NCC to auction 5G spectrum in Q4- Danbatta

The Nigerian Communications Commission says it will auction the Fifth Generation Technology (5G) spectrum by the Fourth Quarter (Q4) of 2021.

Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, disclosed this at the maiden International Conference on Information and Engineering Systems on Thursday at Nile University, Abuja.

Danbatta, represented by NCC Director of Technical Standard, Mr Bako Wakil, noted that for the process of the allocation auctioning, assigning and commercialisation of 5G spectrum to be seamless and successful, the Federal Government must provide an enabling environment.

“The government will provide an enabling environment for 5G deployment, but the MNOs will determine their own deployment strategies, subject to alignment with approved policies and other regulatory instruments in force.
“Securing spectrum for 5G is an antecedent for any operator to commit serious investment to 5G infrastructure.

Prof Danbatta stressed that “This makes it imperative for the spectrum allocation and assignment process to be concluded as early as possible.

According to him, the following timeline is proposed as optimal in the policy document 5G Spectrum Allocation (Q2 2021), 5G Spectrum Auction (Q4 2021), 5G Spectrum Assignment (Q1 2022), and Commercialisation of 5G Spectrum (Q4 2022).

The EVC, who spoke on the topic “5G Deployment: Catalyst for Digital Transformation in Nigeria,” noted that researches and tests had been carried out on the hazardous impact of electromagnetic emissions from 5G and that they were far below the minimum required standard.

He, however, expressed optimism that 5G indeed was a catalyst for digital transformation in Nigeria and around the world, as it would digitalise and greatly impact the economy of the country.