New Broadband Plan: NCC to Rejig InfraCo Framework

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is in the process of reviewing the Infrastructure Company (InfraCo) framework as mandated by the New National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025, according to Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive chairman/CEO, NCC.

^{Danbatta, who spoke during a presentation at the recent ATCON sectoral virtual forum said that licensing Infracos was means to cascade capacities to hinterland through fibre infrastructure investments.}

^{He said that such review also falls in line the Commission’s efforts to ensure even deployment of broadband infrastructure across the country and the utilization of submarine broadband landed at the sea-shores in Lagos.}

^{Giving account on the state of InfraCo licensing, he said that Nigeria had only two licensees as at year 2015, but one declined and returned the license. However, as at 2018 the Commission had additional five licensees making the number of InfraCo licenses – six.}

^{Speaking on spectrum utilization to support the growth of broadband in the country, the EVC said that between 2015 and 2018 the Commission embarked on number of initiatives such as ‘Spectrum re-planning on 800MHz CDMA spectrum.}

^{NCC also adopted re-farming of 1800 MHz for LTE and Spectrum Auctions FOR 2,6 GHz (14 Slots were given) as well as administrative assignment of 700 MHz (two of the 2 x 10 MHz)).}

^{He said that in year 2019, the Commission provided licenses for commercial satellite space segment with 55 operators empowered with landing permit.}