Tag: NCC

BREAKING: NCC sets new international call rate; telcos to earn in USD

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a new International Termination Rate (ITR) for voice services paid by overseas telecom carriers for terminating international calls on local networks in Nigeria.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the announcement is contained in a statement released on Monday by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs.

According to the statement, the new rate is contained in the ‘Determination of Mobile International Termination Rate’ issued by the Commission on November 25, 2021.

It stated that the new ITR for voice services to be paid by overseas telecom carriers for terminating international calls on local networks in Nigeria is $0.045.

It also stated that the rate is to be paid in US Dollar to enable Nigerian operators to receive an increasing rate in Naira terms to accommodate devaluation.

The statement reads: “The The $0.045 rate is the floor price for ITR services and shall take effect from January 1, 2022. The rate is to be paid in US Dollar to enable Nigerian operators to receive an increasing rate in Naira terms to accommodate devaluation.

“No licensee shall charge and/or receive effective rate per minute below determined ITR floor rate. As such, payment discounts, volume discounts and any other concession that has the effect of bringing the effective ITR lower than the rate determined shall be deemed a contravention of the new determination and will attract sanctions in line with the Nigerian Communications (Enforcement process, etc.) Regulations, 2019.

“The ITR Floor is the minimum that can be charged. Operators will be free to negotiate a rate above the floor and this will be entirely left to commercial negotiation between the operators and international carriers/partners.

“However, while the ITR only pertains to the cost of bringing traffic into Nigeria, Nigerian operators will continue to pay the regulated Mobile Termination Rate (MTR), the local termination rate among themselves.

“The MTR of N3.90 for generic 2G/3G/4G operators and N4.70 for new entrant Long Term Evolution (LTE) operators determined in 2018, will continue to apply for local call terminations until a new rate is determined by the Commission pursuant to its powers as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003.

“The subsisting regime of interconnection rates was sustained by the Commission’s Mobile (voice) termination rate issued on June 1, 2018. In the determination, it was stated that the ITR of N24.40 determined in 2016 will continue to apply until a new determination is made.

“The ITR, being denominated in Naira had multiple negative impacts on local operators which was further exacerbated by episodes of devaluation of naira which ultimately left Nigeria from being a net receiver with respect to international minutes to a net payer.

“The Commission also observed that operators continue to face series of challenges occasioned by the denomination of ITR in Naira, necessitating a need for a cost-based study on ITR. In view of the foregoing and in fulfillment of its statutory mandate of periodic review of regulatory policies, the Commission engaged Messrs’ Payday Advance and Support Services Limited to undertake a cost-based study of voice MTR that is most suitable for the Nigerian telecommunications industry.

“Commenting, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said in arriving at the new MTR of $0.045, “the Commission has carefully considered the information provided by stakeholders and taken a view on parameters and regulatory measures in the light of relevant information such as international experience, cost model results, the state of competition in the sector and the Nigerian macro-economic environment.”

“He added that the process of arriving at the ITR had been conducted transparently with a view to providing maximum clarity to all parties without compromising the confidentiality of commercially-sensitive information. “We are confident that the result the review will make a significant contribution to the development of the telecoms sector in Nigeria and be beneficial to subscribers, operators and the country at large,” he said.

“The EVC, on behalf of the Board and Management of the NCC, extended the Commission’s gratitude to all operators and industry stakeholders, who submitted information relating to the regulation of interconnection rates and the costing models as well as the consultant, for their participation in the process leading to the Determination”.

December 20, 2021
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
Senate approves N633.39bn 2022 budget for NCC

The Senate has approved the sum of N633. 39 billion as budget for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the 2022 fiscal year.

The approval followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Communications on Wednesday during plenary.

Chairperson of the Committee, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu (APC-Lagos), in her presentation, said out of the approved sum, N86 ,242, 952 was for Recurrent Expenditure; N30, 336, 144 for Capital Expenditure, N42, 445, 864 for Special Projects; N466, 868, 323 was transferred to Federal Government while N7, 500, 000 as Transfer to Universal Service Provision Fund.

She explained that the Commission’s Revenue of N633.3 billion consisted of Annual Licensing Fees (N1.5 billion); Annual Operating Levy (N124 billion); Spectrum Fees Charges (N450.2 billion); Numbering Plan (N9.5 billion); Administrative Charges (N4.4 billion); Type Approval Fees (N902 million) and Sanction Fees (N165 million).

The lawmaker added that others included: Sundry Income – N5 million, Federal Government Intervention for Broadband Infrastructure – N41.6 billion and Transfer from Reserve – N1 billion.

In a related development, the Senate also on Wednesday approved the sum of N8, 824, 847, 408 billion as 2022 budget for the Universal Service Provision Fund.

Tinubu, in a second presentation, said out of the sum approved, N1, 923, 760, 092 was for Recurrent Expenditure; N357, 959, 020 for Capital Expenditure; and N6, 543,128, 296 for Projects and Programmes.

December 15, 2021
How Mafab, MTN dislodged Airtel in race for 5G deployment in Nigeria

After 11 rounds of bidding that lasted eight hours, Mafab Communications Ltd and MTN Nigeria Plc dislodged Airtel Networks Ltd to emerge the two successful winners of the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum auction for the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) technology to support the delivery of ubiquitous broadband services in Nigeria.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports both Mafab and MTN emerged winners in a keenly contested 3.5GHz Spectrum auction conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

Three companies, namely MTN, Airtel and Mafab Communications Limited, had qualified for the auction, having met the requirements stipulated in the Information Memorandum (IM) for the spectrum auction. The three companies had also participated in a mock auction held on Friday, December 10, 2021, which served as a precursor to the Main Auction conducted on Monday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

In an exercise that clearly demonstrated demand outstripping supply, with Ascending Clock Auction System adopted by the NCC, the three bidders participated in the intensely competitive auction bid.

In the first round of the auction, the bid price was fixed at $199,374,000.00; $201,367,740.00 at second round; $204,388,356.10 at third round; $209,407,962.50 at fourth round and $215,782,901.30 at the fifth round.

The auction prices increased progressively to $224,414,217.43 at the sixth round; $231,146,643.96 at the seventh round; $240,392,509.71 at the eighth Round; $251,210,172.65 at the ninth round; and $263,700,050.00 at the round 10 of the auction exercise.

The auction process reached its peak at round 11 when the bid price graduated to $275,904,886.25 with all the three bidders still actively participating.

The Main Stage of the Auction, however, ended at the conclusion of the 11th round, with Airtel listing an exit bid of $270,000,000, while MTN posted an exit bid of $273,000,000, giving way to the assignment stage.

At the assignment stage, Airtel had dropped off from the race having posted a lower exit bid, thus leaving Mafab and MTN as winners of the two available lots.

Announcing the results of the auction exercise, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC and Auction Overseer, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, who recalled the processes and activities leading to the successful conduct of the auction, said the NCC published a public notice on its decision to award two lots of 100 megahertz (MHz) Time Division Duplex (TDD) available in the 3.5 GHz band through an auction process to support the delivery of ubiquitous broadband services for the deployment of 5G network in Nigeria.

“Subsequently, an Information Memorandum was issued on November 10, 2021, in which Bid applications for the available spectrum lots were invited. By the deadline for receipt of applications on November 29, 2021, the Commission received applications from three licensed telecoms companies, viz: Airtel Networks Limited, Mafab Communications Limited and MTN Communications Nigeria Limited.

“The auction held successfully today, Monday December 13, 2021 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja with the three bidders competing for the available two slots. The Commission adopted the Ascending Clock Auction format which ended after Round 11 and proceeded to the Assignment Stage. It is my pleasure to announce that at the end of the auction, Mafab Communications Limited and MTN Communications Nigeria Limited emerged as provisional licence winners,” he said.

Arising from the above, Danbatta said that the winning bid price for the auction is $273,600,000 for each lot of 100 MHz TDD and the provisional winners are expected to pay the Winning Bid price, less the Intention-to-Bid Deposit, by February 24, 2022.

He expressed satisfaction that the auction process was efficient, fair, credible, well-organised and transparent and was designed to deliver the ideal outcome.

Accordingly, Danbatta said the strongest bidders have emerged provisional winners, raising a substantial amount for the Federal Government.

The EVC congratulated the winners and thanked the Federal Government for its support and commitment to the deployment of 5G technology in Nigeria, which, he said, will bring substantial network improvements, including higher connection speed, mobility and capacity as well as low-latency capabilities to communications services in Nigeria.

Sequel to the successful auction by the two winners, Danbatta said in line with the processes outlined in the IM, the provisional winners have proceeded to the Assignment Stage.

“MTN Communications Nigeria Plc made an offer of $15,900,000 for the assignment of a preferred Lot, while Mafab Communications Limited made an offer of $11,120,000 for a preferred Lot. Thence, MTN Communications Nigeria Plc, having made the highest offer 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 Communications Limited at no extra cost,” the EVC said.

The EVC thanked all stakeholders, who have contributed to the success of the auction process. He said the huge investment that will accrue from the sales of the spectrum band auctioned will result in increased transformation in life and businesses.

Earlier, at the opening ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, who doubles as the Chief Host, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), who emphasized Federal Government’s commitment to driving digital economy, commended the Commission for its efforts towards implementing the 5G Deployment Plan for the country.

He expressed optimism that the dawn of 5G network in Nigeria will offer significant advantages over current technologies, some of which include much lower latency, higher bandwidth, greater device density, longer battery life for nodes, and greater network flexibility.

Also in his remarks, the Chairman, Board of Commissioners, NCC, Prof. Adeolu Akande, said that spectrum plays a strategic role in meeting the insatiable demand for advanced mobile data services as well as a new wave of wireless broadband such as remote object manipulation, industrial automation, virtual and augmented reality, and next-generation connectivity for vehicles. He said the use cases will continue to increase the impact that mobile services have on societies and economies.

He commended the Minister for his unflinching support, the Board of Commissioners, Management and staff of the NCC for the role they played in making the auction to be successful. He also thanked the bidders for believing in the Nigerian communications sector by their willingness to invest millions of dollars in the sector for the provision of 5G services. He said that the Commission is committed to transparency and openness, which the auction represents.

Prof. Akande’s voice was amplified by the Executive Commissioner Technical Services at NCC, Engr. Ubale Maska, who served as the auction adviser. While delivering the Vote of Thanks, Maska conveyed the gratitude of the Commission to all stakeholders, giving special mention of the Auction Planning Committee, the media and staff of the Commission.

December 14, 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
NIN registration: I’m yet to receive N25 billion approved for NIMC – Pantami

As challenges to register for National Identification Number (NIN) persist, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Pantami has said he is yet to receive funds approved for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Prof Pantami made this known on Monday in Abuja as NCC auctioned 3.5GHz spectrum band for deployment of 5G network across Nigeria.

Recall that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had in September approved N25 billion for the upgrade and replacement of the NIMC infrastructure as server downtime continued to mar NIN-SIM card linkage, even as the December 31 deadline draws closer.

Pantami had at the time said the money will also be used for the improvement of novel initiatives that have increased the registration of persons on the National Identity Database (NIDB).

The Minister said that between 2007 and 2020, a 13-year period, the NIMC managed to register a little higher than 40 million NIN but that between 2020, after the NIMC came under his purview, and now, no fewer than 67 million people have registered.

“Let us not forget that as of October last year, 2020 when Mr. President directed me to supervise NIMC, the total enrollment in their database was just a little higher than 40million.

“That 40 million was achieved from 2007 to 2020 which is around thirteen years. But within little more than a year and now we are in December 2021, a little more than a year, the total enrollment as of last week is more than 70 million.

“This has been achieved without releasing one naira to NIMC as at today. There has been an approval granted by the Federal Government of Nigeria but the money is yet to be released to the management. They are yet to receive it, but it has been approved,” Pantami said.

Speaking on the auction of the 3.5GHz spectrum band by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the deployment of 5G in Nigeria, the Communication and Digital Economy Minister urged for transparency.

He said the nation was planning to deploy the technology under the National Policy on Fifth Generation (5G) Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy and that the deployment will help address the country’s security challenges.

The technology was largely criticised in 2020 leading to an investigation into its health implications. Pantami, however, said when the general benefits of the 5G is considered, the country will truly stand out as the giant of Africa.

He said, “If 5G is utilized effectively by our security institutions, it will go a long way in addressing many security challenges we have today in Nigeria.

“Firstly, there are many benefits of 5G over 2G, 3G and even 4G particularly, the mutual authentication of its network and 5G network is encrypted.

“So, this will provide an avenue for our security institutions to leverage on the technology and deploy many emerging technologies in the country to handle the security challenges we are being confronted with.

“Today, if you want to address the issue of insecurity, you will need things like robotics, internet of things and artificial intelligence. you will need big data analytics. All these emerging technologies cannot be deployed effectively without 5G, because 5G gives you real time communications.”

He said with real time communications, all the gadgets can be deployed and utilised effectively to handle security challenges in the country.

“This is the approach globally and this the best practice globally, At the top of our agenda for 5G deployment is to support our security institutions, to provide the network so that they can leverage on and address the security challenges head on,” he added.

According to him, there are seven requirements of effective security management which include: command, control, communications, computer, information gathering and intelligence gathering.

Pantami said, “It is because of this we feel that if 5G is deployed in Nigeria, it will support our economic development, not only within the ICT sector alone, but all other sectors will leverage on the key enabler of their success.”

At the time of filing this report, the outcome of the auction of the 3.5GHz spectrum band by the NCC was still being expected.

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
FG deploys systems to meet critical security information needs

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the deployment of regulatory systems to monitor, detect and block SIMBox and Call Masking Traffic within Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

These hardware devices are of high-end configurations/specifications meant to ensure seamless optimal functionality, bearing in mind the volume of data inflow from the four (4) major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this as contained in a statement released by Dr Femi Adeluyi, Technical Assistant (Research & Development) to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami.

According to the statement, the approval followed a presentation of memos by Pantami, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Bitrus Bako Nabasu, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Dambatta, Prof Sahalu Junaidu and the Director of Financial Services of NCC, Mr. Yakubu Gontor at the FEC meeting of 8th of December, 2021.

TNG reports the use of SIMBoxing and Call Masking has posed a challenge in meeting the critical security information needs of the telecommunications industry. The deployment of these systems will address the challenge. The deployment is also in alignment with the Soft Infrastructure pillar of NDEPS.

The derivable benefits of the systems include the implementation of a system to continuously monitor incidences of SIMBOXING in the industry; detection of incidences of SIMBOXING in the entire MNO networks, round the clock, in near real time or real time preferably and reporting the same in applicable formats, and effective blocking of calls from SIMBOXES while also blocking the SIMs being used for the activity across all operators.

Other benefits are implementation of a Call Masking/Calling Line Identification (CLI) Spoofing System to continuously monitor incidences of Call Masking/CLI Spoofing in the industry; detection of incidences of Call Masking in the entire MNO networks, round the clock, in near real time or real time preferably and reporting the same in applicable formats; and proactive blocking of Masked/Spoofed CLI calls at the origination stage to prevent successful call routing to the called subscriber.

Also, during the FEC meeting, the Federal Government approved the implementation of the Advanced Digital Awareness Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI).

The ADAPTI is aimed at bridging the digital gaps that exist in the academia by promoting the practical application of technology in research, teaching and learning in tertiary institutions.

The approved programme will include the distribution of 6,000 digital tablets and is aimed at encouraging the appreciation and use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the country, particularly in tertiary institutions; providing access to ICT tools; promoting economic empowerment through self-development; and stimulating demand for products and services in the telecommunication sector.

The ADAPTI will be implemented by NCC and it aligns with a number of pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, including the pillars on Digital literacy and Skills, Solid Infrastructure, Digital Services Development and Promotion, Digital Society and Emerging Technologies and Indigenous Content Development and Adoption.

December 9, 2021
Three to fight for 2 Lots at 5G auction, By Okoh Aihe

By Okoh Aihe

Always, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would never accommodate anything that impugns one of its hard-earned intangibles – integrity at auctions. As three organizations – two giants and a dark horse – line up for what promises to be a financially bruising race, the first real test by this administration, the Commission, last week, rose in stout defense of the process against media reports that the proposed 5G auction scheduled for mid-December is going through some situations.

The date is being pushed to accommodate some documentation weaknesses on the part of applicants or even accommodate unforeseen circumstances, it was hinted.

The commencement of the licensing of 3.5GHz, the band of 5G services began with the publication of the Information Memorandum (IM) on October 6, 2021, with some other milestone activities scheduled to happen before the auction proper holding in the week commencing December 13, 2021. It was in the final stage before the auction that a section of the media spotted what tended to be an infraction. A hint at the process being meddled with in order to accommodate those who couldn’t raise the ten per cent deposit of $20m within stipulated window.

Was there any? The Commission, through the Public Affairs Director, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde told its story.

“October 7, 2021, the Commission exposed the Draft Information Memorandum (IM) on the auction of the 5G spectrum on its website (www.ncc.gov.ng) and issued a public notice in major media channels, including print, electronic and broadcast media. Comments on the draft IM were received by the Commission up until October 28, 2021; On November 3, 2021, the Commission held a stakeholders engagement forum in Lagos where comments were received from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including the major operators, were exhaustively discussed and considered; On November 10, 2021, the Commission published the final IM, and stakeholders’ comments thereon on its website and national dailies, and set the deadline for the submission of bids on Wednesday, November 24, 2021.

“On November 23, 2021, just a day before the deadline for the submission of bids, Air Traffic Controllers went on strike, disrupting flight operations in Lagos; as a responsive regulator, and following concerns expressed by the industry stakeholders and potential bidders for the 5G spectrum, including MTN, about the possibility of meeting the deadline in light of the flight disruptions, the Commission relying on the Provision of the IM, announced the extension of the deadline from Wednesday, November 24, 2021, to Monday, November 29, 2021.”

There is one small information in the IM which the Commission based its action upon. It states as follows: “The Commission reserves the right to make necessary and reasonable adjustments to the process in the overall interests of achieving a fair and transparent outcome.”

Although the foregoing is associated more with the auction proper but it can as well be argued that it covers the entire process.

Having made the above observation, it is important to point out that the Commission took pains to explain the various actions it has taken to ensure the 5G auction is sure-footed in order to validate its claim to transparency which it earned since the GSM auctions in 2001. That was the year the Engr. Ernest Ndukwe led NCC forced the world to believe that something earth-shaking can emerge from a nation just struggling out of the vestiges of military dictatorship.

Although there has been some level of observed attenuation at the Commission, more because of regulatory capture from higher quarters, its claim to regulatory transparency at the auctions can hardly be faulted. However, the Commission should understand that it is the responsibility of the media to interrogate important projects like the auction in order to put the agencies in charge on their toes.

Without doubt, this is a huge project. The NCC is offering only 2 Lots of 100MHz each in the 3.5GHz band, ranging from 3500 – 3600 and 3700 to 3800 for the auction. The Generic Reserve Price (GR) is US$197, 400, 000. For an organization to have a room at the auction, it must successfully submit its forms with an Intention-to-Bid Deposit (IBD), which is ten per cent of the GR. That was adjusted to $20m.

By December 1, 2021, the Commission announced that by the close of work of November 29, 2021, three companies had successfully submitted their applications, including the IBD of US$20m. The companies are: MTN Nigeria, Mafab Communications Limited and Airtel Networks Limited. The Commission wasn’t happy however, that Mafab was referred to as relatively unknown; after all it is a licensee.

I am sure as the breaking of day tomorrow that not even Mafab will dispute such a-not-too savoury appellation. Information available on its website says that Mafab was incorporated only on July 8, 2020, to operate Interconnect Exchange and International Data Access.

One may even be petulant to observe that not too much of business happened last year because of COVID-19. But just over a year later the organization is in a position to shell out an IBD of US$20m, and if we still hold strongly to the biblical allegory of a David taking down Goliath, we could as well see a rookie operation pay over US$200m for a 5G license. Obviously people will be very interested in the company and even in the names behind it, even if it is just to put garlands around their neck. So, more questions will still come, unfortunately.

However, NCC should be reassured that Nigerians are looking forward to 5G licensing with lots of optimism as the communications industry gets complicated daily with bad services. So much of magic has been attributed to 5G. Nigerians are looking forward to sharing a little bit of the magic.

But there is a little landmine, a little freaky bubble that could burst into unpleasantness and inevitable failure. A cross-reference at the licensing of the Payment Service Bank (PSB) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) could provide all the wisdom. Initial licensing was done using wishful reasoning as reality, until it took a redemptive action recently by doing another licensing round.

The NCC doesn’t have to go the ignoble way of the CBN. The 3.5 GHz Information Memorandum (IM) promised transparency of the auction process. That is what should be served a people still hungry for a good streak from this government.

December 8, 2021