NCC Targets N632bn Revenue From 5G Spectrum Sales

The Executive Vice Chairman of the National Communication Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, has again assured Nigerians of the safety of their health with the proposed 5G network.

Danbatta also said the agency proposed to generate N632.39bn in 2022 from the sale of 5G spectrum to telecommunications firms, among other revenue sources.

The NCC boss gave the assurance when he appeared before the National Assembly joint committee on Communications to defend his commission’s 2022 budget proposal. Danbatta’s response was sequel to fear raised by some members of the joint committee over the deployment of the new technology.

He said, “The revenue would be realised through the sales of 5G spectrum, fines among others.

“Concerning the fears about the 5G spectrum, we share the same concern because it is justified and we have been sensitising Nigerians about the safety of the new technology. The 5G network we are going to launch has no harm.”

“Up till date, there is no credible evidence about the health hazard of the 5G technology; therefore, it is safe.”

He added that the 5G spectrum network was good for the economy and the nation’s social transformation.

He said, “There is no medical evidence from the World Health Organisation indicating any harmful effect of the spectrum on the health of end users.”

The Executive Vice Chairman also disclosed that with the launch of Computer Incidence Response Team, telecommunications networks across the country are secured against any form of cyber-attack.

Danbatta said, “Recently, not up to a month ago, the commission unveiled its computer incidence responsive which is a certified round protection for cyber-attacks against telecommunication network.

“I am very proud to bring this information to the knowledge of the general public that all over the country, our computers are secured from cyber-attacks.

“This effort is going to be intensified in order to ensure the safety of our computers.”

For the commission’s main budget, he said a sum of N86.2bn was proposed for recurrent expenditures, N29.36bn for capital while N2.55bn was earmarked for special projects.

Danbatta, while defending his agency’s budget before the Senate MTEF/FSP panels in September, had said the agency could generate up to N400bn from the spectrum auction next year.