NCC gets FEC approval to clear C-Band Spectrum for 5G deployment

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has secured the approval of the Federal Executive Council to clear part of the C-Band Spectrum for the purpose of 5G network deployment.

This followed the presentation of 3 memos by Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.

Dr. Femi Adeluyi, Technical Assistant (Research & Development) to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, confirmed in a press statement that the Government-wide Enterprise Licensing Agreement for Microsoft products is a software acquisition cost-reduction strategy for government and it will be implemented by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMC&DE).

“This agreement is part of the Federal Government’s efforts towards keeping the cost of IT projects within sustainable levels.

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“The Agreement will give the government access to discounted prices and other cost benefits, as well as reduce project duplication across Federal Public Institutions (FPIs).

“It will also guarantee proper technical support for Microsoft products and services, thereby ensuring protection against cybersecurity threats, which will guarantee availability and reliability of government IT services.

“The Enterprise Licensing Agreement will provide a projected savings of a minimum of 35% of the Government’s current investment in Microsoft Products and Services.

“This will not only substantially reduce the cost of license procurement for FPIs, it will reduce and simplify licensing complexity, facilitate accounting and cash flow predictability and monitor utilisation and impact of Government investment.

 “The Council directed all FPIs to key into the Agreement in the procurement of Microsoft licenses and services.

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“Council also approved the request of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to clear part of the C-band spectrum within the country’s telecommunications industry of any encumbrances and migrate the current users on affected spectrum, towards the successful roll-out/deployment of 5G technology in Nigeria.

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“Furthermore, with seven and a half (7.5) years before the end of the lifetime of NigComSat-1R Satellite, operated by Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), which currently operates C-Band services on the 3.4 – 3.9GHz spectrum range, NCC and NIGCOMSAT have come to an agreement to relocate/migrate the operations of NigComSat-1R C Band service to another frequency (Standard C-Band Spectrum) and release its current frequency for immediate deployment of 5G in the country.

“The approved memos will accelerate the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), especially the pillars on solid infrastructure (broadband) and service infrastructure (platforms).

“The Ministry will continue to promote initiatives that will transform Nigeria into a country with a sustainable and thriving digital economy”, Dr. Femi Adeluyi.