{
  "id": 8810495,
  "title": "Telcos Back NCC’s Zero-rated Access to Educational Platforms",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/telcos-back-nccs-zero-rated-access-to-educational-platforms",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-21T01:13:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/09/21/telcos-back-nccs-zero-rated-access-to-educational-platforms/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), representing telecom operators, has wholeheartedly endorsed the federal government's Zero-rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content Programme. This collaborative effort with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Federal Ministry of Education and participating telecom firms marks a significant stride towards widening educational horizons, promoting digital inclusivity and propelling Nigeria's journey towards a knowledge-based digital economy.\n\nIn a statement issued by ALTON and co-signed by its Chairman Gbenga Adebayo and Publicity Secretary Damian Udeh, the association expressed their recognition of the telecommunications industry's longstanding belief in connectivity as a potent catalyst for social and economic progress. They emphasized that digital networks not only facilitate communication but also unlock opportunities in learning, innovation, entrepreneurship, healthcare and economic participation.\n\nALTON is particularly keen on the fact that as education is progressively shifting towards digital platforms, ensuring accessible learning materials for all becomes paramount for national advancement.",
  "summary": "Telecom operators (Telcos) under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has welcomed strongly the federal government’s Zero-rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content Programme, being",
  "key_points": [
    "ALTON endorses NCC's zero-rated educational program.",
    "Telecom industry supports connectivity as social/economic catalyst.",
    "Digital education access crucial for national advancement."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The endorsement by telcos of the zero-rated access programme signifies a major step towards digital inclusivity and a knowledge-based economy, aligning with the industry's long-held belief in connectivity as a driver of progress.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}