From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stated that the rollout of 5G services and the subsequent auctioning of the available lots in 3.5GHz Spectrum band was aimed at deepening broadband penetration and encourage fair competition in the sector.
Prof. Danbatta made the disclosure at the Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on the Draft Information Memorandum for the 3.5GHz Spectrum Auction which took place at Mariot Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos on Tuesday, November 15, 2022.
Danbatta disclosed “In line with our Strategic Vision (Implementation) Plan 2021 2025, which among other things, seeks to promote fair competition, inclusive growth, increased investment and innovative services, and also facilitate strategic collaboration and partnership, we intend to further deepen broadband penetration and encourage fair competition in the rollout of 5G services in Nigeria by auctioning the available lots in the 3.5GHz Spectrum band. This is the reason why we have invited our stakeholders to elicit comments on the draft Information Memorandum (IM) for the upcoming auction.”
The Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum, according to the helmsman of the Telecoms regulatory commission, was organized sequel to the publication of a Draft Information Memorandum (IM) for the auctioning of the available 2 lots in the 3.5GHz Spectrum band by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
He also stated that the Consultation Meeting was in tandem with the Commission’s strategy of consulting with stakeholders in carrying out its regulatory functions, adding that as a world class communications regulatory agency, it believed that its actions must be guided by decisions that take into cognizance the input from stakeholders in the industry.
Danbatta, therefore, called on all those concerned to endeavor to actively participate in the deliberations towards the licensing of the available two (2) lots in the 3.5GHz mid band Spectrum for the rollout of 5G services in Nigeria. “We seek your active participation in these deliberations towards the licensing of the available two (2) lots in the 3.5GHz mid band Spectrum for the rollout of 5G services in Nigeria,” Danbatta stated.
He said Nigerian Telecoms market is one of the biggest in Africa, and the largest contributor to ICT Sector in Nigerian economy. “To date, the Nigerian Communications market is one of the biggest in Africa and is also the largest contributor to the Information and Communications Technology sector of the Nigerian economy. From the latest statistics, Nigeria has an estimated population of 214 million, with an average growth rate of 2.6% annually. Approximately 76.46% of the population is under the age of 35. In line with these demographic changes, broadband penetration increased from less than 10% in 2015 to 45.09% in September 2022.
“Arising from the significant increase in broadband penetration in Nigeria, it has become vital for us to move to the next phase of global development of the sector, given the opportunities that abound for all stakeholders in the industry and the economy at large.
“Following the successful auction of the initial two (2) lots in December 2021, the Commission has received requests to administratively licence the available lots at the previous auction fee. However, the Commission, in line with its powers under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, has decided to licence the available lots in the 3.5GHz band through the Auction Method which is a transparent and efficient approach that can open up opportunities for new entrants as well as deepen competition in the industry.
Danbatta further stated that he Commission has committed enormous resources to ensure that harmonized Spectrum is secured and released in a timely manner for present and future rollout of services that will underpin the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), including International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT-2020) services. “We have kept ourselves abreast of developments at international fora, including ITU-R Study Groups to enable the allocation of strategic Spectrum to IMT services especially the IMT-2020 which has been on the front burner in the last two ITU-R Study Cycles. Hence, it is important that we ensure the timely release of the Spectrum bands necessary for 5G deployment to the industry to enable us reap the immediate and envisaged benefits of 5G technology, and facilitate the development of Nigeria’s Digital Economy to foster national growth.”
Danbatta added that the Commission will continue to develop policies and guidelines in conjunction with stakeholders to deliver better Quality of Experience for all,” Danbatta added.
