NCC, NigComSat Sign MoU On 5G Spectrum

BY GLORIA USMAN, ABUJA – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the release of contiguous bandwidth in one of the most suitable frequency spectrum bands for early deployment of fifth Generation (5G) Network services in Nigeria.

The highpoint of discussions between the two organisations was centered on how to relocate the NG-1R satellite of NigComSat to the standard C-band 300MHz (3.9GHz – 4.2GHz) portion of the band, which is considered more suitable in terms of satellite service offering because of the advantage of cheaper terminal devices for end users.

A statement by NCC explained that such relocation will leave the non-standard C-band 400MHz (3.5GHz – 3.9GHz) portion of the band for 5G use, while the cost of relocating the NG-1R is expected to be offset from the proceeds of the auction of the 5G spectrum.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, commended the leadership of NigComSat for demonstrating that the interest of the country is paramount and ahead of organisational or personal interest

Danbatta said that the NCC initiated negotiations with NigComSat to make some adjustment to its satellite operation and release part of its spectrum holding in the band to facilitate the deployment of 5G in Nigeria.

He further said; “Among the Frequency Spectrum bands used for 5G, the C-band (3.4GHz – 3.9GHz) stands out because its balancing point between coverage and capacity provides the perfect environment for 5G connectivity.

“The C-band is most suitable and appropriate for immediate deployment of 5G services taking into consideration availability of device ecosystem with 60-70 per cent of global commercial 5G network deployment currently in the band, thus the importance of this Spectrum for early deployment of 5G services in Nigeria cannot be over emphasised.

“For optimal 5G service performance, an average of contiguous 100 MHz of spectrum in the C-band is required by an Operator. However, in Nigeria, only 120 MHz of the band (3.4 – 3.52) GHz is available for mobile services while the remaining 680 MHz (3.52 – 4.2) GHz of the band is used by NigComSat (NG-1R) satellites,” he said.

The NCC boss also said that the MoU will go a long way in making positive impact on the Nigerian economy, adding that it will also offer a new chapter of cooperation, collaborations and mutual assistance that will further spur the growth of the tele communications ecosystem in the country.

In her remarks, the Managing Director of NigComSat, Dr. Abimbola Alale, said her organisation was happy about the collaboration, which will ensure a win-win relationship between both agencies of government as well as benefit the government in its drive to facilitate the development of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

According to Alale; “We are happy with this agreement; the Commission has assured us of a win-win engagement which signals a major step towards the development of the federal government’s digital economy drive”.

Earlier, the Chairman, Board of Commissioners, NCC, Prof. Adeolu Akande, who was represented by a Board member, Chief Uche Onwude, commended the two agencies for taking a bold step in the right direction to release contagious quantum of spectrum in the 3.5GHz band for early deployment of 5G.

Akande said that this type of collaboration will ensure synergy amongst agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and foster the deployment of 5G and enable Nigeria to tap its full potential like other advanced countries which have deployed 5G technology on a full commercial scale.