…Danbatta Urges Stakeholders To Exploit Opportunities Offered At 90th TCP To Contribute To Deployment Of 5G Network In Nigeria
…To roll out 5G Technology in August 2022
…5G is 10 times faster
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) held the 90th edition of the Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) with the theme: “5G Technology; Opportunity and Challenges”.
The event was held at Providence Hotel by Mantis, Ikeja Lagos hosted stakeholders in the telecom industry today Thursday, June 23rd, 2022.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, in his address affirmed that the roll-out of 5G technology services in Nigeria is on course and the Commission is confident that the 2022 timeline will be met, he gave this assertion during the 90th edition of Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) in Lagos on Thursday, June 23, 2022.
The EVC reiterated the need for a SWOT analysis through the TCP forum, he noted that in line with the Information Memorandum, licensees are expected to commence roll out of 5G services effective from August 24, 2022.
The TCP is a high-level engagement and interactive program annually organized by the Commission for the consumers and other stakeholders in the telecommunications industry. The event-themed “5G Technology: Opportunities and Challenges” was an opportunity for discussants to interactively explore the 5G technology before the actual rollout later in the year. The event is set to place all stakeholders in a proactive mode.
During his opening remark, Danbatta stated Nigeria has an estimated population of 214 million with an average growth rate of 2.6% annually, approximately 76.46 per cent and in line with these demographic changes, internet penetration grew from 3 per cent in 2004 to 73.82 per cent as of September 2021 and broadband penetration is at 43.69% as of May 2022. The potential for expansion is a great opportunity for 5G deployment and for operators to recoup their investments.
The NCC CEO highlighted several potentials use cases for 5G networks as broadly categorized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) being Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB); Massive machine-type communications (mMTC); and Ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC).
“The goal of the Commission is that Nigeria becomes one of the leading nations with 5G technology deployed in a manner that is beneficial to all stakeholders and contributes maximally to the Digital Economy Policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria”.
To achieve this, Nigeria actively participated in the ITU-R study cycle under Task Group 5/1 which deliberated on the identification of the 5G spectrum in the Millimeter wave (mmWave) band” said Danbatta.
Speaking on the challenges characterizing the 5G networks according to the ITU, the EVC said the requirements for more spectrum and vastly more spectrally efficient technologies, are more than what the current 3G and 4G systems require.
“Considerable work is required for implementing fiber services and ensuring availability of wireless backhaul solutions with sufficient capacities, such as microwave and satellite links, and potentially with high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) systems where they are deployed,” he added.
The EVC also mentioned the need for skilled professionals with requisite knowledge of technology, fewer number of 5G-enabled devices, managing expenses involved in 5G network deployment as well as challenges with security and privacy concerns
Our presence here today attests to the importance of TCP as a high-level engagement and interaction with consumers and other stakeholders in the telecommunications industry. 45 PERCENT ALREADY AND GROWING SUPPASS THE TARGET
The Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, Barr. Adeleke Adewolu who coordinated the panel session urged all participants to exploit the opportunities offered by the 90th Telecom Consumer Parliament to contribute to the deployment of 5G Network in Nigeria.
“We should conclude this event with solutions to challenges that are associated with 5G deployment in countries that had taken the step before Nigeria. We must also have a clear roadmap on how the opportunities offered by the technology can be maximized for the benefit of Nigerians” said Adewolu
In his earlier remark the Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Efosa Idehen, recalled the Federal Government on September 8, 2021 approval of the deployment of the Fifth Generation Network Policy. He noted that, following the approval, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami directed the Commission to implement the 5G policy for the country.
The Commission’s response to the directive swung into action and brought all stakeholders on board. There have been interactions in this regard at different fora which include today’s 90th Edition of the Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP), which is the Commission’s flagship stakeholder engagement forum” said Idehen.
The event was attended by representatives from Mobile Networks Operators (MNOs), Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director at Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF), Mr. Shina Bilesanmi, President at Association of Telecoms Cable TV and Internet Subscribers (ATCISS) amongst others.
