The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will issue new telecom spectrum licences starting from 2016 to create pervasive internet infrastructure in all the 36 states.
According to the NCC, this move will encourage increased investments that will expand broadband services and drive economic growth and development, the regulator said.
Speaking at the 21st anniversary of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos at the weekend, acting Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, said the regulator is focused on providing a level playing field for all telecom companies and investors to maximise their investments.
“Between now and next year, NCC will come up with programmes to license more spectrums. This will ensure that we have enough pervasive internet penetration.
NCC will continue to implement policies that guarantee a good operating environment for telecom players.”
Nigeria has an array of telecom licences awaiting auctions from next year, such as the 2.6GHz band, Infrastructure companies (InfraCos) in the five geopolitical zones of the country, 5.4GHz band, 70/80GHz band as well as the 700/800MHz bands that NCC plans to offer telecom/broadband operators.
