By Press Release

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will 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 MoU signing ceremony was the high point of discussions by the two organisations 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.

Accordingly, 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 at the Commission’s office in Abuja on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Umar Danbatta, appreciated the leadership of NigComSat “for demonstrating that the interest of our dear country is paramount to our organisational or personal interest”.

According to him, the Commission 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.

“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-emphasized,” he said.

“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.”

Mr Danbatta, while stating that the MoU will go a long way in making positive impact on the Nigerian economy, also said it will offer a new chapter of cooperation, collaborations and mutual assistance that will further spur the growth of the telecommunications ecosystem in the country.

In her remarks, the Managing Director of NigComSat, 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.

“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,” she said.

Earlier, the Chairman, Board of Commissioners, NCC, Adeolu Akande, who was represented by a Board member, 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.

According to Akande, “this type of collaboration is commendable as it ensures synergy amongst agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and will consequently 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.”

The epoch-making event was attended by Board members and senior management staff of the two organisations.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/460236-ncc-nigcomsat-sign-mou-on-release-of-5g-spectrum.html

Gr8t idea !

Thank God for this wonderful development especially at this moment when I've gotten admission to further my studies to read "5G and Future Generation Communication Systems".

.

4G never reach everywhere
They wan do 5g

satellite that they can't use to track terrorists movement

Good news to our country & bad news to pastor Chris 5G corona virus crew.

Good start.. but I hope it would be like 4g extra coz 9jq 4g isn't fast enough

A welcome development

Devices will be faster, everything from Mobile Devices, Internet Modems, Smart TVs, Table Top Decoders, embedded systems, vehicle multimedia systems and everything in the Tech space is about to witness a massive boom.

Welcome to the new Era.

But if they improve this present 4G I think we'll be good for the next 2 years.

Sha if e better we go de OK las las

I no understand anything

That's a good one

Make dem watch all Christ Embassy members ooo before them go start to drive truck enter masts.

In the last days there will be increase in knowledge

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If I were NCC Chairman, I won't issue any new spectrum now. I will first mandate all our Telcos to let 4G reach every nook and cranny of Nigeria before they start investing any dime in 5G. Let 4G be available in our remote villages, highways, farms, forests, Sambisa, just everywhere.

4G itself has a max capacity of 1000Mbps downlink. We are not asking for too much, if our Telcos can make just 20Mbps downlink and may be 7/8Mbps uplink available everywhere, that's what I will count as development. 20Mbps everywhere will perfectly serve the average individual needs.

Oppopoppa:
The same 5g that causes cancer

You are daft

How bandit invade town with heavy fire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEQ-dmI-Zcc

Pastor Chris left the group chat..

Have we finished maximizing the benefits of 4G?

rowosky:
4G never reach everywhere
They wan do 5g

Even in developed countries this argument applies. If you have to wait until one piece of technology permeates every nook and cranny before deploying the next generation tech then human progress would have stagnated.

.. Our Pastor said 5 G technology is a CoronaVirus carrier

Oppopoppa:
The same 5g that causes cancer

To who?

Good

ignis:
Have we finished maximizing the benefits of 4G?

So we should wait and not think of advancement?

I'm sure you're using an Android phone. Why don't you use a 3310 old Nokia phone since not all Nigerians have smart phones?