NCC will ensure timely deployment of additional 5G spectrum, says Danbatta

Umar Danbatta, executive vice-chairman of the Nigerian communications commission (NCC), says the commission will ensure timely deployment of the second spectrum bands for 5G.

Danbatta said this on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ consultative forum on the draft information memorandum for the 3.5GHz spectrum auction in Lagos.

In December 2021, MTN and Mafab Communications emerged as winners of the 5G spectrum auction.

NCC had said it would auction its last two lots of the 3.5GHz spectrum band next month.

Speaking at the forum, the EVC said the engagement was in line with the strategic vision to promote fair competition and inclusive growth and increase investment and innovative services.

The last two lots to be auctioned in December 2022 are Lot A (3400-3500MHz) and Lot C (3600-3700MHz) for the reserve price of $273,600,000,000.

“Following the successful auction of the initial two (2) lots in December 2021, the commission has received requests to administratively licence the available lots at the previous auction fee,” he said.

“However, the commission, in line with its powers under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, has decided to licence the available lots in the 3.5GHz band through the auction method, which is a transparent and efficient approach that can open up opportunities for new entrants as well as deepen competition in the industry.

“The commission has committed enormous resources to ensure that harmonised spectrum is secured and released in a timely manner for present and future rollout of services that will underpin the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), including International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT-2020) services. 

“Hence, it is important that we ensure the timely release of the spectrum bands necessary for 5G deployment to the industry to enable us to reap the immediate and envisaged benefits of 5G technology and facilitate the development of Nigeria’s digital economy to foster national growth.”

Speaking further, Danbatta said the auction is not to make money for the federal government, adding that revenue generation is not a determinant.

“We are not in any way raising revenue for the federal government. The revenue to be generated is dictated by the last auction price. We also did not raise the amount used for auction prices,” he added.