Telecoms: NCC set to auction more spectrum
Jonah Iboma
The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission has announced plans to auction radio spectrum in the 1800 MHz, 3G and 450 MHz bands, in a move it says would precede its plans to award of new licences.
The new licences will attract more investment into the communications market and encourage the deployment of advanced technology to continue the development of telecommunications in Nigeria.
The commission in a statement signed by Head, Public Affairs, Mr. Dave Imoko, said the allocation of more spectrum will provide an opportunity to attract new operators intending to invest and launch telecommunications services in Nigeria.
The telecom sector had for some time now awaited a release of information by the commission on how it intends to allocate frequencies for some services such as 3G and high-speed Broadband services that have been demanded
“Importantly, the release of more spectrum supports the Government’s policy of improving access to communication services and extending coverage, especially into rural areas. Subscribers can also expect to receive an increased range of services, improved quality of service and better value for money,” the commission said.
The NCC added that it will ensure that the process of awarding spectrum will be competitive and fair, noting that the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC had reaffirmed this.
The statement quioted Ndukwe as saying that, “The NCC is committed to implementing Government policy on telecommunications by having open and transparent development within this important part of the Nigerian economy and infrastructure”.
Meanwhile NCC has said the process for awarding licences had started with the appointment of PA Consulting Group, a leading firm of international management and telecommunications consultants and tasked it with assisting in developing and overseeing the auction and award of licences, to ensure the process meets international best practice.
The commission said it would follow the new development with the issuance of a ‘Public Notice’ in the New Year, which will provide more details about the spectrum on offer and the timeframes involved.
The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission has announced plans to auction radio spectrum in the 1800 MHz, 3G and 450 MHz bands, in a move it says would precede its plans to award of new licences.
The new licences will attract more investment into the communications market and encourage the deployment of advanced technology to continue the development of telecommunications in Nigeria.
The commission in a statement signed by Head, Public Affairs, Mr. Dave Imoko, said the allocation of more spectrum will provide an opportunity to attract new operators intending to invest and launch telecommunications services in Nigeria.
The telecom sector had for some time now awaited a release of information by the commission on how it intends to allocate frequencies for some services such as 3G and high-speed Broadband services that have been demanded
“Importantly, the release of more spectrum supports the Government’s policy of improving access to communication services and extending coverage, especially into rural areas. Subscribers can also expect to receive an increased range of services, improved quality of service and better value for money,” the commission said.
The NCC added that it will ensure that the process of awarding spectrum will be competitive and fair, noting that the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC had reaffirmed this.
The statement quioted Ndukwe as saying that, “The NCC is committed to implementing Government policy on telecommunications by having open and transparent development within this important part of the Nigerian economy and infrastructure”.
Meanwhile NCC has said the process for awarding licences had started with the appointment of PA Consulting Group, a leading firm of international management and telecommunications consultants and tasked it with assisting in developing and overseeing the auction and award of licences, to ensure the process meets international best practice.
The commission said it would follow the new development with the issuance of a ‘Public Notice’ in the New Year, which will provide more details about the spectrum on offer and the timeframes involved.
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