All Is Set For Launch Of 5G Network In Nigeria, As NCC, NIGCOMSAT Signs MoU

All is now set for the launch of 5G spectrum network in Nigeria as the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) and Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat) signs a Mometandum of Understanding (MoU) that will facilitate the release of contiguous bandwidth in one of the most suitable Frequency Spectrum band(s) for early deployment of fifth Generation Network (5G) services in Nigeria the largest market in sub-Saharan Africa.

Speaking the during the signing of the MoU the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) Prof U.G Danbatta stated that amongst the Frequency Spectrum bands allocated to 5G by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU, the C-band (3.4GHz – 3.9GHz) stands out because its balancing point between coverage and capacity provides the perfect environment for 5G connectivity.

He stated that the C-band is most suitable and appropriate for immediate deployment of 5G services taking into consideration availability of device ecosystem with 60-70% of global commercial 5G network deployment currently in the band, thus the importance of this Spectrum for early deployment of 5G services in Nigeria cannot be over emphasized. prof Danbatta futher stated that for optimal 5G service performance, an average of contiguous 100 MHz of spectrum in the C-band is required by an Operator. However in Nigeria, only 120 MHz of the band (3.4 – 3.52) GHz is available for mobile services while the remaining 680 MHz (3.52 – 4.2) GHz of the band is used by NigComSat (NG-1R) satellites.

While also narrating the journey so far to the launch of 5G in Nigeria, the NCC boss adduced that the commission initiated negotiation with NIGCOMSAT whom in it’s estimate could make some adjustment to its satellite operation and release part of its Spectrum holding in the band to facilitate the deployment of 5G in Nigeria. He said the impeccable team at NigComSat proved the commission right. Prof Danbatta commended the Management of the NigComSat under the leadership Dr. Abimbola Alale for demonstrating that the interest of Nigeria as a country is more paramount to the organizational or personal interest.

“The two agencies have been in discussions on how to relocate the operations of NG-1R to the standard C-band 300MHz (3.9GHz – 4.2GHz) potion of the band, which is more suitable in terms of Satellite service offering because end user terminal are cheaper there, while leaving the non-standard C-band 400MHz (3.5GHz – 3.9GHz) portion of the band for 5G use.

The cost of relocating the NG-1R is expected to be offset from the proceeds of the auction of the 5G Spectrum. The two agencies have developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) detailing all the aspect of this undertaking. It is my believe that the impact of this decision knows no bounds and will not only strengthen the relationship between both agencies but would also go a long way in making positive impact on the Nigerian economy”,he said.

On her on part ,the Managing -Director of Nigcomsat, Dr. Abimbola Alale thanked the NCC for collaborating with her in order to advance the course of the digital economy of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

5G Will Impact Different Sectors of the Society and Help Nigeria Achieve Digital Economy; NCC Chairman

The Chairman Board of Commissioners ,Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Prof Adeolu Akande stated that the deployment of 5G spectrum network in Nigeria will impact on every sector of Nigeria’s society and as well as help achieve digital economy .The NCC henchman who spoke during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NigComSat).

The NCC board during the event adduced that “Telecommunication evolution from inception to date has led to improvement in user experience witnessed from 2G, 3G and later 4G. The global impact of 4G brought about increases in mobile usage and network performance”. He stated that in recent times, precisely from the last quarter of 2019, several administrations have begun to license Spectrum for commercial deployment of 5G. saying that “as we speak today, 5G services have already been deployed in United States of America, South Korea, United Kingdom, China, South Africa, Kenya and many more.

Prof Adeolu posited that 5G will bring about substantial network improvements, including higher connection speeds, mobility and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities. In doing so, it enables new use cases and applications that will positively impact different sectors and improve efforts towards achieving Digital Economies.He said 5G does not only offer enhanced broadband and ultra-low, ultra-reliable latency communications but also provide massive machine type communications, where a lot of devices will seamlessly connect and independently interact with the internet without human intervention. Thus, enabling several Smart City initiatives.

He commended the Management of NigComSat and NCC for taken a bold step in the right direction to release contagious quantum of Spectrum in the 3.5GHz band for early deployment of 5G. This type of collaboration seeks to ensure synergy amongst agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy. He also commended the efforts of the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC)/CEO of NCC Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta and his counterpart the Managing Director(MD) of NigComSat Ms. Abimbola Alale for taking an informed decision in national interest which will consequently foster the deployment of 5G and enable Nigeria tap its full potential.