National Frequency Management Council Hands Over 3.5ghz Spectrum Allocation For Deployment Of 5G

The National Frequency Management Council has formally handed over the 3.5GHz spectrum allocation for the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) Networks to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

According to a press release on Thursday 17^th February 2022 signed by the spokesperson to the Minister of Communications & Digital Economy, Uwa Suleiman, she said that performing the handover in Abuja, Chairman of the Council and H Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami also made the public presentation of the National Policy on Fifth Generation Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy.

Addressing participants at the event, Professor Pantami recalled that the country’s journey to the actualization of 5G was fraught with challenges many of which were superstitious and unscientific. “Amidst health rumors linking 5G to the source and spread of Covid19, the Federal Government took deliberate, painstaking steps to ensure its safety through trials, expert reviews and advise from professional and relevant authorities and stakeholders because the safety of our citizens is our priority” Professor Pantami emphasized the need for Nigeria to take its pride of place in the fourth industrial revolution by exploring the tools of digital technology. He highlighted some of the benefits of 5G to include enhanced security, transparency, agricultural boost among others.

While handing over the allocated spectrum to the Chairman Governing Board of NCC, Professor Adeolu Akande, and the Executive Vice Chairman Professor Umar Garba Danbatta,  the Minister directed that the spectrum be distributed to the companies whose bids were successful during the auction in December of 2021. Similarly, he called on all stakeholders to ensure the implementation of the National Policy of 5G for Nigeria’s Digital Economy.

Recall that the initial trial to ascertain the risks involved in the deployment of 5G in Nigeria was conducted in November of 2019 while the policy was launched on the 25^th of January 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR)