Nigeria 97% ready for 5G deployment -NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its 97 per cent readiness for the implementation of the fifth generation (%G) technology in Nigeria.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, re-affirmed this at the annual African Tech Alliance Forum held in Lagos on Wednesday.

This is according to a statement titled ‘NCC Upbeat on Plans for 5G Deployment’ signed by the NCC’s Deputy Manager of Public Affairs, Kunle Azeez.

The statement read, “The NCC’s plan for 5G technology deployment in the country continues to gather momentum with the Commission confirming that its readiness to begin full implementation is at 97 per cent.”

Danbatta, who was represented at the event by the Director of Spectrum Administration, Oluwatoyin Asaju, said the NCC was working with operators to implement certain initiatives to ensure network expansion, with ongoing plan to auction spectrum in 3.5 GHz band to operators for the deployment of 5G network in Nigeria.

He said, “Consistent with our mandate as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and other guiding legislations, we have been working to ensure the penetration of broadband services in line with Federal Government’s targets, as contained in Nigerian National Broadband Plan, 2020 to 2025.

“Already, we are set for the auction of some spectrum slots in the 3.5GHz band. The other day I was at the National assembly, I informed the Senate that we were 95 per cent ready for 5G. Today as we speak, I am delighted to tell you that we are already at 97 per cent completion.”

He also said that an Information Memorandum has been published for comments from industry stakeholders towards the spectrum auction for 5G deployment.

“The committee set up to auction the Spectrum has already developed an IM, which is already published for inputs and comments from all industry stakeholders. Prior to this, a 5G deployment plan was developed and we have since secured Federal Government’s approval,” he stated.