Tag: 5G

Buhari inaugurates National Policy on 5G Technology

President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated National Policy on 5G for Nigeria’s Digital Economy, directing all the security institutions to immediately leverage Fifth Generation (5G) technology, when deployed, to enhance security in the country.

5G technology was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) Sept. 8, 2021, following a robust debate.

Inaugurating the technology, the president said the Federal Government would take full advantage of the opportunities that 5G provides for the economy, security and well-being of the nation.

He also allayed fears over health safety of 5G, affirming that such issues had been ”effectively addressed” in developing a Policy that suits the country.

On the benefits of 5G technologies, the president noted it could support virtually every sector of the economy, including enhanced connectivity, improved healthcare, support for education while fostering smart cities, and boosting agriculture, among other advantages.

“It will also support security institutions with real time communication.

”5G technology is significantly faster than earlier digital technologies and it provides near real-time communication. This can play a key role in boosting our efforts towards enhancing security across the nation.

”It will enable our security institutions to effectively deploy robotics, autonomous vehicles, augmented and virtual reality to address any security challenges that we face,” he said.

He said the National 5G Policy included a deployment plan to ensure that major cities across the country benefit from the technologies.

According to him, the policy is in line with the commitment of this administration to supporting the digital economy as an enabler for the diversification of the national economy.

“It also seeks to make 5G a major driver of the economy, a catalyst for smart cities in the country and a platform for the creation of jobs that support digital economy.’’

He, therefore, assured investors that the federal government would continue to provide an enabling environment for their businesses to be very successful as Nigeria begins the roll-out of the technology.

Buhari directed the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, to supervise the implementation of the Policy, being done by the Nigerian Communications Commission with the support of other government institutions.

The president also used the occasion to provide a rundown of how his administration had created an enabling environment for investments to thrive in Nigeria’s digital economy.

He recounted that the journey to the launch of the 5G National policy started with the launch of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy in Nov. 2019 as well as the launch of a number of policies to strengthen the digital economy.

He said these included the Nigerian National Broadband Plan and the National Policy for the Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian Telecommunications Sector.

The president noted that under his watch the agreement of the National Economic Council to peg the cost of the Right of Way at N145 per linear metre which was made in 2013, was only implemented in late 2019, after the intervention of the Federal Government.

He observed that the Information and Communications Technology sector played a prime role in enabling Nigeria’s economy to swiftly exit the recession that was triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

”The GDP Report of the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the ICT sector was the fastest growing sector in the fourth quarter of 2020 and entire year 2020, recording double-digit growth rates of 14.70 per cent and 12.90 per cent respectively.

”The sector also recorded a 17.92 per cent contribution to our GDP in the second quarter of last year- this was its highest ever contribution. All these impressive and significant achievements have justified our efforts to support the growth of our digital economy. ”

While describing the process of developing the National 5G Policy as ”painstaking, inclusive and focused”, Buhari recalled that 5G trials commenced in some selected locations in Nov. 2019.

”Multi-sectoral stakeholders then deliberated on the report of the trials to ensure that health, security and other concerns were effectively addressed in developing a policy that suits our country.

”The National 5G Policy will position Nigeria to harness the potentials of 5G technologies to further develop the economy and improve the indices of well-being in the nation,” he said.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy affirmed the sector had recorded unprecedented achievements with increased remittances to the Federation Account, resolution of lingering issues in the industry and successful auctioning of the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum for the deployment of 5G technology.

He thanked the president for the consistent support to the sector, announcing that within two years the federal government completed 1,667 ICT related projects.

”As at August 2021, the sector remitted over N1 trillion to the Federation Account and this is unprecedented because the usual remittances is around 200 billion annually and this has been increased substantially,” he said.

On the spectrum auction for the 5G, Pantami explained that from the reserve price of N75 billion per spectrum, each spectrum was assigned to the winners at the price of over N250 billion per spectrum.

The Minister expressed confidence that given the experiences from other countries and available research, Nigeria would derive maximum benefits from the deployment of 5G technology.

January 25, 2022
5G roll out: Tinubu’s link to Mafab sparks outrage as NCC denies being aware

Former Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who many have said is nursing presidential ambition has been linked to Mafab Communications Ltd, sparking an outrage.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mafab, battling MTN Nigeria and dislodging Airtel Communications Ltd, recently won the bid for the deployment of 5G network technology in Nigeria.

As Tinubu is linked to Mafab, the process by which the little known telecom company emerged winner in the 3.5GHz spectrum band auction for 5G network deployment in the country has been called into question.

The development sparked an outrage, especially on social media as many questioned how Mafab was able to out-bid Airtel, a more known telecom company.

Some alleged Tinubu being who he is might have influenced the auction exercise carried out by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

However, Nigeria’s telecommunications regulatory body has denied ever knowing that the APC National Leader and presidential hopeful has links with Mafab.

In a statement by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, NCC argued that higher standard of integrity and openness was emplaced in the auction of the 3.5GHz spectrum band for the deployment of 5G networks in the country.

According to the statement, NCC came to the knowledge of Tinubu’s stakes in Mafab only recently from a report in the course of its routine media review.

The statement titled 5G Auction: NCC not aware of Senator Bola Tinubu’s connection to Mafab Communications Ltd reads:

“In the course of its routine media review, today, December 15, 2021, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) became aware of publications in some online media channels alleging the involvement of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State, in Mafab Communications Limited, one of the winners of the 5G spectrum sold by the Commission in a public auction conducted on Monday, December 13, 2021, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

“It bears restating that, consistent with the Commission’s long-established regulatory culture and tradition, the process leading to the auction of the 5G spectrum was open, fair and transparent in the most, as the public auction followed a rigorous due process and was witnessed by a cross-section of stakeholders as observers, including the media, the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as well as civil society groups.

“Mafab Communications Limited is a corporate entity duly licensed by the Commission to conduct telecommunications business. The company, which is in good regulatory standing with the Commission, currently holds international data access (IDA), inter-connect data exchange (IDE) and Value-Added Service (VAS) licences.

“It is pertinent to state that the Information Memorandum (IM) for the auction of the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum clearly set out eligibility criteria for participation of interested bidders in the auction, which included that new companies could participate in the bid.

“Over the years, the NCC has had spectrum auctions and as an independent regulatory agency, has maintained an undisputable reputation of successful auctions based on openness, fairness and transparency, a fact widely acknowledged locally and internationally. NCC’s auction proceedings conform to international best practice, devoid of any undue influence or interferences whatsoever.

“A higher standard of integrity and openness was emplaced in the 5G auction as the process was, for the first time, witnessed by the public both physically and virtually through a link provided by the Commission on its official website.

“The Commission would like to assure Nigerians that, following the successful auction of the 5G spectrum, it is prepared to drive the implementation of the next phase of the deployment of the new technology, in line with the Federal Government’s approved plan, for the benefit of all citizens.

December 16, 2021
5G: After $273m, the real journey begins, By Okoh Aihe

By Okoh Aihe

After eleven rounds of a grueling 3.5GHz auction in which three organizations, MTN Nigeria, Mafab Communications and Airtel Nigeria were engaged a bruising game of giants, MTN and Mafab were announced winners of the two Lots. Each winner is to pay $273m for a Lot. Airtel lost out in the protracted bidding streak which lasted over nine hours, and would have the opportunity to fight another day. Each bidding team was restricted to a room at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, totally sequestered from the rest of the world.

On this page we are not disappointed at all. We predicted a bruising battle, so it turned out to be. We sketched on the allegory of a David taking down Goliath in the holy books, so it was. I have a friend who is almost clairvoyant in all these things. Last week we looked at the unfolding story before us and we could nearly arrive on a denouement. In our part of the world you don’t need any auguries to extrapolate certain things. Ours is a world where fairy tales transmogrify to realties of epic proportions.

By Monday evening the world was very interested in the story of Mafab but their website simply just caved in, leaving a banner message, “Bandwidth Limit Exceeded.” There was a follow up message that “The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to the site owner reaching his/her bandwidth limit. Please try again later.”

In spite of the foregoing observation, congratulations are in order. We wish MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications well. All is well that ends well, so Shakespeare puts it. We await full and final payment of their bid money by February, 2022, even as we pray for the next phase of service rollout to begin immediately.

We also wish the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which is the regulator of the telecommunications industry, well. Throughout the period starting from preparation to final execution on Monday, the NCC promised a transparent and credible process which will make a everybody happy. On Monday, the NCC did that in style, leaving very slim opportunities for a quandary.

I am happy for this administration. At least there has to be a positive attached to its footnote. Each administration must be known for something. President Olusegun Obasanjo was known for Debt Cancellation and GSM, among others, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for Amnesty for Niger Delta Militants, and President Goodluck Jonathan for Free, Fair and Credible Elections and BVN. But for this government, not much of a good story – Banditry, Kidnapping, Insecurity, Nepotism, among others, until Monday night. Now there is a 5G picture, which is good.

There was little pitching to do, because those who came for the bid already did their homework and were ready to launch out even without sermonisation. Before commencement, officials of government, Dr Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Adeolu Akande, Chairman of the NCC Board and Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, spoke glowingly about the spectrum on offer and the technology it brings, with Pantami even saying that 5G will address some of the nation’s security challenges.

But those who came ready to start a journey from the steep point of $197, 400, 000 would have more than enough information to prepare for this challenging but bold endeavor.

However, in a workshop for journalists covering the Communications Sector, which held in Kano just days before the auction, titled: Setting The Stage for 5G Journey – Capacity Building for Journalists Covering the Communications and Digital Economy Sector, Prof Danbatta, speaking through Engr Bako Wakil, made some proclamations on 5G which I find very convenient and worthy of note here, both for the readers and those launching out to invest in the industry. It was more like a beginner’s guide to 5G, more like the ABC to the technology.

I have said somewhere that 5G will not come with a magic wand. I still hold on to that strongly, even now, especially after going through the very elucidating teachings. “When significant changes are introduced to an existing standard, such standards are reviewed and updated leading to the emergence of a new generation of mobile network (G), Danbatta explained the G in the technology, which has passed through an evolutionary process to peak at 5G. There are some countries of the world that are already playing around with 6G.

But what is 5G? Prof Danbatta sought to explain. It is the fifth generation of mobile network (5G). a new wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. It enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together. It is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, at ultra-low latency, more reliability, and a more uniform user experience to more users. Its higher performance and improved efficiency empower new user experiences and connects new industries.

Danbatta explained that 5G is needed for the following reasons, which include: huge boom in mobile internet usage, huge growth of wireless network equipment and machines with communication-enabled capabilities (already over 22billion IoT devices already connected as at 2018 and expected to reach 100billion connections by 2030), technology no longer rated by speed but by latency (instant response), and 5G designed for massive intelligent connectivity of things.

By way of explaining that 5G will not necessarily swallow up existing technologies, he observed that in most parts of the world, successor generation of mobile networks does not supplant the predecessor generation networks, until when it becomes very necessary to decommission the oldest generation network.

5G comes with a lot of advantages which include but not limited to the following: fast response time (low Latency), open up many user cases that will revive many industries, billions of devices will be connected in smart homes, smart schools, smart and safer vehicles, enhance health care and education, increase computing capabilities for devices, improved job creation, increase GDP, unleash creativity and innovation, diversify economy, and enhance security of lives and properties.

But following Danbatta’s presentation, it may be of overriding importance to note that 5G is not a job for the rookies or the infra digs. The cost outlay is huge and can humble even those with access to rivers of funds. In a country where right of way (RoW) remains a major impediment to telecoms rollout, 5G deployment will suffer a drawback. The cost of deployment is huge as 5G requires more infrastructure deployment to be effective. 5G coverage area is small thus requiring more sites for good coverage. This implies huge infrastructure investments are required to rollout comparable coverage of 5G networks. For a truth rollout is going to be much easier for a legacy operator.

After all that perambulation, I want to conclude as follows: the fact that NCC made good sales on Monday still doesn’t make it a revenue generating agency. NCC is a regulator as per the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003. There is the need to build strong institutions, which explains why in spite of all the onslaught, regulatory capture and other malfeasance from higher quarters, NCC has residual capacity to still give a good performance. Without good support now such performances may not be possible a few years hence.

December 15, 2021
BREAKING: Nigeria raises $563 million in 5G spectrum auction

Nigeria has raised a total sum of USD563,100,000 (roughly N231 billion) in the auction of 3.5GHz spectrum band for the deployment of 5G network technology across the country.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the auction of the 3.5GHz spectrum band by the NCC, Nigeria’s telecoms regulators took place in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Through the auction, the Nigerian government through the NCC offered spectrum for 5G roll out in the country in the 3.5GHz band.

According to the NCC, the sum raised includes the prices for the right to use licences, and investment commitments tied to the band as well as the premium paid.

TNG reports Nigeria’s main mobile operator, MTN Nigeria and a little known operator, Mafab Communications Ltd secured the 3.5GHz spectrum band auctioned by the NCC.

Announcing the outcome of the auction, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta said the auction was won at $273,600,000 per lot.

TNG reports the two lots auctioned by the NCC brings the total sum for the auction to $547,200,000 at the main stage of the exercise.

Meanwhile, MTN made the highest bid of the sum of $15,900,000 at the assignment stage of the exercise to be assigned the preferred lot of lot one, while Mafab was assigned lot two at no extra cost.

The NCC adopted the Ascending Clock Auction format for the main stage of the auction, which ended after round 11 before proceeding to the assignment stage.

MTN, having made the highest offer at the assignment stage was given the right to select its most preferred Lot and it selected Lot 1 (3500-3600 MHz), while Lot 2 (3700-3800 MHz) is consequentially assigned to Mafab.

The provisional winners are expected to pay the Winning Bid price, less the Intention-to-Bid Deposit, by February 24, 2022.

TNG, meanwhile, reports Airtel as the third bidder fell off the exercise at the 11th round of the main stage of the auction.

December 13, 2021
BREAKING: NCC makes history with auction of 3.5Ghz spectrum for 5G roll out in Nigeria

History was made today in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) successfully auctioned the 3.5GHz spectrum band for the roll out of 5G network technology across the country.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports with the successful auction of the 3.5GHz spectrum band by the NCC, Nigeria has joined the United States, South Korea, China, South Africa and an exclusive league of other countries providing 5G services across the globe.

As Nigeria eyes to roll out 5G networks across the country from 2022, two telecom companies; namely, MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications Ltd won the auction of the 3.5GHz spectrum band.

TNG reports Airtel Networks Ltd was the third telecom firm that joined MTN and Mafab in submission of the bid and made payment of the ten percent fee of $20 million for the two lots in the 3.5GHz spectrum band released by the NCC.

Reserve price per lot was pegged at $197,400,000 at the start of the auction. At the end of round one of the bid exercise, the price per lot climbed to $199,374,000. At the end of round 2, the price climbed to $201,367,740 and round 3 to $204,388,256.

At round 4 the price per lot stood at $209,497,962, round 5 at $215,782,901, round 6 at $224,414,217, round 7 at $231,146,643, round 8 at $240,392,509, round 9 at $251,210,172, round 10 ar $263,017,050 and round 11 at $275,904,886.

TNG reports all three bidders remained in the auction process till round 11 until Airtel fell off the bid process. The 3.5GHz spectrum band auction by the NCC was won at $273,600,000, with provisional licensees expected to make payment of the amount by 24th of February 2022.

Meanwhile MTN made the highest bid of $15,900,000 at the assignment stage of the auction exercise to be assigned the preferred lot of lot one, while Mafab was assigned lot 2 at no extra cost.

However, there is hope for the loser to try again, as the “Commission will maintain the Auction Price of the 3.5GHz auction as a minimum to be applied when the remaining slots are available and cleared of encumbrances”.

TNG reports the process of clearing these encumbrances is estimated to take a minimum of twenty four months, according to the NCC.

Speaking at the auction, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta said the auction was a culmination off efforts at the international and national levels that have prepared Nigeria for the momentous leap forward.

“Today’s auction is momentous in many regards and will usher Nigeria into the exclusive league of countries providing 5G service across the globe. I am particularly pleased to be associated with this auction process because when His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, brought us on board in the year 2015, we took a decision to reposition the Commission on a path that will ensure the uptake of all the opportunities that abound in the communications sector,” Danbatta said.

According to statista, 58 countries had 5G networks as of June 2021, up from 38 about a year ago. A dozen more have had 5G mobile technology deployed in part. It is in fact expected that 5G will reach 1 billion users in 3.5 years, compared with 4 years for 4G and 12 years for 3G.

TNG reports 5G is the fifth generation of mobile phone communications standards. It is a successor to 4G and promises to be faster than previous generations while opening up new use cases for mobile data.

Unlike past historical transitions in wireless architecture, 5G represents an ongoing evolution of existing networks rather than the wholesale replacement or “forklift” approach to deployment.

The 5G benefits range from faster speeds (up to 10x faster), much lower latency (up to 50x lower) and greater capacity allowing many more devices to be connected at the same time.

Up to 100 times faster than 4G, 5G, the fifth generation of cellular networks, is creating never-before-seen opportunities for people and businesses.

With faster connectivity speeds, ultra-low latency and greater bandwidth, 5G has the capacity to transform industries and dramatically enhance day-to-day experiences.

It has been assessed that 5G technology could be responsible for 22.3 million jobs and $13.2 trillion of global economic output by 2035.

December 13, 2021
Nigeria to have widest 5G coverage in Africa by 2022 – Pantami

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, has assured that by 2022, Nigeria would have the largest Fifth Generation (5G) coverage in Africa.

Pantami gave the assurance at the auction of the 3.5 gigahertz (Ghz) spectrum organised by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two telecommunication companies are expected to emerge as winners after the auction of the 3.5 gigahertz (Ghz) spectrum

The minister noted 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 development of 5G networks will further support our efforts.

“This will harness the social and economic benefits that come along with it.

“It will serve as a catalyst for the successful implementation of our National Digital Economy Development and Strategy (NDEPS) for a digital Nigeria,” he said.

He noted that the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) would ensure that the required spectrum for 5G standard was made available in the most timely manner.

He said that this would enable investment, innovation and competition in the development of 5G services for the benefit of consumers and businesses.

He said that the 5G trial was critically reviewed by stakeholders with a view to understanding its health and security implications.

“The review showed that that 5G is safe for deployment in Nigeria and will not compromise our security as a country.

“The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), organs of the United Nations, have confirmed that the deployment will not cause any adverse health effects and are safe,” Pantami said.

NAN reports that the NCC had announced that three telecoms companies were qualified as approved bidders for 5G permit after meeting all requirements for participating in the licensing process.

The three qualified bidders for the 3.5 GHz spectrum are namely: MTN Nigeria, Mafab Communications Ltd and Airtel Networks Ltd, participated in the software-based simulated auction.

They used 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) would monitor the officials in each room and nobody will be allowed to leave the room until the process is over.

The Commission in November, fixed the price for the bid at N75 billion ($197.4 million).

The telecommunications giants, however, asked for a slash on the licensing fee.

December 13, 2021
5G: NCC Conducts Mock Exercise Ahead Of Monday Auction

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has successfully carried out a mock session for the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum auction for the deployment of the Fifth Generation (5G) network in the country.

NCC spokesman, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, explained that the simulated auction held on Friday in Abuja was preparatory to the main auction scheduled to take place on Monday.

The conduct of the simulation exercise, he said, was in line with the requirements stipulated in the Information Memorandum (IM) for the 3.5 GHz spectrum auction.

The IM is a document that defines the process for the licensing of the 3.5 GHz spectrum band earlier published on the commission’s website at the inception of the auction process.

“Using the Ascending Clock Auction System for the mock session, 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 exercise,” the statement said.

“Following the successful mock auction, the stage is set for the commission to license two slots in the 3.5 GHz spectrum band expected to be picked by successful bidders at the end of the Main Auction on Monday, December 13, 2021.

“The auction on Monday will mark a turning point in Nigeria’s determination to harness the benefits of 5G for the nation’s socio-economic growth as the concrete roll-out of 5G commences in 2022.”

Chairman of NCC Board of Commissioners, Professor Adeolu Akande; the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Professor Umar Danbatta; Executive Commissioner (Technical Services), Ubale Maska, and the Executive Commissioner (Stakeholder Management), Adeleke Adewolu, were among those who witnessed the exercise.

Others include representatives from the bidding companies, senior management staff from relevant departments of the commission, technical consultants, software consultants, legal consultants, and other external observers.

In a brief remark at the mock auction, Danbatta said the commission had taken all necessary steps to ensure due diligence on the credibility of the consultants and to safeguard the integrity of the software solution being used to carry out the implementation of the national assignment.

“This is consistent with the open, credible transparent, and fair manner by which the commission is known to have conducted previous auction processes, which have been locally and globally applauded,” Danbatta was quoted as saying in the statement.

In order to ensure a fail-proof process, Adinde said the NCC also carried out a simulation of the manual process of the auction, aside from the electronic mock.

He explained that this was to make bidders familiar with the manual auction in case of any circumstances on the main action day that may warrant a need to switch to the manual auction.

“It is pertinent to note that the two forms- electronic and manual- are clearly stated in the IM and they follow the same process,” the statement added.

“Representatives of the bidding companies, the commission, the consultants, and other observers at the mock auction expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the simulation exercise, which also provided an opportunity for the commission to perfect the auction process ahead of the main auction.

“The commission had commenced the process for the auction of the 5G spectrum in the last quarter of the 2021 and had, since then, carried out a number of activities ahead of the main auction.”

December 11, 2021
Controversy rocks auction of spectrum band for 5G rollout in Nigeria

The auction of spectrum for the rollout of fifth generation (5G) networks in Nigeria is presently enmeshed in a controversy after a report emerged that Nigeria’s telecoms regulators shifted grounds to accommodate some bidders.

Although, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria’s telecoms regulators has clarified the issue, the report had it that the Commission was forced to move deadline for the submission of the bid and payment of the ten percent fee of $20 million after it emerged that only MTN Nigeria had complied with the requirement.

Recall that the NCC announced a bid for the 3.5Ghz spectrum band for the rollout of 5G network in the country, and set the deadline for the submission of bids for Wednesday, November 24, 2021. However, the telecoms regulators moved the deadline from Wednesday, November 24, 2021 to Monday, November 29, 2021.

On December 1, 2021, the Commission announced that at the close of the bid submission date of November 29, 2021, three companies, namely MTN Nigeria, Mafab Communications Ltd and Airtel Networks Ltd had successfully submitted their bids in line with the requirements of the Information Memorandum (IM).

Meanwhile, the NCC in a statement released by its Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, denied ever shifting grounds to accommodate bidders, stressing that the deadline was shifted following concerns expressed by industry stakeholders and potential bidders, including MTN.

Adinde in the statement cited the strike by air traffic controllers of November 23, 2021, just a day before the deadline for the submission of bids, which disrupted flights operations in Lagos as part of reasons why the deadline was shifted, stressing that even MTN on November 23, 2021 communicated to the Commission via email, asserting its concerns about the air traffic controllers’ strike and how it is likely to impede timely submission of their bid.

The Commission further stressed that the Business Day report is replete with misinformation, which the NCC said is capable of misleading industry stakeholders, the general public and undermining the integrity of the ongoing process for the auction of the 5G spectrum. The Commission also clarified that all three bidders are existing licensees of the Commission under different license categories and

“For instance, the publication alleged that Mafab Communications is a relatively unknown operator in the industry, suggesting that it was not eligible to bid for the spectrum. The IM has clearly stipulated that new entrants into the industry can participate in the bid and if they are successful, the Commission will issue the entity an operating license in line with the extant provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 and its licensing regulations,” the statement reads in part.

The statement adds: “It is pertinent to state that the Nigerian Communications Commission maintains an unimpeachable record and reputation based on precedents of open and transparent spectrum auctions over the years, which had earned it both local and international recognition.

“The Commission is consistently guided by its well-established principles of fairness, firmness and forthrightness and wishes to assure Nigerians that it is determined to ensure the successful implementation of the 5G Auction spectrum, which is set to take place on December 13, 2021”.

December 2, 2021
5G rollout: NCC qualifies 3 bidders for 3.5Ghz spectrum auction

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that three telecoms companies have qualified as approved bidders of the forthcoming 3.5 gigahertz (Ghz) spectrum auction.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the 3.5Ghz spectrum band is the band to be used for the deployment of Fifth generation (5G) networks in Nigeria.

According to a statement by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, the qualified bidders are MTN Nigeria Plc., Mafab Communications Limited and Airtel Networks Limited.

Adinde stated that the bidders have met the criteria for participation in the licensing process of 3.5Ghz spectrum, including payment of the stipulated Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as outlined in the Information Memorandum (IM).

“Consequently, the stage is now set for the three companies to participate in the Main Auction as well as in the mandatory Mock Auction process, which will come as a precursor to the Main Auction,” Adinde stated.

TNG reports the NCC has also reaffirmed the dates for the conduct of both the mock auction and the main auction.

The mock auction is scheduled to hold on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja by 11:00 a.m., while the main auction will hold on Monday, December 13, 2021 at the same venue and same time.

December 2, 2021
NCC boss identifies gap in deployment of 5G in Africa

Prof. Umaru Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has identified a gap in the deployment of 5G technology in Africa.

The new technology, which is in the bid stage in Nigeria, Danbatta said will rely heavily on 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE).

Using Nigeria as a case study, the NCC boss noted that the country’s network infrastructure was 80% wireless and that quite a few percentage of the infrastructure was 4G LTE.

He, therefore, urged African countries to invest in the right infrastructure to facilitate the deployment of 5G services.

Danbatta made the appeal during an online tech policy talk organised by Qualcomm in partnership with Forum Global.

The theme of the event was “Unlocking the Potential of 5G in African continent.”

He said the key to the success of 5G deployment was infrastructure, noting that African countries would do well by investing in the right infrastructure to facilitate it.

“As we are all aware, 5G services will initially have to rely on the 4G LTE for the provision of enhanced broadband services.

“We do not have the infrastructure in place yet, this services will entail deployment of additional infrastructure if we are going to move to the usage of low latency as well as machine-to-machine services,” he said .

Speaking on decisions made on 5G, Danbatta said the most important step that the Nigerian government took was unveiling the 5G deployment policy.

He noted that it was the first time the Nigerian government was embedded in a policy in service of the country, adding that normally what NCC does was to develop the regulatory framework.

Danbatta said that the policy had been subjected to stakeholder consultation because that was the rule in NCC when a new technology was to be deployed in the country.

“We normally subject the pros and cons of the technology to massive stakeholder consultations in order to get the buy in of not just critical stakeholders in the industry, but Nigerians in general, ” he said.

Danbatta said currently, the commission was trying to implement the policy and had identified the spectrum that would be used for the deployment of 5G services.

He said there were three categories of spectrum, the low band, mid band and the high band.

Danbatta said that Nigeria would be using the high band spectrum for the deployment of 5G services, specifically 3.5 Gigahertz up to 16.9 Gigahertz.

Also, Mr Nkateko Nyoka, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at Vodacom Group, said that in South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphsa had spoken severally on the need to build smart cities.

According to him, South Africa actually have some smart cities but the country has both elements of a developed and under developed economy.

Nyoka added that the concern of having both elements stretches across many countries in Africa.

“The reality is that in many of our markets, some of these services are provided by the existing technologies of 3g and 4g.

“We do accept that 5G will present certain benefits that we have not had before, but there will be issues around access, just like the South African situation of smart cities the challenge for Africa is how do we close the gap.

“What 5G will present to us is obviously a reduction of latency, but we also need to think of what the general population will benefit from it without creating an unnecessary gap.

“This unnecessary gap would be between the rich segments of our population and the poor,” Nkateko said.

He said the introduction of 5G should be targeted at areas like health care and education that everyone could benefit from.

Mr Lacina Kone, Director-General of Smart Africa, said that the time has come for Africans to start using automated machinery.

He said that automation would represent cases of digital transformation in the area of our manufacturing sector.

“If we Africans want to transform our economies, we need to start moving to machine automation and 5G presents a unique opportunity for such services,” Kone said.

November 24, 2021