By CALLISTUS OFFOR, Abuja –
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has reiterated that as a regulatory body holding in trust the management and administration of scarce spectrum resources on behalf of Federal government, it will continue to make available, the much needed harmonized and standardized Spectrum resources to the industry.
NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, who stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, also assured all stakeholders and investors that the processes and schedule for the Auction of two (2) lots of 3.5GHz Spectrum would take place as planned.
He said the final Information Memorandum for the Auction had been published on the Commission’s website, adding that interested applicants should adhere to the requirements as specified in the Information Memorandum for participation in the Auction.
He explained in a statement that in line with Section 121 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the NCC has the responsibility to manage and administer Spectrum resources for the communications sector in an efficient and effective manner.
This, according to him, “is for the socio-economic benefit of the country.”
He said it was the Commission’s responsibility, as the industry regulator, to ensure that harmonized and standardized Spectrum resources are made available in a timely manner to ensure its optimal utilization.
Muoka said: “The impact of the Commission’s regulatory activities in this regard is evident in the contribution of ICT, and telecommunications in particular, to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.
“The Act allows available Spectrum resources to be licensed through different methods. Spectrum licensing via Auction is one of the most transparent methods of assigning Spectrum resources globally.”
He noted that the Commission in response to requests for more Spectrum lots to be made available during the 2021 Stakeholders’ engagement, had estimated a period of 24 months to clear all encumbrances in the remaining two (2) lots of the 3.5GHz band.
“The Information Memorandum that guided the 2021 Auction process further stated the Commission’s intention to migrate incumbent users of the remaining portion of the C-band to free up Spectrum and make it available for the deployment of new services.
“The Commission has achieved the clearance earlier than estimated 24 months, thus making the Spectrum available for licensing.
“The Auction is designed to boost competition by making it open to both new entrants as well as existing licensees,” he said.
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