Telecom
NCC Set to license Amateur Radio Frequency
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has begun the process of licensing 60GHz Band frequency for the deployment of Amateur Radio services in Nigeria.
As a prelude to the licensing process the commission held a stakeholders forum on the modalities on the process in Lagos yesterday.
Prof.Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman / CEO, Nigeria Communications commission said, that the commission as a matter of tradition is institutionalizing formal policy of participatory regulation and the practice of industry-wide consultations in carrying out its regulatory functions.
The EVC represented by Mrs.Abigail Solanke, Director Research & Development, (NCC) stated that, as a world class communications regulatory organization, the commission sincerely believes that their actions must be guided by decisions that takes into consideration the inputs of all stakeholders.
He implore for the active participation of all stakeholders, in the deliberations that would lead towards opening of 60GHz V-band and the development of regulatory framework for amateur radio services in the Nigerian communication industry.
Danbatta said, “As we are all aware, the radio frequency spectrum is the fundamental resource for the provision of wireless communication services and has increasingly become scarce due to the emergence of new technologies and the growing demand for wireless services.
“In line with our eight point agenda to facilitate strategic collaboration and partnership with relevant stakeholders, facilitate broadband penetration, optimize spectrum usage and its benefits, ensure regulatory excellence and operational efficiency amongst others.
“As well as to traditionally institutionalize policy of ensuring participatory regulation by conducting industry wide consultation with all relevant industry stakeholders.
“The commission has decided yet again to provide an avenue for stakeholders and users of telecommunication resources, to converge and make inputs to be considered in the opening up of the 60GHz spectrum band and the draft regulatory framework for amateur radio.”
He noted that, the commission is using this medium to present draft authorization framework for the use of amateur radio services in Nigeria, adding that the intent is to license qualified persons or companies who are interested in the amateur radio services and amateur satellite services for the purpose of non-commercial exchange messages, intercommunication, self training, private recreation, wireless experimentation and technical investigations.
Engr. A. K. Nwaulune, Director, Spectrum Administration Department, Nigerian Communications Commission during his presentation said that, the objective of the authorization is to ensure interference-free operation by all users of the amateur frequencies and optimal utilization of the bands.
He noted that, the purpose of the framework is to provide a clear and comprehensive outline for amateur radio operations in Nigeria.
He said that “eligible persons who may apply for amateur radio licenses must be over eighteen years of age.
“He should be technically competent to operate amateur radio station in line with ITU-R M.1544, which covers the basic skills required of an amateur operator.
“He must have passed the written examination and the practical Morse code test conducted by the Commission or a recognized authority in another country.”
He listed the types of licenses issued by the Commission for Amateur Radio as, Novice Class Amateur Authorization; General Class Amateur Authorization and Advanced Class Amateur Authorization.
Engr. Nwaulune, stated that the Use of Amateur Radio Station without an appropriate license is an offence and punishable under the Act, adding that applicant wishing to obtain an authorization to use an Amateur Radio shall download and complete an application form from the Commission’s website www.ncc.gov.ng. Spectrum Administration Application form.
“Applicant shall pay a non-refundable application fee of One Thousand Naira (₦1,000.00) only through the Central Bank of Nigeria Remita payment platform.
“Foreign Applicant who hold an authorization to operate an amateur radio station shall be issued a license to operate an amateur radio station while in Nigeria. The applicant can apply for the period of stay in Nigeria not exceeding one year,” he stated.
He noted that, the Commission will process an application for Amateur Radio license within 30 days upon receipt of a duly completed application form and evidence of payment of specified fees, provided also that the applicant has passed the mandatory Morse Proficiency Test administered by the Commission.
Spacecoin, US-based, has announced the signing of recent agreements with local authorities and operators to launch satellite connectivity pilot projects in Africa.
The initiatives, focused on Kenya and Nigeria, aim to serve areas where terrestrial networks remain limited or unavailable.
n Kenya, Spacecoin has obtained a transmission license from the Communications Authority, allowing it to test satellite-based solutions for connectivity and Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas with limited internet access.
According to the Kenyan regulator, internet penetration remains below 50% of the population, despite mobile penetration exceeding 130%.
In parallel, the company is continuing operations in Nigeria under an existing license issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This authorization supports initiatives aimed at delivering affordable broadband connectivity to isolated and underserved communities.
Spacecoin’s approach is based on a decentralized satellite network using nanosatellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).
Combined with blockchain-based protocols, this architecture is intended to offer more flexible and cost-effective connectivity services than traditional networks, while also enabling the integration of IoT solutions for a range of uses, from smart agriculture to infrastructure monitoring.
These projects are part of a broader strategy to help narrow Africa’s digital divide, where a significant share of the population still lacks access to reliable internet services.
Satellite technology is increasingly viewed as a complement to terrestrial infrastructure, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where deployment costs and geographic constraints remain high.
Beyond Africa, Spacecoin is also running pilot projects in Asia, working with local partners to test the viability of its model across different regulatory and geographic environments.
According to the company’s management, growing interest from regulators reflects a shift toward solutions capable of reaching populations that have long been excluded from internet access.
AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, driving digital transformation and sustainability, today announces the appointment of Khaled Salah, 37 years old, as Vice President of Africa.
Khaled Salah
In this new role, he will be responsible for about 30 employees to ensure the successful implementation of AVEVA’s growth strategy. Khaled Salah will report directly to Jesus Hernandez, SVP of the EMEA region.
A 15-years + career across different industries and domains
With a MBA in management from the Warwick business school, UK, and a master’s degree in engineering from Ain Shams university in Egypt, Khaled Salah is an active advocate for driving sustainable progress in the industrial sector. With Sustainability in mind, Khaled is keen on making a positive business impact, while fostering progress for people and the planet.
He started his career at Schneider Electric, in 2013 in the global supply chain and evolved through various roles such as Europe procurement and supply chain strategy Manager, and Global Commercial strategy Director for the industrial automation business. Khaled Salah has developed a strategic understanding of all those fields.
After 12 years in Schneider Electric, Khaled joined AVEVA in 2022 to lead AVEVA and Schneider Electric global strategic partnership, across all industries managing a team of 30 people.
He has led the introduction of new AVEVA software solutions to initiate and develop significant growth areas across all Schneider Electric verticals.
Ambitious plans for AVEVA in Africa
In addition to his current role as AVEVA and Schneider Electric partnership Vice-President, Khaled now takes over the management of AVEVA’s activities in Africa.
Jesus Hernandez, SVP of the EMEA region says: “Africa is a strategic region for AVEVA. In this major industrial market, customers, world leaders in the fields of Energy, Metal & Mining, Chemicals, and Water, are looking for AVEVA’s expertise to accelerate and drive their digital transformation and sustainability strategies, as well as their energy transition projects.
“Khaled Salah’s qualities of leadership in a global environment will benefit his team spread across 12 countries including Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.”
Motivated by the prospect of capitalizing on the talent of his team to strengthen AVEVA’s presence in Africa in the years to come, Khaled Salah says: “Helping my team realize their professional potential is close to my heart.
“We will work together to support and accelerate the digital transformation of industries in Africa, in particular through CONNECT, our industrial intelligence platform, with the support of our ecosystem of partners. »
A Google-Ipsos report reveals Nigerians topping global AI usage at 88%, surpassing the 62% worldwide average, with sharp rises in education and business applications.
“Our Life with AI: Helpfulness in the hands of more people” shows 93% of Nigerians using AI for learning complex topics versus 74% globally, 91% for work assistance, and 80% for new ventures—nearly double the 42% global rate.
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s West Africa Communications Manager, stated: “Nigerians are creatively using AI to unlock opportunities for learning, growth, and economic empowerment, shaping their future with technology.”
Key findings highlight 91% viewing AI positively for learning access, 95% expecting benefits for students and educators, and strong optimism—80% excited versus 20% concerned, compared to global 53%-46% split. Frequent users show 90% excitement
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