Isa Pantami, the minister of communication and digital economy, has formally handed over the spectrum for the Nigeria Communications Commission’s fifth-generation (5G) network (NCC).
Pantami stated this in Abuja on Thursday during a keynote address at a public workshop on national policy on 5G networks and spectrum allocation for deployment.
According to the minister, the NCC’s allocation of bulk spectrum is based on its regulatory roles.
“We are here today to officially allocate the 3.5GHz frequency band, specifically 3.52GHz to 3.90GHz (or 380 MHz), to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for subsequent assignment to the 5G auction winners.” The National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) oversees the initial allocation, according to Pantami.
“5G networks provide significant advantages over previous technologies.” These benefits include “significantly lower latency, higher bandwidth, higher device density, longer battery life for nodes, and greater network flexibility,” he added.
“According to the GSMA, as of the end of December 2021, 200 mobile operators in 78 countries/territories had announced 3GPP compatible 5G service launches (either mobile or fixed wireless access), including approximately 9 African countries.” With our population and market size, we are on track to become Africa’s largest 5G deployment.”
