5G Auction Will Boost Competition Among New, Existing Licencees –
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stated that the 3.5GHz spectrum which would hold on December 19th, 2022 in Abuja is designed to boost competition by making it open to both new entrants as well as existing licensees.
The spectrum would allow the deployment of fifth generation (5G) services to drive the digital economy vision of Nigeria. Section 121 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (the Act) allows available Spectrum resources to be licensed through different methods.
Secretary to the government of the federation, Boss Mustapha has urges Commonwealth members to invest in Nigeria, saying the country is safe and conducive for investors to conduct their businesses.
Mustapha made the call at the 42 annual technical conference of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administration (CATA) in Abuja.
Mr Mustapha said the current administration has taken steps, including the provision
Spectrum licensing via auction is one of the most transparent methods of assigning Spectrum resources globally. Already, the Commission in response to requests for more Spectrum lots to be made available during the 2021 Stakeholders’ engagement had cleared all encumbrances in the remaining two (2) lots of the 3.5GHz band.
A statement by the director, Public Affairs, NCC, Reuben Mouka stated that the Commission has achieved the clearance earlier than estimated 24 months, thus making the Spectrum available for licensing.
“The Commission wishes of trade and investment incentives, review of tax policies and registration to improve on tax fairness for ease of doing business in Nigeria.
The SGF said the theme of the conference: “Tax Administration in the Digital Era” is in line with global emerging issues, especially advancement in technology.
Minister of finance, budget and national planning Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed
stated that over the past few years, federal government has committed huge monetary and human resources to reiterate that as a regulatory body holding in trust the management and administration of scarce spectrum resources on behalf of Federal government that it will continue to make available, the much needed harmonized and standardized Spectrum resources to the industry.
“The Auction is designed to boost competition by making it open to both new entrants as well as existing licensees. We, therefore, wish to reassure all stakeholders and investors, that the processes and schedule for the Auction of two (2) lots of 3.5GHz Spectrum will take place as planned. to champion the cause of developing countries. She urged CATA and similar organisations to blend their voices with Nigerias’ by insisting that skewed international tax rules be straightened for the good of all.
Mrs Ahmed said tax administrative processes must keep pace with changes in the business world. She said since businesses are evolving from physical presence to virtual place, tax administrations must also shift gear unto the virtual realm.