No Licence Issued For 5G In Nigeria – FG
BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – The Federal Government on Saturday said it has not issued any licence for the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in the country.
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami said, based on available records in his office and the earlier reports received from the regulator, the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), of which he is the Chairman, they have not deliberated on or released any bulk frequency spectrum for the deployment of 5G in the country.
In the words of the Minister; “No licence has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country.”
Pantami however said the trial process has been concluded while the study and reporting process is currently ongoing.
He further said; “A 3-month study trial commenced on the 25th of November, 2019 in order to critically review and study the health and security implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria;
“As part of the study trial process, I directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that a team of experts, security agencies and other stakeholders fully participate in the trial process and my office also invited these agencies to participate in the trial.”
Pantami said that President Muhammadu Buhari places a premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians, adding that as such, the nation’s desire for technological advancement will never be at the expense of the health and welfare of the citizens.
According to the Communications Minister assured that Government will not act on the speculations only, but rather we will take an informed decision on 5G after due consultation with experts and the public.
He said the NCC has also been directed to engage citizens on any questions or concerns they may have regarding the 5G.
Pantami thanked members of the public for reaching out to the government on the issue and therefore urged all to remain rest assured that government will always take the welfare, health and security of the public into account while considering the deployment of any technology.
