Nigeria govt to launch 5G spectrum in August, directs MTN, other network services

Ilesanmi AdekanbiJune 24, 2022

1 minute read

Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on Thursday, revealed that the Fifth Generation (5G) technology would be rolled out in August this year.

Mr Danbatta made this known to reporters at the 90th edition of Telecom Consumer Parliament hosted by the Consumer Affairs Bureau of the Commission in Lagos.

He added that the commission with the support of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy would roll out the 5G technology from 23 August.

He said the deployment of the 5G spectrum would further accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s broadband services.

“The Commission has set out the regulatory instruments needed for fast deployment of the new versatile technology for the benefit of the consumers and the stakeholders,” said Mr Dambatta.

The NCC boss further urged all stakeholders to support the 5G project in Nigeria to ensure that the technology is deployed in the country in a way that would be beneficial to all telecom users.

Mr Danbatta added that the deployment of the technology would strengthen the Digital Economy Policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In December 2021, MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications Ltd won the bid for the 3.5GHz spectrum in an auction. The companies acquired each lot of 100 MHz TDD for $273.6 million.

Mr Dambatta confirmed the duo will herald the country’s 5G phase

“We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders across sectors to ensure faster deployment of 5G services, and accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s broadband infrastructure,” he assured.

“In line with the information memorandum, the licensees are expected to commence the rollout of 5G services effective from August 24, 2022.

“The successful completion of the process leading to the final letters is confirmation that the rollout of 5G technology services in Nigeria is on course.”

“The potential for expansion is a great opportunity for 5G deployment as operators are certain of recouping their investment. The technology is associated with exceptionally high speed”

This development comes after one tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, on May 30, announced via his Twitter handle that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued Internet Service Provider (ISP) license to his firm, Starlink, to operate fast internet service in Nigeria.