5G Networks: NCC restates auction of 2 lots of 3.5GHz Spectrum holds as scheduled

*The Nigerian Communications Commission reassures all stakeholders and investors, that the processes and schedule for Auction of two lots of 3.5GHz Spectrum holds as planned, in line with Section 121 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (the Act)

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As part of the ongoing efforts at deepening the deployment of the Fifth Generation (5G) technology in the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated that it has the responsibility to manage and administer Spectrum resources for the communications sector in an efficient and effective manner in line with Section 121 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (the Act).

ConsumerConnect reports the telecoms sector regulatory Commission, in a public notice, stressed that this responsibility is connected to the socio-economic benefit of consumers and the West African country.

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Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Wednesday, November 23, 2022, stated: “Accordingly, it is the Commission’s responsibility, as the industry regulator, to ensure that harmonised and standardised Spectrum resources are made available in a timely manner to ensure its optimal utilisation.”

Regulatory affairs and ICT/Telecoms contribution to economy

The NCC also noted the impact of its regulatory activities in this regard is evident in the contribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and telecommunications in particular, to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Nigeria.

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“The Act allows available Spectrum resources to be licensed through different methods.

Benefits of 5G technology

“Spectrum licensing via Auction is one of the most transparent methods of assigning Spectrum resources globally,” Muoka said.

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According to the telecoms sector regulator, it is important to note that the Commission, in response to requests for more Spectrum lots to be made available during the 2021 stakeholders’ engagement, had estimated a period of 24 months to clear all encumbrances in the remaining two lots of the 3.5GHz band.

It further explained the Information Memorandum (IM) that guided the Auction process December 2021 as well stated the Commission’s intention to migrate incumbent users of the remaining portion of the C-band to free up Spectrum and make it available for the deployment of new services.

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The NCC Director of Public Affairs stated: “The Commission has achieved the clearance earlier than estimated 24 months, thus making the Spectrum available for licensing.

“The Commission wishes to reiterate that as a regulatory body holding in trust the management and administration of scarce spectrum resources on behalf of Federal Government, it will continue to make available the much needed harmonised and standardised Spectrum resources to the industry.”

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The Auction is designed to boost competition by making it open to both new entrants as well as existing licensees, said the Commission.

The telecoms regulator, therefore, reassured all stakeholders and investors, that the processes and schedule for the Auction of two lots of 3.5GHz Spectrum will take place as planned.

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It as well restated the final Information Memorandum for the forthcoming Auction had been published on the Commission’s Web site. The NCC added: “Interested applicants are advised to adhere to the requirements as specified in the Information Memorandum for participation in the Auction.”