The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has frowned at some operators who are transmitting telecoms signals on the available 5.4GHz frequency band, without being licensed to operate with the same.
The regulatory body therefore declared illegal, the unauthorized use of the 5.4GHZ frequency band, and has vowed to sanction any erring operator involved in such an act. NCC further gave a 14-day enforcement notice for all illegal operators to vacate the 5.4GHz frequency band.
In a statement signed by the Director, of Public Affairs at NCC, Mr. Reuben Muoka, and published on its website, warned that severe sanctions that could lead to imprisonment and confiscation of equipment used in operating such illegal services would be meted on all telecommunications service providers, private-public organizations and individuals using the 5.4GHz band without a frequency license obtained from the commission.
“Some range of frequency bands that have been approved for use by the NCC, include: 67 KHz band, which covers 6765-6795 KHz band; 13 MHz frequency band, which covers 13.553-13.567 MHz band; 27MHz frequency band, which covers 26.957-27.283 MHz band; 40 MHz frequency band, which covers 40.66-40.70 MHz band; and 2.4 GHz frequency band, which covers 2.400-2.500 GHz band.
“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 under Section 122 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA 2003), it is a criminal offense 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. Given 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 the further transmission of signals or use of equipment in any form on the band without authorization obtained from NCC.”
The agency said that without further recourse and upon expiration of the stipulated deadline, it would commence appropriate enforcement action including, but not limited to, prosecution, fine, and confiscation of equipment used in the illegal transmission of services.
The statement further said: “All telecom operators to acquaint themselves with the detailed regulatory provision for the deployment of services on the entire 5GHz band as contained in the Guidelines for Deployment of Broadband Services on the 5.2-5.9GHz band.”
