By Chris Udochukwu
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given a 14-day enforcement notice to all unlicensed telecommunication service operators to discontinue the transmission of signals or use of equipment in any form on the 5.4 GHz frequency band without a
Frequency license obtained from the Commission.
The NCC reminded operators,
private/public organizations and the public that the 5.4 GHz frequency band spanning
5.430 – 5.725 GHz range is a licensed frequency in Nigeria and that it is a criminal
offence to operate in any frequency not duly assigned by the Commission. Adding that the
consequences of such act may lead to imprisonment, sanction and confiscation of
equipment used in operating the illegal services.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs Department, Reuben Muoka released via the X account (formerly twitter) of the Commission.
The statement reads in full:
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) hereby informs operators,
private/public organizations and the public that the 5.4 GHz frequency band spanning
5.430 – 5.725 GHz range is a licensed frequency in Nigeria.
Therefore, the transmission of signals or use of equipment in any form on this band without a Frequency license obtained from the Commission is illegal.
All telecommunications service providers, private/public organizations 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 Commission.
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 authorization 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.
Signed:
Reuben Muoka
Director ,Public Affairs Department,
Nigerian Communications Commission
www.ncc.gov.ng
