Source: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
1. What is Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms?
It is an NCC initiative implemented in partnership with the Telecommunication Operators, ALTON and the Federal Ministry of Education that allows learners to access selected educational websites and learning platforms without using their regular data balance.
2. Who can benefit from the initiative?
Access is currently open to all learners. Simply visit any of the selected educational websites, and you can access them free of data charges.
3. Which mobile networks will provide the free access?
The initiative will initially be available across MTN, Airtel, Globacom, with plans to extend participation to other network operators in due course.
4. Is it really free?
Yes, for approved educational platforms and within the daily fair usage allowance.
Eligible users can use up to 100MB every day on the designated educational websites without that usage being deducted from their regular data balance.
5. Does the 100MB work on every website?
No. The zero-rated allowance can only be used on approved educational websites and platforms. It does not provide 100MB of general internet data for social media, entertainment or other websites.
6. Which educational websites can I access for free?
The initiative covers educational platforms approved by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) under the framework. These include learning management systems, digital libraries, education, sports, technology, development resources, and technical and vocational learning platforms.Some of the approved platforms include:www.waecconnect.com
www.ignite.education.gov.ng
www.inspire.education.gov.ng
www.estudy.ng
www.elearn.education.gov.ng
7. What happens when I use my 100MB for the day?
You will be notified when your daily zero-rated allowance has been exhausted.
This is intended to ensure that you know when the free educational allowance has ended and avoid unintentionally using your personal data balance.
8. Do I need to buy a data bundle before I can use it?
No data bundle is required to access Zero-Rated sites.
9. Who pays for the free data?
The initiative adopts an operator-sponsored model, under which participating Mobile Network Operators provide eligible users with a daily zero-rated data allowance for access to approved educational platforms.
10. Will zero-rated websites be slower than normal internet traffic?
No. Zero-rated educational traffic must not be deliberately treated as inferior traffic. The NCC’s Quality of Service requirements continue to apply to participating operators.
11. Will more educational websites be added?
Yes. The initiative is designed to evolve. Educational platforms are assessed and approved for participation, and additional eligible platforms can be added over time. The Federal Ministry of Education and the NCC provide the governance framework for determining eligible platforms.
