We are ready for 5G network, says Danbatta

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta has declared that the commission is ready for the implementation of the federal government’s decision to deploy 5G network in Nigeria.

 Danbatta’s declaration came shortly after the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, made the announcement that the 5G network would soon be deployed in the country.

Fielding questions from the newly posted Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Bitrus Bako Nabasu, during a presentation on Wednesday in Abuja, the EVC also lauded the thriving healthy competition in the telecommunications industry, which he said, had driven down the prices of data in the country.

 The NCC boss observed that the commission as a federal agency had always aligned its position and plan with the federal government.

Danbatta said: “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 .”

The EVC’s presentation touched on the enabling laws and mandates of the commission, its structure as well his scorecards among others.

The EVC noted that the book, which is technical in nature, would provide more insight into the workings of NCC under his watch, intimating the new Permanent Secretary on the book launch of the commission scheduled to take place next month. 

“I have spoken about the first Strategic Vision Plan (SVP), comprising 8 agenda items. The SVP has come to the end and we have written a book providing documented progress we have made while implementing it. I am pleased to inform you that the book will be unveiled on 7th September, 2021,” he disclosed.

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.

Danbatta added: “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 Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, will experience more quantum leap and retain its current flagship role in the telecommunication space.”