NCC backs new spectrum to drive better customer broadband experience

Riding on the back of the proposed auction of fresh frequency in the 2.6GHz spectrum band, the quality of consumer experience in broadband service delivery is expected to witness a big boost in the shape of faster data speeds, lower prices and better network coverage, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

 

The commission had earlier announced the resumption of 2.6GHz spectrum auction. The auction was suspended due to administrative hitches, which required the industry regulator to eject illegal occupants of the spectrum ahead of the auction.The telecommunications regulator says it is already opening up different lines of discussions with operators and relevant stakeholders, with a view to developing an amended framework for the 2.6 GHz spectrum auction expected to take place this year.

Experts say widespread broadband availability will facilitate greater adoption of advanced online services such as e-governance, e-health, e-education, e- commerce and telemedicine. It would also enable Nigerians employ themselves on the back of the myriad of opportunities availed by the internet. It will allow skilled diaspora Nigerians contribute to national development. Beyond that, industry watchers say broadband will lower the cost of real estate as people will be able to work from anywhere, without necessarily converging in urban areas and needing to commute.

The GSM Association , a lobby group protecting the interest of operators globally, in a new report, encourages Nigeria “to licence the 2.6GHz band using a clear spectrum structure to stimulate affordable and better mo- bile broadband services. “This would allow next generation technologies to work smoothly, thereby ensuring the maximum economies of scale and multiplying the variety of devices for consumers”, said the report. With traffic congestion still a major challenge to telecoms service provision, the 2.6GHz band is better-suited to high data rates required to serve large numbers of users in urban communities, airports and other high- traffic areas.

According to the summary of GSM operators KPIs for January 2014, India’s Airtel, Etisalat, South Africa’s MTN and national carrier Globacom, all fell below the 2 percent target set by the industry regulator for Traffic Channel Congestion (TCH_CONG). With the 2.6GHz frequency spectrum, telecoms companies in the country are likely to see a massive jump in overall network performance, especially in the area of data transmission, and congestion.