Nigeria’s 5G mock auction holds today, roll out to be in phases, says NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated that the roll-out of the 5G broadband will be in phases beginning with major cities in the country where there is a need for high-quality broadband. The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the commission, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta stated this in Kano during a capacity building workshop for media […]

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated that the roll-out of the 5G broadband will be in phases beginning with major cities in the country where there is a need for high-quality broadband.

The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the commission, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta stated this in Kano during a capacity building workshop for media practitioners on Nigeria’s 5G deployment.

He also revealed that the Commission will carry out the Mock Auction of the 5G today (Friday) in preparation for the Main Auction, which will take place on Monday, December 13, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

“It is expected that the two slots to be auctioned will be picked up by successful bidders at the end of the auction on Monday, December 13, and following that, the stage will be set for the next phase of 5G roll-out commencing in 2022,” he said.

Danbatta, who was represented by Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, added that the country’s 5G plan has the objectives of ensuring efficient assignment of spectrum for 5G deployment, creating an enabling environment for investment in the telecom industry, ensuring effective deployment of 5G to cover major urban cities by 2025, among others.

“In line with the objectives of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2025 for a Digital Nigeria, and the positioning of Nigeria as an early adopter of digital technology in the growing global digital economy, the successful and timely deployment of 5G is crucial.

“In view of its characteristics such as enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low latency and speed, 5G is expected to facilitate several emerging technologies, including Internet of Things, Machine-to-Machine communication, among others,” he added.