of telecommunication infrastructure that will satisfy the wireless service coverage requirement for 5G services.
According to him, this anticipated growth in 5G coverage will trigger high demand for data services that will result in increased energy consumption for network infrastructure, especially Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as 5G Customer Premise Equipment (CPEs) and mobile devices.
He added that the growth will require the industry to look for green and sustainable energy solutions that are necessary for the connectivity of IoT devices and network optimization.