Dr. Bashir Gwandu, a prominent telecom expert and former Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has called for increased collaboration among African nations to secure 600MHz band mobile spectrum allocations. Speaking at the 9th Sub-Sahara Spectrum Management Conference 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, he emphasized the critical need for unity in the region to effectively adopt and utilize this important frequency band, which is essential for supporting 4G and 5G technologies.
The 600MHz band is gaining global traction as key to International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), with many countries already moving to allocate it. However, several African nations are reluctant to make the shift to co-primary allocations. At the World Radiocommunications Conference 2023 (WRC-23), eleven African countries, including Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania, petitioned for primary mobile spectrum allocations in the 614-694MHz range. Despite this, only Egypt’s request was approved, with other countries like Rwanda, Guinea, and Benin Republic blocking proposals from their counterparts.
Dr. Gwandu expressed his disappointment at the lack of cooperative efforts within the continent, likening the situation to fighting for a back seat when a front seat is within reach. He called for African nations to work together in finding solutions that accommodate the needs of all, rather than obstructing progress.
With the global momentum toward adopting IMT in the 600MHz band, Dr. Gwandu stressed the importance of constructive dialogue among African countries to optimize opportunities and address challenges. He also highlighted the need for regulatory clarity to foster growth within the telecommunications sector, taking into account the unique circumstances of each country, such as population, geographical size, and data demands.
As a key figure in the establishment of the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) WRC coordination meetings, Dr. Gwandu expressed concern over the declining focus on regional collaboration. He urged African nations to unite and prepare for the 2027 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-27), where they must present a unified front to secure the continent’s interests in global spectrum allocation.
