The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) on Monday issued a 14-day ultimatum to unauthorised telecom operators using the 5.4GHz Frequency spanning 5.430 – 5.725 GHz band to vacate the frequency band or face regulatory sanctions.
The industry regulator, in a public notice signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, indicated that the 5.4 GHz frequency band spanning 5.430 – 5.725 GHz range was a licensed frequency in Nigeria.
According to him, the transmission of signals or use of equipment in any form on this band without a Frequency license obtained from the Commission is illegal.
The Director clarified: “All telecommunications service providers, private/public organisations or any person(s) using this band in any location across the country should note that pursuant to Section 122 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, it is a criminal offence to operate in any frequency not duly assigned by the
“The consequences of such 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 this band without authorisation obtained Commission.
“The Commission shall, without further recourse and upon expiration of the stipulated deadline, commence appropriate enforcement action including, but not limited to, prosecution, fine, and confiscation of equipment used in the illegal transmission of services. A detailed regulatory provision for the deployment of services on the entire 5GHz band is contained in the Guidelines for Deployment of Broadband Services on the 5.2-5.9GHz band. This is available at www.ncc.gov.ng, under Licensing and Regulation (Regulatory Functions) for guidance.
“This is a pre-enforcement notice”, Mouka added.
