The federal government has formally handed over the 3.5HZ spectrum of the 5G network to the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).
The handing over ceremony was performed by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami on Thursday in Abuja.
The allocation of bulk spectrum to the NCC is based on its regulatory roles in the telecommunication industry.
The initial allocation is done under the auspices of the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC).
The NFMC is the custodian of the National Frequency Spectrum Scarce Resource and the apex body for the management of the spectrum. It focuses on the non-commercial spectrum and gives bulk spectrum allocation to statutory bodies empowered by law to assign spectrum to end users.
The ministry allocates spectrum for non-commercial use and this is done through the Spectrum Management Department.
Speaking on Thursday, Mr Pantami said that a total of 148 spectrum allocations have been made since 2019.
The Minister said, “We are here today to officially allocate the 3.5GHz frequency band, specifically the 3.52GHz to 3.90GHz (or 380 MHz), to the Nigeria Communications Commission for onward assignment to the winners of the 5G Auctioning Process. The initial allocation is done under the auspices of the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC).
“5G networks offer major advantages over technologies that preceded it. These advantages include much lower latency, higher bandwidth, greater device density, longer battery life for nodes and greater network flexibility.
“As at the end of December 2021, 200 mobile operators in 78 countries/territories had announced 3GPP compatible 5G service launches (either mobile or fixed wireless access), including about 9 countries in Africa. With our population.”