Prof. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has assured that by 2022 Nigeria will have the highest coverage of the Fifth Generation, 5G, in Africa.
Pantami gave the guarantee in the auction of the 3.5 gigahertz spectrum, Ghz, organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, on Monday in Abuja.
The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reports that two telcos are expected to emerge as winners after the auction of the 3.5 gigahertz, Ghz spectrum.
The minister noted that 5G would solve some of the security challenges in the country, as the technology provides services and platforms in real time.
“We have already taken giant steps in developing our digital economy and the development of 5G networks will further support our efforts.
“This will take advantage of the social and economic benefits that it brings.
“It will serve as a catalyst for the successful implementation of our National Digital Economy Development and Strategy (NDEPS) for a digital Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that the National Frequency Management Council, NFMC, would ensure that the spectrum required for the 5G standard was available in the most timely manner.
He said this would enable investment, innovation and competition in the development of 5G services for the benefit of consumers and businesses.
He said stakeholders critically reviewed the 5G trial in order to understand its health and safety implications.
“The review showed that 5G is safe for implementation in Nigeria and will not compromise our security as a country.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), United Nations bodies, have confirmed that the deployment will not cause any adverse health effects and is safe,” said Pantami.
NAN reports that the NCC had announced that three telcos were qualified as approved bidders for the 5G permit after meeting all the requirements to participate in the licensing process.
The three qualified bidders for the 3.5 GHz spectrum are: MTN Nigeria, Mafab Communications Ltd and Airtel Networks Ltd, participated in the simulated software-based auction.
They used the ascending clock auction system for the simulated session.
Each bidder is expected to go through a bidding room, which will begin with an opening round in which all bidders are expected to participate.
The Department of Security Service, DSS, would monitor the officers in each room and no one will be allowed to leave the room until the process is complete.
In November, the Commission set the offer price at 75 billion naira, $ 197.4 million.
The telecommunications giants, however, asked for a reduction in the license fee.
