The deployment of 5G network in Nigeria has finally gotten a green light from the country’s communication’s watchdog, following the conclusion of the series of inquisitions that have hampered the roll out.
Umar Garba Danbatta, executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), says the federal government is ready to deploy a fifth generation (5G) network across the country.
5G roll out in Nigeria came under heavy scrutiny last year following the misinformation that stoked concerns about the safety of the communication technology. The concerns prompted the Nigerian Senate to halt 5G activities until its ordered investigation by Joint Committee on Communication, Science and technology, ICT and Cybercrime, Primary Healthcare and Communicable Disease was complete.
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Following the completion of Senate’s investigation and the approval of the NCC, the path for the fifth generation network was set.
The minister of communications and digital economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, had last week announced federal government’s readiness to increase network connectivity by deploying 5G network in the country.
According to him, the decision to deploy the 5G network followed an outcome of thorough investigations, research and trial absolving it of posing security or health threat. He explained that the work on the national policy on 5G stands at 95 percent done and will be presented to the federal executive council (FEC) in due course.
Danbatta announced the government’s decision to allow 5G roll out during a presentation in Abuja on Wednesday. He said the NCC is ready for the implementation of the government’s decision.
The NCC boss also lauded the thriving healthy competition in the telecommunications industry, which he said has driven down the prices of data in the country. He said the NCC is requesting for additional spectrum to be allocated by the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) to facilitate adequate deployment.
“On the 5G, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has spoken about the Federal Government’s position to deploy as soon as possible. Our state of readiness is very high.
“There’s an auction committee for 5G with a deployment plan ready. As you know, without a plan you cannot have a successful deployment.
“All we are asking is additional spectrum to be allocated by the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC). Of course some of these spectrums are ready but we have to get the Federal Government’s approval to go ahead with the auctions,” he explained.
Danbatta said the commission will launch a book to provide more insight into the workings of NCC under his watch. He explained that the commission will continue to deploy its mandate to boost the economy and ensure national development.
“I have spoken about the first Strategic Vision Plan (SVP), comprising 8 agenda items. The SVP has come to the end and we have written a book providing documented progress we have made while implementing it. I am pleased to inform you that the book will be unveiled on 7th September, 2021.
“The Commission will continue to put in its best in the discharge of its mandate, especially in facilitating the deployment of broadband infrastructure, which is central to diversifying the Nigerian economy and national development.
“It’s our belief also that the communications industry, under the leadership of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, will experience more quantum leap and retain its current flagship role in the telecommunication space,” he said.
Nigerian telcos led by MTN have expressed readiness to launch the fifth generation network as soon as they receive approval from the regulator, which means, the infrastructure is expected to be deployed from now on. The 5G network is expected to yield $2.2 trillion economy between 2024 and 2034, opening a larger growth opportunity for Sub-Saharan fast-growing telecom market.
However, the challenge to 5G’s potential growth in Nigeria and the rest of Sub-Saharan lies partly on the availability of affordable 5G devices.