The former acting Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Bashir Gwandu, has called on African nations to unite in securing 600 megahertz spectrum allocations.
The 600 MHz spectrum is a range of radio frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum that is increasingly being allocated for wireless communication, particularly to support 4G and 5G networks.
He made the appeal at the 9th Sub-Sahara Spectrum Management Conference 2024, held recently in Nairobi, Kenya.
The former NCC boss, who also served as CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, underlined that without collective action, Africa’s position in future global spectrum negotiations could weaken.
The conference, organised by Forum Global, focused on the theme “From WRC-23 to WRC-27: Emerging Landscapes & Technologies and the Path Ahead.”
In his presentation, titled “The Shape of Post-WRC Spectrum Ecosystems,” Gwandu urged African countries to coordinate their efforts ahead of the 2027 World Radiocommunications Conference to push for the adoption of Footnote 5.307A.
The telecom expert, in a statement on Tuesday, expressed concern that Africa’s regional coordination on spectrum issues had weakened, a trend he deemed critical for the continent’s digital and technological development.
He pointed out that while countries in ITU Regions 2 and 3, as well as some in Region 1, have already designated the 600 MHz band for mobile use, some African nations are hesitant to make the transition to co-primary allocation.
Gwandu noted that at the recent WRC-23, 11 African countries sought primary mobile allocation and IMT identification for the 614-694 MHz band.
However, only Egypt was successful, while requests from other African nations, including Nigeria, Senegal, and Mauritania, were blocked by countries such as Rwanda, Guinea, and the Benin Republic.
He warned that this resistance to progress is akin to “refusing an available front seat and fighting for a back seat.”
Gwandu stressed that the lack of unity on spectrum allocation issues could have long-term consequences for Africa’s connectivity infrastructure, limiting its ability to meet growing digital demands.
The expert called on African leaders to prioritise cooperation and dialogue to avoid further setbacks. “We must work together, engage in positive dialogue on challenges, and seize opportunities,” he said.
“Reasonable countries have always found solutions to accommodate the needs of their neighbors instead of blocking them.”
He further urged the African Telecommunication Union to remain effective by adhering to its rules.
Gwandu reiterated that the direction is clear: the 600 MHz band is moving toward mobile use, and countries should not obstruct progress. “Eventually, most of us will adopt it,” he said.
“The world is moving toward IMT in this band, and many countries in Regions 2 and 3 have already taken primary allocation for mobile. Even in Region 1, a number of countries have already changed the use status of this band to include mobile services.”
