By Na’ankwat Dariem in Abuja
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) and other stakeholders in the industry.
The Chairman of the Council and Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, who performed the handover, also made the public presentation of the National Policy on Fifth Generation Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy in Abuja.
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 COVID-19, the Federal Government took deliberate, painstaking steps to ensure its safety, through trials, expert reviews and advise from professionals and relevant authorities and stakeholders, because the safety of our citizens is our priority.”
The Minister stressed 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, therefore, advised the state Governors to look beyond the monetary gains the deployment of 5G would bring to their states and the Nigerian economy.
“The issue of right of way becomes a challenge from time to time. The government has addressed the issue more than ninety per cent, but from time to time issues may come. I do hope that they will understand the economic benefits. The security benefits and many more of this technological advancement.
“It is beyond right of way charges. It goes beyond that. So let us try to make the process very easy for operators so that they will be able to deploy the 5G,” he advised.
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, 2021.
Pantami urged stakeholders to ensure the implementation of the National Policy of 5G for Nigeria’s Digital Economy.
The Reporters recalls 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 25th of January 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
