The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Wednesday signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to begin the deployment of 5G services across Nigeria.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports 5G is a fifth generation of mobile technology, which is an improvement of today’s 4G technology with enhanced capabilities.
5G technology provides the platform for new and emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to improve the way we live and work.
The NCC signed the MoU with Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited to use the C-Band Spectrum for deployment of 5G services in the country.
Recall that the NCC undertook three months 5G trials in selected locations in Nigeria in November 2019.
The trial, among others, was to study and observe health or security challenges the 5G network might present.
“The importance of this Spectrum for early deployment of 5G services in Nigeria cannot be over emphasized.
“The Commission initiated negotiation with NIGCOMSAT who in our estimate could make some adjustments to its satellite operation and release part of its Spectrum holding in the band to facilitate the deployment of 5G in Nigeria.
“The impact of this agreement knows no bounds and will not only strengthen the relationship between both agencies but would also go a long way in making a positive impact on the Nigerian economy.
“The C-band is most suitable and appropriate for immediate deployment of 5G services taking into consideration availability of device ecosystem with 60-70% of global commercial 5G network deployment currently in the band.
“Amongst the Frequency Spectrum bands allocated to 5G by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the C-band (3.4GHz – 3.9GHz) stands out because its balancing point between coverage and capacity provides the perfect environment for 5G connectivity.
“This historic event between the NIGCOMSAT and NCC will facilitate the release of contiguous bandwidth in one of the most suitable Frequency Spectrum band(s) for early deployment of 5G Network services in the largest market in sub-Saharan Africa,” NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prof Umar Danbatta said at the MoU signing ceremony.
