Connect with us

Telecom

NCC Opens Spectrum Windows for Drones, 5G Operation

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC)  will soon allocate the required spectrum for the operation and management of drones and 5G  in Nigeria.

NCC Opens Spectrum Windows for Drones, 5G Operation

Also the 60 GHz Spectrum band to boost the imminent advantages that are coming with 5G technology and also to support indoor short range machine to machine communication has been opened for use.

Spectrum refers to a range of radio-waves that are used for communication purposes.

Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman, NCC, said that all the aforementioned Spectrums are license-free but regulated…” but “all equipment to be used must be dully type approved in accordance with the Commission’s Type Approval Regulation.

Danbatta spoke at the stakeholders consultative Forum On regulation of drone: the spectrum perspective, and presentation of reviewed guidelines on 2.4 and 5.8Ghz spectrum bands held today at Sheraton Hotesl, Lagos.

The forum was organized by the NCC, with several security officials and operators of drone attending.

He said  “the 60 GHz global unlicensed band which exists on 57–64 GHz, a wide Spectrum of up to 7 GHz is now officially open to Nigerians and will in due course be available for use after necessary work is completed on the guidelines”.

According to Danbatta the new spectrum initiative will complement the Spectrum in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz unlicensed bands currently being utilized in the country.

The forum was organized by the Commission to demonstrate effort of the Commission at providing requisite Spectrum for the deployment of drones technology and to listen to your views on the subject matter.

There was a presentation of the reviewed guidelines on the use of 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz bands respectively to accommodate the emerging technology, at the forum.

He said the guidelines for the use of 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz Spectrum bands is presently limited in its condition of use and therefore requires amendments.

Danbatta added that the new draft guidelines have incorporated some changes which include but not limited to Duty cycle, Transmission, Reception Frequencies, Power, Distance, Speed and Weight.

The idea of the new changes, he noted, is so as to give an added opportunity to the use of drones in the bands without causing interference to the adjacent and incumbent services.

The EVC said the frequencies which are currently unlicensed and are not allocated strictly for the utilization of drones in Nigeria, but the Commission has temporarily identified and modified some conditions in the guidelines and authorized the operators, cleared by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), to use them in response to the request from the ONSA to temporarily use the Frequencies pending the revision of the guidelines.

In a speech, Austin Nwaulune, director of Spectrum Administration the established technical parameters to use the 2.4 and 5.8 GHz bands as the frequency for deployment of drones and other emerging technologies in other to maximise their benefits.

He said though the Commission has had guidelines on both the use of 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz Bands for Wireless Access System (WAS the prevailing guidelines do not cover the general requirement for the control of drones and payload links such as on-board cameras, sensors, etc.


Kindly share this post

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

Telecom

MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

Published

on

Kindly share this post

MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), a fintech subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, has announced a partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles to provide subsidised bus rides of ₦10 per fare to students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

MoMo PSB

The initiative, unveiled on Thursday in Lagos, is aimed at easing transportation costs for young Nigerians, particularly students, as part of MoMo PSB’s broader commitment to financial inclusion and digital accessibility.

MoMo PSB, which provides millions of Nigerians with secure financial services including transfers, savings, card services, bill payments and wallet solutions, said the transport subsidy reflects its mission to improve everyday life by reducing the cost of essential services.

The company explained that the partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles would not only make commuting more affordable for students but also promote sustainable mobility through the use of electric buses.

Officials of MoMo PSB noted that the initiative is designed to bring “good cheer” to the UNILAG community, ensuring students can access safe, reliable and cost-effective transport while focusing on their education.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

Published

on

Kindly share this post

MTN Nigeria has launched its Unlimited Broadband Data plans powered by 5G technology, a move the telecoms giant says will tackle long-standing challenges of capped data limits, high costs and unstable connectivity faced by internet users across the country.

MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

MTN Nigeria

Egerton Idehen, Chief Broadband Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the new product was designed to support high-demand users including streamers, gamers, households and businesses requiring uninterrupted connectivity.

“We’re building a broadband experience for everyday life. For content creators, remote workers, gamers, students and households. Our focus is on speed, reliability, low latency, and affordability.

“Broadband is designed to deliver seamless connectivity that empowers Nigerians to thrive in the digital economy,” Idehen said.

The plans, available in speed-based variants of 50Mbps and 100Mbps, promise lightning-fast speeds and ultra-low latency to address issues of lag and buffering. MTN said the packages would also provide affordable and flexible options to cater to diverse economic segments.

New customers who purchase a 5G router will enjoy a welcome bonus of unlimited data for the first 30 days, allowing them to experience the service before committing to long-term use.

The company explained that the initiative was part of its broader commitment to digital inclusion, enabling Nigerians to access stable connections for virtual meetings, large file transfers, online learning, high-definition streaming and professional gaming.

Customers can subscribe to the Unlimited Broadband Plans by dialling 4611#, using the MyMTN app, MTN eShop, MTN website, or visiting authorised retail outlets nationwide.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Airtel Africa Foundation Opens Undergraduate Scholarship Portal in Nigeria

Published

on

Kindly share this post

The Airtel Africa Foundation has opened applications for its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship in Nigeria, inviting first-year university students with strong academic potential to apply for financial support aimed at accelerating their studies in technology and related fields.

The scheme provides full tuition, accommodation support, and essential study materials for eligible 100-level students. It forms part of the Foundation’s F.E.E.D. agenda, which promotes Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion, with a focus on creating pathways for talented young people who face financial barriers.

Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity. He noted that, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for national development,” adding that “as an organisation, Airtel is determined to build a platform for aspiring young Nigerians to learn, innovate and lead in the country’s expanding technology landscape.”

Applications are open to students pursuing courses such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines at participating universities: University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.

Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said the scholarship demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of digital leaders. “Young Africans are brimming with talent and ambition. What many need is a fair chance to pursue their education without financial pressure. This scholarship reflects our belief that investing in their growth will strengthen communities, empower families, and expand the continent’s digital future,” he said.

Applicants must be enrolled in 100-level, have scored at least 230 in JAMB, and hold a minimum of five credits in WAEC, including English and Mathematics, in a single sitting. Required documents include Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results, university admission letter, West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, student identity card, and academic transcript or university results.

The Foundation encourages qualified students across the listed institutions to apply and position themselves for a stronger start in the technology sector. Applications can be submitted at candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/airtelfellowship2025.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending