The adoption of the 5G network in Nigeria is pegged on its huge population, half of whom are poor. As of March 2021, there were at least 78.61 million 3G/4G mobile broadband subscriptions in Nigeria, according to Statista. This is a decrease when compared to figures from the previous month, but an increase from the 76 million subscribers during the same period in 2020, the data agency states on its website.
The Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE) has praised the leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for leading the way in Africa’s 5G rollout.
In a statement signed by Engr. Kings Adeyemi, the Engineering body singled out Executive Vice Chairman, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, and the entire management staff of the Commission for praise.
“Spectrum availability, investor-friendly regulatory policy, and stakeholder awareness are all major criteria for the 5G journey. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) consulted with relevant stakeholders ahead of the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) adoption of the Development of a Policy for the Deployment of 5G in Nigeria,” he said.
“We take this opportunity to congratulate NCC’s whole management team, led by Executive Vice Chairman/CEO Engr. Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta FNSE, FRAES, FAEng, FNIEEE. By putting the 5G wheel in action, NCC displayed high-level qualities of a world-class regulator.
“In 2019, a Proof of Concept (PoC) trial will be conducted in response to the recently successful auction of 5G spectrum in the 3.5GHz band,” according to the statement.
To put things in context, the respected group said that “this astounding landmark achievement was achieved by NCC at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic continues to compel the postponement of numerous highly anticipated 5G spectrum auctions throughout the world.”
Commending the Commission’s in-house experts for selecting the frequencies of 3.5–3.6 GHz and 3.7–3.8 GHz. Engr Adeyemi stated that frequencies between 3.3 and 4.2 GHz (3GPP Band 78) are being used as the foundation for the initial 5G deployments around the world.
“This decision allays concerns about 5G services interfering with present airplane operations.” In some countries.
“The NCC’s decision to use the 3.5 GHz band has adequately protected civil aircraft altimeters, which typically operate in the 4.2–4.4 GHz range,” he explains.
“From an expert’s standpoint, the choice of two (2) slots of 100 MHz (TDD) bandwidth each on the 3.5 GHz band (precisely 3GPP Band 78) is a highly admirable decision to establish a 5G network,” the Chairman continued.
According to him, such a large channel capacity is essential to achieve the multi-Gbps data speeds required by a 5G network.
“It has been scientifically demonstrated that broader routes reduce network density, cutting the cost of 5G services for users.” Other benefits include fewer base stations and reduced environmental effects. The 3.5 GHz band is the greatest option for balancing capacity and performance.