In a proactive step to be part of the global community in leveraging the benefits of emerging technologies, Nigeria has signed a global Act for adoption of Sixth Generation Technology (6G) and other facilities related to Radio and Telecommunications.
Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy,
Dr Bosun Tijani signed the Act on behalf of Nigeria at the just concluded World
Radiocommunications Conference (WRC) 2023.
This development was part of the record landmark decisions
taken at the conference.
The 6G Technology Act comprised both the new and revised
provisions of the Radio Regulations, an international treaty governing the use
of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
Those who attended the conference were the Executive Vice
Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida and
the Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat
Ltd), Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen
The WRC-2023 is a global, inter-governmental treaty
conference held every three to four years by the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations-affiliated international
organization for telecommunications.
At the end of each conference, countries signed an updated
Final Act, the outcome of agreements on agendas put forward by country
administrations.
The Public Affairs Director of the NCC, Mr Reuben Muoka
quoted the ITU as saying that, “the agreement to the updated Radio Regulations
identifies new spectrum resources to support technological innovation, deepen
global connectivity, increase access to and equitable use of space-based radio
resources, and enhance safety at sea, in the air, and on land.”
Mr Reuben Muoka said “Among the decisions reached, the
Conference also identified spectrum for International Mobile Telecommunications
(IMT), which will be crucial for expanding broadband connectivity and
developing IMT mobile services, also known as 4G, 5G and, in the future, 6G.
“The conference also identified new frequencies for
non-geostationary fixed-satellite service Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs) that
would provide high-speed broadband onboard aircraft, vessels, trains, and
vehicles. These satellite services are also critical following disasters where
local communication infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.
“Provisions were also included to protect ship and aircraft
mobile service stations located in international airspace and waters from other
stations within national territories.
“Nigeria’s delegation at the conference comprised seasoned
engineers and experts in telecommunications and satellite regulations and
governance from the Ministry, NCC, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC),
NigComSat Ltd, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Nigeria
Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), telecom operators and other practitioners
from the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, Tijani, who led the Nigerian delegation at the
WRC-23, thanked the delegation for their sacrifices which, he noted, were made
for the collective benefit of the future of Nigeria.
He also enjoined the Nigerian delegation to commence
preparation for future conferences to ensure the preservation of the country’s
interest by developing capacity through investments in extensive research and
inter-agency collaboration.
Also, during an engagement with the Nigerian delegation at
the conference, Maida commended the delegation for collaborating towards
Nigeria’s best interest. He emphasised the conference’s significant importance
for Nigeria.
According to him, “The agreements reached at this year’s
conference will provide valuable spectrum resources that will benefit the
Commission’s stakeholders, especially ordinary Nigerians by enhancing service
quality and bridging the digital gap in rural areas.
“Additionally, the establishment of international standards
for radiocommunications and the decisions made at the conference will impact
the development and implementation of new technologies.
“These outcomes align with Nigeria’s overall objectives and
the Honorable Minister’s Strategic Plan for the Ministry particularly on
expanding broadband connectivity, in harmony with the global transition to 5G
and future 6G technologies, as well as improving quality of experience and
providing equitable access to all Nigerians.”