Nigeria May Start Using 5G Network By 2020 – NCC

NCC Plans 5G Rollout By 2020

The Nigerian Communications Commission has revealed that Nigeria has started testing of 5G networks with the plans of rolling out by 2020.

The commission revealed that the 26GHz, 38GHz and 42GHz spectrum bands will be used, beginning with the Eko Atlantic Project.

NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta said this in Abuja on Thursday during a collaborative meeting with GSMA for 5G rollout in Nigeria.

He said 5G broadband data will drive connectivity and allow humans to interact with connected devices to check their health status and remotely control home appliances without physical contact.

Danbatta, while acknowledging the deficit in infrastructure rollout and spectrum availability in the country, added that the NCC was already putting measures in place to address the challenges.

Danbatta said, “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, the Head, sub-Saharan Africa for GSMA, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck, said the 5G network will gradually take over from the 2G, 3G and 4G networks, which are currently operational in the country as demand for 5G increases.