NCC and Press

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANCY SERVICES)

In consonance with its regulatory mandate, and pursuant to its commitment to foster a viable telecommunications environment in the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) plans to engage the services of Consultants to conduct research studies on the following subjects:

The Assignments:

The Objectives and scope of work are highlighted as follows:

STUDY I:

Objectives:

	To investigate and collate data on the availability, penetration and usage pattern of ICTs in semi-urban and rural areas of Nigeria vis-à-vis telephones, Internet services, Computers, Radio, Television, etc.
	To assess the impact of these ICTs on the social and economic lives of the people in the semi-urban and rural areas.

Scope of Work:

The scope of the assignment shall include, but not limited to the following:

	To identify and list specific semi-urban and rural areas that are fully or partially covered by telecommunications from 2001 to date, as well as the services available in such communities;
	To identify schools, libraries, health and medical centers, and other public institutions vis-à-vis the types of ICTs available in each identified community;
	To assess penetration level of telephones, Internet, PCs, radio, television, etc;
	To investigate and determine the cost, to cybercafe/telecenter operators, of providing services in the rural communities;
	To identify the social and economic impact of telecommunications access in rural areas; and,
	To suggest strategies to facilitate access to ICTs in the semi-urban and rural areas

STUDY II:

Objectives:

Scope of Work:

	To identify and determine the number of “Umbrella Phone Kiosks” and Tele-Centers/Cyber-Cafes or similar access outlets for telecommunications in different locations (States, Local Government Areas, Cities, Towns, etc) in Nigeria.
	To determine number of personnel employed by these outlets.
	To determine demand pattern;
	To ascertain economic viability of the outlets in terms of average daily, weekly and monthly income and expenditure.
	To identify major driving forces behind the operation of the outlets.

Within the context of the above, the NCC hereby invites interested Consultants to indicate their interest to undertake either or both of the studies (separately).

Interested Consultants are required to submit with their Expression of Interest, a detailed project proposal, including a demonstration of understanding of the study, proposed methodology, as well as detailed Company Profile, including Company brochure, description of key personnel and Company in similar assignments or experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. 

Eligibility:

Firms will be selected based on their respective experiences and capacities to carry out a study of this nature. Company’s knowledge of, and experience in the ICT sector, particularly in telecommunications, is important. Each Consultant’s team should consist of key personnel, with specific experience working on issues related to the assignment.

Submission of Expression of Interest and Proposal:

The Expression of Interest and relevant Project Implementation Proposals should be submitted within three (3) weeks of this publication to:

The Head, Corporate Planning & Research

Nigerian Communications Commission,

Plot 72, Ahmadu Bello Way (Benue Plaza),

Central Business District,

Abuja, Nigeria.