The Nigerian Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami has said that by 2022 Nigeria will have the largest fifth generation, 5G network coverage in Africa.
Professor Pantami said this at the auction of the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum in Abuja, Nigeria.
The Minister emphasised that 5G would solve some of the security challenges in the country since the technology provides real-time services and platforms.
“We have already made a number of giant strides in the development of our digital economy and the deployments of 5G networks will further support our efforts.”
“5G will harness the social and economic benefit that come along with it and will serve as a catalyst for the successful implementation of our National Digital Economy Development and Strategy, NDEPS, for a Digital Nigeria. The deployment of 5G will also support in the implementation of our National Broadband Plan” he stated
“The National Policy noted the key role of the National Frequency Management Council in the allocation of spectrum for the development of 5G networks in Nigeria. The NFMC is the also to ensure that the required spectrum for 5G standard is available in the most appropriate and timely manner to enable investments , innovation, and competition in the deployment of 5G service for the benefit of consumer and business,” Professor Pantami maintained
He noted that the report of the first set of 5G-trials was critically reviewed and showed the 5G is safe for deployment in Nigeria and would not compromise our security as a country.
“This formed the basis for the development and eventual approval of the National policy. You will recall that the Federal Executive Council FEC approved a National 5G policy for Nigeria’s Digital Economy on September 8, 2021. The approval process followed a very robust debates at the Council,” the Minister noted.
Pantami affirmed that international organizations such as the World Health Organizations, WHO and the International Telecommunications Union, ITU, organs of United Nations, have so far confirmed that the deployment of 5G networks does not cause any adverse health effects and are safe.
Two telecommunications companies are expected to emerge as winners after the auction of the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced that three telecoms companies are qualified as approved bidders for a 5G permit after meeting all requirements for participating in the licensing process.
The three qualified bidders for the 3.5 GHz spectrum, namely MTN Nigeria, Mafab Communications Ltd, and Airtel Networks Ltd, participated in the software-based simulated auction, using the Ascending Clock Auction System for the mock session.
Each bidder is expected to go through a bidder room, which will begin with an opening-round where all bidders are expected to participate.
The Department of Security Service (DSS) will be monitoring the officials in each room and nobody will be allowed to leave the room until the process is over.
The commission approved two slots to licence in the 3.5 GHz spectrum band expected to be picked by successful bidders at the end of the Main Auction.
Voice of Nigeria reports that the NCC had on Friday, 10th November held a mock auction where all bidders participated.
The Commission in November fixed the price for the bid at N75 billion ($197.4 million). However, the telecommunications giants asked for a slash on the licence fee.
Nnenna.O
