The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and major telecoms companies have agreed on instruments necessary for the deployment of 5G technology in the country.
The instruments are the Annual Operating Levy Regulations and the Frequency Spectrum (fees and pricing) Regulations.
The agreement followed a Public Inquiry organised by the NCC on the two key instruments at its headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Controversies have preceded and perhaps delayed a decision on the 5G internet technology in Nigeria, with some Nigerians alleging that it is responsible for various diseases that affect humans.
Those who attended the event included NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman Prof Umar Danbatta, representatives of the telecom companies such as Airtel Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, Glo Mobile Network, 9Mobile, and other stakeholders.
Some of the operators differed on the timing of the deployment. Airtel Nigeria agreed with key issues regarding the instruments, while MTN Nigeria pleaded for extension of time frame.
Danbatta assured all interested parties that the signing and management of frequency spectrum would done in such way that to ensure fair pricing and efficient deployment of attendant services.
The NCC’s EVC declared that the two instruments were not only designed to meet the challenges of the industry but also to ensure that all stakeholders are carried along as the country prepares for deployment of 5G technology.
“More importantly, this Public Inquiry is precursor to the Commission’s current drive to ensure efficiency in spectrum management and the unveiling of next generation services through varied enablers,” Danbatta said.
“It is in that regard that the Commission issued a Spectrum Trading Guidelines in 2018, to ensure the frequency spectrum is readily available to licensees through an effective process.
“Furthermore the Commission has commenced the process for deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) Technology in Nigeria and is driving the provision of such ubiquitous services on making Frequency Spectrum available to its licensees.
“The efficacy and reliability of these initiatives will be hinged on proper market valuation of the frequency spectrum and fair assessment of levies.”
