The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC says the deployment of 5G services will begin at the fourth quarter of 2022 across the country.
The Head, Spectrum Administration, NCC, Mr .Usman Aliyu, disclosed this, while speaking on 5G deployment at a capacity building workshop organized for ICT journalist by the NC in Abuja, Nigeria.
Aliyu explained that cleaning of the Bands was ongoing with the migration of the FSS users from 3.4-3.8 GHz spectrum, following the ratification of the use of Nigerian Communications Satellite by the National Frequency Management Council.
“5G auction committee was constituted, information memorandum was developed, consultation on memorandum carried out, key stakeholders responded, corrections were made on IM before auction.Five options were made ad two were made available.
“Hopefully by Q4 this year, we should have 5G services in the country. The current status involves inflation and increase in exchange rate that affects cost of services; quality and adequate power supply, relocating of services, guard band provision, coordination with neighboring countries,” he said.
He assured that the 5G technology deployment in the country would enhanced the quality of service delivery across all sector of the economy; education, health, financial services among others.These will in turn impact the economic growth of Nigeria.
Aliyu affirmed that “With the successful auction of the 5G spectrum at the end of 2021, Nigeria became the first country in Africa to successfully conduct a full 5G spectrum auction without the services of a consultant and first software auction to be conducted since 2001” He added.
It would be recall that the 5G Spectrum auction of 3.45 GHz spectrum was conducted in late 2021 went through 11 rounds and exceeded the revenue projection from the reserve price of $199,374,000.
The auction process came to an end when MTN and Mafab posted an exit bid of $273 million, while Airtel posted a final bid of $270 million.
The auction generated proceeds of $22.5 billion in total.
The Director of Public Affairs of NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, restated the Commission’s commitment to maintain the long standing relationship with the media.
He urged the media to continue to demonstrate the enthusiasm and professionalism their reportage. Adding that “On our part, we will continue to work with members of your association to accomplish your goals and objectives which have defined our shared interests in building the telecom sector for the greater good of Nigeria.”
Ime N
