… Assures Of Readiness To Deploy, Lauds Healthy Competition In Industry
Following the directive issued by the federal government to the nation’s telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Telecommunications Commission (NCC) to expedite action on the deployment of the fifth generation (5G) technology in Nigeria, the Commission has assured of its readiness for the task ahead.
Speaking before the newly posted Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Bitrus Bako Nabasu, during a presentation in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, observed that the Commission, as a Federal agency, has always aligned its position and plan with the Federal Government.
He however noted that the Commission will need additional spectrum from the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), and auction approval from the federal government to ensure a very robust and accelerated deployment.
In his words: “On the 5G, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has spoken about the Federal Government’s position to deploy as soon as possible. Our state of readiness is very high. There’s an auction committee for 5G with a deployment plan ready. As you know, without a plan you cannot have a successful deployment.
“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,” he explained.
This assurance is coming shortly after the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami revealed the Federal Government’s position on the deployment of 5G networks in Nigeria, stating that the NCC has been given the mandate to accelerate the deployment towards economic gains for the country.
On the state of the industry, the EVC lauded the thriving healthy competition in the telecommunications industry, which he said has driven down the price of data in the country.
The EVC’s presentation also touched on the enabling laws and mandates of the Commission, its structure as well his scorecards, among others.
While commending Dr. Pantami for his efforts toward resolving some of the perennial challenges in the industry especially the Right of Way (RoW) charges, Danbatta urged governments at every level in Nigeria to respect the resolution of the National Economic Council on the harmonized RoW charges, to enable the industry to continue to grow and prosper.
“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 Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, will experience more quantum leap and retain its current flagship role in the telecommunication space,” he pointed out.
