Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that it has started trial testing its 5G network. The network is expected to be rolled out in 2020 with the 26GHz, 38GHz and 42GHz spectrum bands beginning with the Eko Atlantic Project.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said 5G broadband data will drive connectivity and allow humans interact with connected devices to check their health status and remotely control home appliances without physical contact.
Although, he acknowledged the challenges in infrastructure rollout and spectrum availability in the country, he maintained that the NCC was already working to address the challenges.
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“NCC is already working on the three key factors that will drive 5G deployments, which include infrastructure, spectrum and regulation ahead of the 2020 rollout date…We will rely on existing policies and regulation and still come up with additional policies and regulation that will address any hiccups.”
Also speaking on the development, the Head, sub-Saharan Africa for GSMA, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck, said although Nigeria still operates 2G to 4G networks, they will gradually give way for 5G as the demand for 5G increases among the millennials, who are the digital natives.
GSMA used the collaborative meeting to launch its latest report, which focused on ‘Spotlight on Nigeria: Delivering a Digital Future.’
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