Dr. Eugene Juwah, EVC of NCC |
COME December, Nigeria will conclude the auction of the remaining spectrum band, including the 2.3GHz reserved for broadcast services, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Eugene Juwah, has said.
Juwah, who spoke at the World Conference of the International Telecommunications Union, in Dubai, United Arab Emirate, explained that the planned auction will enable service providers to improve on their telecommunications services, although the exercise involving the reserved 2.6GHz would have to wait for a while.
The NCC boss added that the remaining two slots would be released to boost Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) connectivity, beside aiding broadband growth in the country.
He also disclosed that plans have also been concluded to get spectrum experts to train Nigerians on the use of the specialised spectrum.
Specifically, the 2.3GHz Spectrum band promotes and enables broadband connectivity across cities and countries through a variety of devices. It also provides wireless alternative to cable and digital subscriber line (DSL) for “last mile” broadband access.
The NCC boss said the 2.6GHz, formerly reserved for broadcasting commission, would be released for auction by 2015 to intending investors.
“We also have left the 2.6GHz spectrum band. It is currently been used for various broadcasting services. The National Frequency Management Board has already directed the Broadcasting commission to release them in order to aid telecommunications services in Nigeria. All the slots will be given to the telecommunications sector and by 2015 we shall start auctioning them to successful investors”, Juwah stated.
He also announced that 800GHz spectrum would be available for auction by 2015, when the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators are expected to have migrated to new technology in the Long Term Evolution range to boost their operations.
Juwah, who spoke to over 150 participants at the Nigerian Pavillion of the forum, stressed that as part of efforts to aid broadband growth in the country, the commission has unbundled fibre infrastructure in the country into three major sectors, which he listed as passive; active and retail infrastructure to be able to expand its reach to the rural areas in the country.
While calling on investors to take advantage of the new investment opportunities, he said most GSM companies, even those that came later, have made huge returns on their investments.
“Returns on investments in Nigeria is very favourable and telecommunications firms that are operating operate without government interference. I urge you take up this opportunities and invest in Nigeria,” Juwah stated.
Reiterating government support for private sector development, the Nigeria’s Vice President Namadi Sambo, said the President Goodluck Jonathan-led government has put in place a framework that guarantees business growth.
Sambo, who also guaranteed regular power supply in the country, said the country is now generating 4300mw of electricity, adding that plans were on to increase it tremendously. He said Lagos currently has 19 hours electricity with the hope of making it 24 hours before the end of the year.