The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed the imminent nationwide deployment of 5G by revealing that the technology is at 97% readiness.
This disclosure was contained in a recent statement released by the NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Professor Umar Danbatta, at the annual African Tech Alliance Forum (AFRITECH) 2021, which took place in Lagos.
The event was themed: “Embracing Changes and Digital Transformation in the New Normal.”
According to Danbatta, the 5G deployment would usher in a new age in communication owing to its speed and the attendant growth in network connectivity requirements.
He said that the NCC was working with operators to implement many initiatives to ensure network expansion.
He said: “Already, we are set for the auction of some spectrum slots in 3.5GHz band. The other day I was at the National assembly, I informed the senate that we were 95 percent ready for 5G. Today as we speak, I am delighted to tell you that we are already at 97 percent completion.
“Consistent with our mandate as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA-2003) and other guiding legislations, we have been working to ensure the penetration of broadband services in line with Federal Government’s targets, as contained in Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020 to 2025.
“The Committee set up to auction the Spectrum has already developed an Information Memorandum (IM) which is already published for inputs and comments from all industry stakeholders. Prior to this, a 5G deployment plan was developed and we have since secured Federal Government’s approval.”
