NCC moves to curb unlicensed use of 5.4GHz frequency band 

Joy Agwunobi

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned that it will not tolerate unlicensed use of the 5.4GHz frequency band by telecom operators, as this could disrupt other networks and cause interference. Operators have been given a 14-day grace period to comply with this directive, or they will face consequences. 

The NCC’s efforts to crack down on unlicensed use of the 5.4GHz frequency band are part of a wider initiative to ensure that all spectrum is used in accordance with international standards and best practices. 

Meanwhile, the NCC has approved the use of several frequency bands including 67 KHz, which covers 6765-6795 KHz band; 13 MHz frequency band, which covers 13.553-13.567 MHz band; 27MHz frequency band, which covers 26.957-27.283 MHz band; 40 MHz frequency band, which covers 40.66-40.70 MHz band; and 2.4 GHz frequency band, which covers 2.400-2.500 GHz band

According to a statement from the NCC, the 5.4 GHz frequency band is a licensed band in Nigeria, and any operator, organisation, or individual using the band without a license is in violation of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA 2003). The NCA 2003 is the primary law governing the communications sector in Nigeria, and any violation of its provisions can result in significant fines or other penalties. 

“The consequences of such an act may lead to imprisonment, sanction and confiscation of equipment used in operating the illegal services. In view of the above, the commission hereby gives a 14-day enforcement notice to all unlicensed operators on the 5.4GHz frequency band, spanning 5.430 725GHz to, forthwith, vacate and desist from further transmission of signals or use of equipment in any form on the band without authorisation obtained from NCC,” the statement read.

As per the enforcement notice, if individuals and entities do not obtain the required license to operate in the 5.4 GHz frequency band by the deadline, the NCC will take enforcement action. This could include prosecution, fines, and confiscation of equipment used in illegal transmission of services.

The NCC further advised all telecom operators in the country to familiarise themselves with the provisions outlined in the “Guidelines for Deployment of Broadband Services on the 5.2-5.9GHz band.”

Some industry experts have expressed support for the NCC’s move to enforce regulations around the 5.4 GHz frequency band. They believe that this is a positive step towards ensuring the efficient use of spectrum resources in Nigeria. They argue that by adhering to the guidelines, telecom operators will be able to compete fairly and provide high-quality broadband services. 

The experts also highlighted the issue of signal jamming caused by unauthorised use of the frequency band. Heavy equipment used by unlicensed operators can cause interference and disrupt the services provided by both licensed and unlicensed operators. This can in turn lead to poor service quality for the end user, and ultimately increase costs for operators as they may be required to invest in new technologies and infrastructure to meet the regulations. 

Therefore, the NCC has emphasised the need for all operators to work together to ensure that the regulations are adhered to, and that the interests of the industry and end users are protected.