The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that it is 97 percent ready for the deployment of 5G in the country.
Professor Umar Danbatta, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, confirmed the readiness in a statement released on Thursday. The annual African Tech Alliance Forum (AFRITECH) 2021 is being held in Lagos with the theme “Embracing Changes and Digital Transformation in the New Normal.”
According to Danbatta, as a result of an unprecedented increase in internet traffic caused by the use of a variety of web apps, this paradigm change in communication has resulted in a large increase in network connectivity requirements.
He said the NCC is collaborating with operators on a number of initiatives to ensure network expansion.
He mentioned a current intention to auction spectrum in the 3.5 gigahertz (Ghz) band to operators in order to establish a 5G network in Nigeria.
These, he said, include an ongoing plan to auction spectrum in 3.5 gigahertz (Ghz) band to operators for the deployment of 5G network in Nigeria.
“Already, we are set for the auction of some spectrum slots in 3.5GHz band. The other day I was at the National assembly, I informed the senate that we were 95 percent ready for 5G. Today as we speak, I am delighted to tell you that we are already at 97 percent completion,” he said.
“Consistent with our mandate as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA-2003) and other guiding legislations, we have been working to ensure the penetration of broadband services in line with Federal Government’s targets, as contained in Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020 to 2025.
“The Committee set up to auction the Spectrum has already developed an Information Memorandum (IM) which is already published for inputs and comments from all industry stakeholders. Prior to this, a 5G deployment plan was developed and we have since secured Federal Government’s approval.”
Remote employment, virtual meetings, virtual study, and virtual healthcare delivery, among other things, have become the new normal, according to him.
Engineer Oluwatoyin Asaju, the commission’s Director of Spectrum Administration, and Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, represented the NCC head at the ceremony.
