NCC hosts stakeholder engagement on 5G

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, is expected to host a stakeholder engagement forum as part of the activities planned for the implementation of the fifth generation technology deployment, 5G.

NCC public affairs director Dr Ikechukwu Adinde said this in a statement released Tuesday in Lagos.

Mr Adinde said the forum will provide industry stakeholders with an opportunity to discuss the draft information memorandum, IM, for the upcoming auction of the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum band.

He said the decision to host stakeholder engagement was in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act, NCA, 2003 and NCC’s distinctive tradition of solid stakeholder consultation on all issues related to communication. telecommunications regulation.

Mr Adinde said the commission inaugurated a committee in June to develop the IM for auctioning the 3.5 GHz spectrum band, which would be used for the early deployment of 5G technology services.

“The MI is a comprehensive document that defines the process put in place by the commission for auctioning the 3.5 GHz frequency band.

“It also provides information on the Nigerian telecommunications market, details of the spectrum to be made available, the prequalification process, the auction process and the indicative timetable.

“The stakeholder engagement forum is, therefore, an important regulatory prerequisite for the planned auction of 3.5 GHz spectrum before the end of this year,” he said.

He said that in line with the goals of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria, the successful and timely deployment of 5G is crucial for the country.

Nigeria’s positioning as a digital technology pioneer and a major player in the growing global digital economy is crucial for the country, he said.

The forum scheduled for Thursday at the Lagos Marriot Hotel, Ikeja, is open to all interested stakeholders from the telecommunications industry and beyond.

5G technology is expected to facilitate several emerging technologies, generate new innovative use cases, drive significant socio-economic growth and create jobs.