Dr. Gwandu Advocates African Unity for 600MHz Mobile Spectrum Allocation

Dr. Gwandu Advocates African Unity for 600MHz Mobile Spectrum Allocation

By Gloria Sarauniya Usman

ABUJA, NIGERIA November, 2024 - Dr. Bashir Gwandu, a renowned telecom expert and former Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has called for unity among African nations to secure 600MHz band mobile spectrum allocations. He made this appeal at the 9th Sub-Sahara Spectrum Management Conference 2024 held in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 6-7. The event, organized by Forum Global, focused on the theme: "From WRC-23 to WRC-27—Emerging Landscapes & Technologies and the Path Ahead."

During his opening remarks on the 600MHz spectrum discussions, Dr. Gwandu, who has chaired significant international telecom bodies like the ITU Radiocommunications Advisory Group and the Commonwealth ITU Group, emphasized the importance of collaboration. He urged African nations to align their strategies ahead of the World Radiocommunications Conference 2027 (WRC-27) to secure Footnote 5.307A, a critical radio regulation for spectrum allocation.

Dr. Gwandu highlighted the 600MHz band (3GGP n71) as pivotal for supporting 4G and 5G networks, noting its growing adoption worldwide. However, he expressed disappointment over Africa's declining focus on collective efforts, citing recent challenges at WRC-23. At the conference, only Egypt succeeded in securing primary mobile allocation in the 614-694MHz range, while countries like Rwanda, Guinea, and Benin opposed similar requests from 10 other African nations, including Nigeria, Senegal, and Chad.

“Something went wrong at WRC-23,” Dr. Gwandu remarked. “We must work together, engage in constructive dialogue, and optimize opportunities. Reasonable nations accommodate their neighbors rather than block their progress.”

He criticized the reluctance to embrace change, likening it to choosing a back seat over a front one. He stressed that the global trend favors IMT adoption in the 600MHz band, with many countries already making allocations. Dr. Gwandu urged nations not yet ready for the transition to refrain from hindering others. He called on the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) to adhere to its rules and foster harmonization.

The telecom expert also highlighted Africa's unique challenges, including geographical diversity, rural connectivity gaps, and high energy costs for rural network systems. He underscored that spectrum allocation solutions must consider these factors, as smaller nations like Rwanda cannot adopt the same approach as larger countries such as Nigeria.

“Unity and mutual respect are key,” Dr. Gwandu concluded. “Africa must rise above internal divisions to secure its place in the global digital landscape.”