5G: NCC State Of Preparedness is High – Danbatta
BY GLORIA USMAN, ABUJA – The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has said that the Commission is properly positioned and ready for the implementation of the Federal Government’s decision on the deployment of 5G networks in the country.
This was even as he said that the Commission has always aligned its position and plan with the Federal Government on the 5G deployment.
Danbatta said that there is already an auction committee for 5G with a deployment plan ready, saying that without a plan, there cannot be a successful deployment.
The NCC boss said; “All we are asking is additional spectrum to be allocated by the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC). Of course some of these spectrums are ready but we have to get the Federal Government’s approval to go ahead with the auctions”.
While lauding the thriving healthy competition in the telecommunications industry, Danbatta said it has driven down the prices of data in the country.
The EVC’s presentation dwells on the enabling laws and mandates of the Commission, its structure as well his scorecards among others.
He commend the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami for his efforts towards resolving some of the perennial challenges in the industry especially the Right of Way (RoW) charges.
Danbatta urged governments at all levels in Nigeria to respect the resolution of the National Economic Council on the harmonised RoW charges, to enable the industry to continue to grow and prosper.
According to him; “The Commission will continue to put in its best in the discharge of its mandate, especially in facilitating the deployment of broadband infrastructure, which is central to diversifying the Nigerian economy and national development.
“It’s our belief also that the communications industry, under the leadership of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, will experience more quantum leap and retain its current flagship role in the telecommunication space,” he pointed out.
