Gwandu calls for African unity to secure 600MHz mobile spectrum for rural connectivity
Former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Bashir Gwandu, has called on African nations to unite in securing the 600MHz mobile spectrum to enhance connectivity across rural regions.
Speaking at the Sub-Saharan Spectrum Management Conference 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, Gwandu urged African representatives to the upcoming World Radiocommunications Conference 2027 (WRC-27) to present a cohesive front to secure this essential spectrum allocation.
Gwandu, an Independent Spectrum Expert and a former CEO of Nigeria’s National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), opened the conference with a call for unity.
“When we meet as a family, we must be honest with ourselves. We, as Africans, too often fight each other for the back seat, neglecting each other’s interests,” he said, emphasizing the need for honest collaboration among African countries.
A founding advocate of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) WRC coordination meetings, Gwandu expressed disappointment that the continent’s focus on cooperative efforts seems to be diminishing.
He noted that spectrum allocation on the 600MHz band, a frequency range increasingly designated for 4G and 5G services worldwide, is crucial for mobile connectivity in rural areas, particularly in underserved regions across Africa.
While some African countries are not yet prepared to adopt the 600MHz band for mobile use, Gwandu argued that their lack of readiness should not hinder others. “The world is moving toward IMT in the 600MHz band,” he said, suggesting that Africa must allow flexibility for countries to proceed at their own pace, given the diverse needs across the continent.
The discussion on spectrum allocation gained momentum following a recent decision at the WRC-23 conference, where Egypt advanced with its 600MHz primary mobile allocation despite opposition from several African nations, including Rwanda, Guinea, Benin, and Cameroon, who blocked similar requests from 10 other African countries.
Gwandu criticized this decision, noting that ATU regulations require that when eight or more countries oppose a proposal, it should not move forward under the African Common Proposals (AFCP) framework. He argued that blocking these requests contravened ATU guidelines, given that 11 nations expressed opposition to the “No Change” position.
Gwandu stressed that such internal conflicts undermine Africa’s ability to compete globally. “Fighting to maintain the status quo is like refusing an available front seat and competing for a back seat,” he remarked, underscoring the need for Africa to engage in positive, unified dialogue.
He highlighted Africa’s urban-to-rural connectivity gap of 50%, along with high energy costs, as key reasons for accelerating rural connectivity efforts.
He urged African regulators to design competitive markets to maximize the efficiency of sub-1000MHz bands, including the 600, 700, 800, and 900 MHz ranges. According to him, these low-frequency bands, which have strong penetration capabilities, enable operators to provide cost-effective connectivity in rural areas.
Looking forward, Gwandu noted that establishing a structure to support multiple operators within these frequency bands could enhance competition and improve service delivery, allowing rural schools, hospitals, and communities to access high-speed broadband.
Dr. Gwandu concluded by reminding delegates of the economic potential associated with low-band spectrum allocation in Africa. Citing the GSMA Mobile Economy Report 2024, he highlighted a projected $130 billion economic boost by 2030 from 5G development.
However, he challenged African representatives to aim even higher, ensuring no nation is blocked from utilizing the 600MHz primary mobile allocation.
