5G Technology Poses No Health Risks Pantami Says At The 3.5GHz Spectrum Auction Of The NCC

5G Technology Poses No Health Risks Pantami Says At The 3.5GHz Spectrum Auction Of The NCC

MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications have been proclaimed winners of the two slots in the 3.5GHz spectrum auction for the Fifth Generation (5G) network licenses by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

According to Professor Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of the NCC and auction overseer, the bids finished at $273 million for each.

iexclusive News Nigeria reports that this came after nearly eight hours and eleven rounds of bids, which began at $199.37 million, well over the $197.4 million reserve price.

The live auction, which took place at the Hilton Transcorp Hotel in Abuja, featured MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and Mafab Nigeria Communications Ltd.

Mafab Nigeria Communications Ltd, a rebellious newcomer to Nigeria’s telecoms business, was the surprise bidder.

The NCC licensed Mafab Communications as an International Data Access (IDA) in July 2020, managed by Alhaji Musibau Bashiru.

The first six rounds of auctions each lasted 20 minutes, and no buyers backed down as the price rapidly increased utilizing the ascending clock auction system.

The bidders had 10 minutes each to place their bids in the second five rounds.

The bid per slot was $275, 904,886.25 at the conclusion of the 11 rounds, which finished at 7.20 p.m.

Prof. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, who opened the auction at 11 a.m., spoke ecstatically about the advantages of 5G.

Professor Adeolu Akande, chairman of the NCC’s board of directors, and Professor Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of the NCC, both spoke to the audience about the importance of the spectrum auction.

Pantami traced the trip from 2019, when 5G technology was tested in Lagos, Abuja, and other Nigerian cities and deemed to be suitable and desirable for the country, until today.

He also reminded the audience that the test was followed by a probe into concerns that the technology was harmful to people’s health. According to the findings of the inquiry, 5G technology poses no health risks.

He believes that by 2022, Nigeria would have the most extensive 5G coverage in Africa.

He also believes that 5G will be able to address some of the country’s security issues, as the technology provides real-time services and platforms.