The nation’s telecoms regulator has scaled up Nigeria’s readiness to deploy 5G mobile networks saying it is now “very high.”
The fifth generation of mobile telephony technology popularly called 5G offers higher transmission capacity for mobile subscribers to enjoy faster voice, video, and data services.
Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Executive Vice Chairman says the telecoms regulator’s level of readiness has prepared it “ready for the implementation of the government’s decision” to deploy 5G networks in the country.
All we are asking is additional spectrum to be allocated by the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC). Of course, some of these spectrums are ready but we have to get the Federal Government’s approval to go ahead with the auctions
Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Executive Vice Chairman.
The NCC chief dropped the hint while fielding questions from Mr. Bitrus Bako Nabasu, the new Permanent Secretary of Communications and Digital Economy Ministry during a presentation in Abuja, according to a press statement by NCC.
5G: More spectrum need for deployment
Danbatta says that NCC “as a Federal agency has always aligned its position and plan with the Federal Government.
“On the 5G, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has spoken about the Federal Government’s position to deploy as soon as possible. Our state of readiness is very high. There’s an auction committee for 5G with a deployment plan ready. As you know, without a plan you cannot have a successful deployment.
“All we are asking is additional spectrum to be allocated by the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC). Of course, some of these spectrums are ready but we have to get the Federal Government’s approval to go ahead with the auctions,” Danbatta says.
During the meeting, Danbatta also explained the enabling laws and mandates of the Commission, its structure, and scorecards, among others.
He used the opportunity to inform the Permanent Secretary of the forthcoming book launch of NCC scheduled for next month and hoped to provide more insight into the workings of NCC on his watch.
According to the NCC chief, “I have spoken about the first Strategic Vision Plan (SVP), comprising 8 agenda items. The SVP has come to the end and we have written a book providing documented progress we have made while implementing it. I am pleased to inform you that the book will be unveiled on 7th September 2021.”
While commending Pantami, the Communications and Digital Economy Minister for his efforts toward resolving some of the perennial challenges in the industry, especially the Right of Way (RoW) charges.
Danbatta asked governments at all tiers in Nigeria to respect the resolution of the National Economic Council on the harmonized RoW charges, to enable the industry to continue to grow and prosper.
“The Commission will continue to put in its best in the discharge of its mandate, especially in facilitating the deployment of broadband infrastructure, which is central to diversifying the Nigerian economy and national development.
“It’s our belief also that the communications industry, under the leadership of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, will experience more quantum leap and retain its current flagship role in the telecommunication space,” Danbatta says.
Home