By 
By Blessing Okwara
Nigeria has signaled a definite launch of fifth generation (5G) mobile technology this year as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat) Limited inked the deal that will facilitate release of contiguous bandwidth in one of the most suitable frequency spectrum band(s) for early rollout of 5G services.
The deal was signed in Abuja today between the telecoms regulator and the government owned communication satellite company.
“I’m pleased and honored to welcome you all to this historic event between the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that will facilitate the release of contiguous bandwidth in one of the most suitable Frequency Spectrum band(s) for early deployment of fifth Generation Network (5G) services in the largest market in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta.
The MoU between the two agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is expected to formally kick-start the acquisition of frequency spectrum suitable for the deployment of the technology in the country.
“Today, we are glad that the Management of NigComSat and NCC have taken a bold step in the right direction to release contagious quantum of Spectrum in the 3.5GHz band for early deployment of 5G. This type of collaboration seeks to ensure synergy amongst agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy,” said Chairman Board of Commissioners, NCC, Prof.Adeolu Akande.
According to Danbatta, the two agencies have developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) detailing all the aspect of this undertaking.
He added: “Amongst the Frequency Spectrum bands allocated to 5G by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU, 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% 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.
“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.”
The telecom regulator explained that “the commission initiated negotiation with NIGCOMSAT whom in our estimate could 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. The impeccable team at NigComSat proved us right.
“The two agencies have been in discussions on how to relocate the operations of NG-1R to the standard C-band 300MHz (3.9GHz – 4.2GHz) potion of the band, which is more suitable in terms of Satellite service offering because end user terminal are cheaper there, while leaving the non-standard C-band 400MHz (3.5GHz – 3.9GHz) portion of the band for 5G use. The cost of relocating the NG-1R is expected to be offset from the proceeds of the auction of the 5G Spectrum.”
