The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami has disclosed that the 3.5GHz spectrum band (the lower C-band), which was not effective in satellite operations, has been recovered from NIGCOMSAT and reallocated to the NCC.
Pantami who was ably represented by Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi Ladan, who is the Director in the Ministry/Secretary, National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) made the disclosure while delivering a keynote address at a “Stakeholders Consultative Forum on the Draft Information Memorandum for the 3.5GHz Spectrum Auction” for the deployment of 5G services in Nigeria, held in Lagos on Thursday.
“I am happy to inform you that, as the Honourable Minister and Chairman NFMC, the 3.5GHz spectrum band (the lower C-band), which is not effective in satellite operations, has been recovered from NIGCOMSAT and reallocated to the NCC in the first instance, for deployment of 5G technology based on terms and conditions agreed by both parties.
“The next step is auctioning of the spectrum which is under the purview of the regulator of the industry. However, for transparency and accountability in the sale of this common national heritage, the Federal Government thought it wise to involve relevant stakeholders in the process so that the general public is carried along.
“The purpose of this gathering therefore, is to discuss the Information Memorandum on the Auction of this 3.5GHz Spectrum Band allocated for deployment of 5G network in Nigeria. I therefore, urge you participants to use your time, energy and expertise and accord this national assignment the attention it deserves. Your service is for the advancement of our national interest and for the benefit of the generations yet unborn.”
Also in his welcome address at the stakeholders’ engagement forum, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Office of the NCC, Prof. Garba Danbatta has said that in collaboration with the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) and Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NigComSat), the Commission was able to secure the necessary 3.4 – 3.9GHz C-band for deployment of 5G services in Nigeria.
Danbatta said, “Through the collaborative efforts of the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) and Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NigComSat), the Commission was able to secure the necessary 3.4 – 3.9GHz C-band for deployment of 5G services in Nigeria. The C-band is globally accepted as the candidate of choice for 5G deployment due to its excellent propagation characteristics.
“In this regard, we would like to appreciate the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy for the role he played in ensuring the smooth allocation of this Spectrum to the Commission amongst others.
“Having put in these efforts and resources to secure amongst others the contiguous Spectrum in the 3.5GHz premium band (with about 70% of 5G global deployment so far), it has become imperative to immediately license the 3.5GHz band in Nigeria for the deployment of 5G services.
“Having recognized these, the Commission has developed a 5G policy plan and through the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital economy secured the approval of the Federal Government for the deployment of 5G in Nigeria.
“In addition, the Commission constituted a committee to auction some slots in the 3.5GHz band for the deployment of 5G services. This Committee has since gone to work and developed a draft Information Memorandum (IM) for the Auction of the 3.5GHz band.
“As you may be aware, we published the draft IM on our website to enable our stakeholders peruse and make inputs and comments. We are here today, to deliberate on those areas you think may need improvements. It is expected that at the end of this forum, we all shall be part of the future in the management and utilization of this resource in line with global best practices.
“The Commission will continue to develop polices and guidelines in conjunction with Stakeholders to deliver better quality of experience for all.”