Nigerian Communications Commission - Call for Stakeholder Input on Further Licensing of 2.3 GHz Band

Introduction
The Nigerian Communications Commission, had earlier licensed part of the 2.3 GHz frequency band (TDD) in slots of 20 MHz per Operator in the year 2009. The band now has three Operators with 20 MHz each, out of the planned five slots of 20 MHz each. This makes two slots of 20 MHz, nationwide, available for licensing.

The Commission is considering licensing the two remaining slots and has received memoranda from the three existing Operators, requesting the Commission to issue the slots to them instead of putting it out for public licensing. This they attributed to mutual interference experienced between them.

Call For Input
To facilitate the Commission’s decision, and in line with its policy of participatory regulation, the Commission plans a stakeholder forum. This forum will hold on March 4, 2013, and will discuss the options available for licensing the remaining slots.

The major option for consideration amongst others that Stakeholders may propose is:
Publicly auction the 1 x 30 MHz to one new Operator and use the remaining 10 MHz as Guard Band between adjacent slots and at the edges of the band.

A call for memoranda on proposed licensing options, which should be technically justified, is therefore canvassed. This should not however exclude further views which Stakeholders believe are relevant.

Closing Date/Submission
Stakeholders interested in submitting memoranda have until February 28, 2013 to respond.

A softcopy of such memoranda should be sent to 2.3GHz@ncc.gov.ng, while hard-copy of same should be sent to the address below:

The Executive Vice Chairman
Nigerian Communications Commission
Plot 423, Aguyi-lronsi Street
Maitama District
Abuja

Attention: Head Spectrum Administration (2.3 GHz)

Signed:
Tony Ojobo
Director, Public Affairs

Nigerian Communications Commission
Plot 423, Aguiy Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja.
Tel: 09-4617000 - 29. Fax: 09 - 2344589.
E-mail: ncc@ncc.gov.ng http: www.ncc.gov.ng