Terror-tarnished Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has endorsed the 5th Generation (5G) mobile network deployment, awaiting President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval, says the Nigerian Communications Commission.

“The minister (Mr Pantami) is aware of this signing of the MOU. He has given his blessing, and therefore we are not envisaging any problem at the level of the national frequency management council.

“We are assured of getting the approval for the utilisation of the spectrum to deploy 5G services in the country,” said Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC.

This was disclosed at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) on clearing of C-band to deploy 5G services on Wednesday in Abuja.

The communications minister has refused to resign neither has President Muhammadu Buhari sacked him despite calls for his removal from office. Mr Pantami and Mr Buhari have claimed disgruntled Nigerians are after the minister because of his NIN-SIM policy.

Various documents, audio and video recordings published by Peoples Gazette revealed Mr Pantami’s avowed support for terrorist groups and his desire to kill non-Muslims. Many Nigerians believe the minister is not fit to preside over sensitive national assets or occupy any country’s public office.

Explaining the development, Mr Danbatta stated, “First of all, issues associated with the safety of this technology have been adequately addressed. Nigerians have been sensitised on the safety of this technology with regards to health the security dimension.

“We have gone to the government, and very soon, they will come up with a statement on the date for the deployment of 5G services because the policy is equally ready. So the information of the state of readiness as we can see is satisfactory. We have the policy. We have the resource for the deployment of 5G services in the country.”

According to the NCC boss, mobile network operators are willing to bid for the available spectrum that will be used to deploy the subs to Nigerians.

Mr Danbatta intimated that the next step was for the spectrum to be allocated to the NCC by the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), assuring that the government would approve the utilisation of the spectrum to deploy 5G services in the country.

“Well, the next step is for the spectrum in question to be allocated to the NCC by the National Frequency Management Council, which has the honourable minister of communications and digital economy as chair,” he noted.

The NCC chief explained that the 5G would build on the momentum, bringing substantial network improvements, including higher connection speeds, mobility, and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities.

“We are glad that the managements of NigComSat and NCC have taken a bold step in the right direction to release contagious quantum of spectrum in the 3.5GHz band for early deployment of 5G,” stated Mr Danbatta.

(NAN)