*The Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers commends the leadership of Nigerian Communications Commission on demonstrating high-level qualities of a world-class regulator by setting the wheel of 5G technology in motion leading to the recent successful auction of 5G spectrum on 3.5GHz band

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

For demonstrating excellence by setting the pace on 5G network deployment on the African continent, the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE) has commended the leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The Engineering body in a statement signed by Engr. Kings Adeyemi, outgoing National Chairman of NIEEE, acknowledged Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the telecoms sector regulatory Commission, and the entire Management of the Commission for accolades.

Engr. Adeyemi stated: 鈥淢ajor requirements for 5G journey include spectrum availability, investor-friendly regulatory policy and stakeholders鈥� awareness.

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鈥淣igerian Communications Commission (NCC) engaged relevant stakeholders ahead of the Federal Executive Council鈥檚 (FEC) approval of the Development of a Policy for Deployment of 5G in Nigeria.鈥�

The NIEEE outgoing National Chairman also said: 鈥淲e use this medium to commend the entire Management of NCC under the leadership of the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO Engr. Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, FNSE, FRAES, FAEng, FNIEEE.

鈥淣CC demonstrated high level qualities of a world-class regulator indeed by setting the wheel of 5G in motion, from 5G Proof of Concept (PoC) trial in 2019 to the recently successful auction of 5G spectrum on 3.5GHz band.鈥�

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According to NIEEE, it is worth noting that 鈥渢his remarkable landmark achievement was attained by NCC at a time when COVID-19 pandemic continues to force the postponement of many highly anticipated 5G spectrum auctions throughout the world.鈥�

Commending the professionals within the Commission for the choice of 3.5 鈥� 3.6 GHz and 3.7 鈥� 3.8GHz, Engr. Adeyemi further said that Frequencies in the range 3.3 鈥� 4.2 GHz (3GPP Band 78) are being used as the basis for the first implementations of 5G globally.

Adeyemi said: 鈥淭his decision allays the fear of 5G services interfering with the aircraft operations as currently exercised in some countries.

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鈥淣CC鈥檚 choice on the 3.5 GHz band has sufficiently safeguarded civil aircraft altimeters which usually operate between 4.2 鈥� 4.4 GHz range.鈥�

The NIEEE National Chairman noted: 鈥淔rom expert perspective, the choice of two (2) slots of 100 MHz (TDD) bandwidth each on 3.5 GHz band (precisely 3GPP Band 78) is a highly laudable choice to launch 5G network.

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鈥淪uch wide channel bandwidth, according to him, is required to deliver the multi-Gbps data speed required of a 5G network.

The Institute further stated that 鈥渋t is technically proven that wider channels lower network density, which ripples into lowering the cost of 5G services to consumers.

鈥淥ther advantages include less base stations sites and lower environmental impact. The 3.5 GHz band is the best choice to balance capacity and network coverage which, in turn, encourages operators to commit investment in 5G infrastructure.鈥�

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