NCC Set to license Amateur Radio Frequency

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has begun the process of licensing 60GHz Band frequency for the deployment of Amateur Radio services in Nigeria.

As a prelude to the licensing process the commission held a stakeholders forum on the modalities on the process in Lagos yesterday.

Prof.Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman / CEO, Nigeria Communications commission said, that the commission as a matter of tradition is institutionalizing formal policy of participatory regulation and the practice of industry-wide consultations in carrying out its regulatory functions.

The EVC represented by Mrs.Abigail Solanke, Director Research & Development, (NCC) stated that, as a world class communications regulatory organization, the commission sincerely believes that their actions must be guided by decisions that takes into consideration the inputs of all stakeholders.

He implore for the active participation of all stakeholders, in the deliberations that would lead towards opening of 60GHz V-band and the development of regulatory framework for amateur radio services in the Nigerian communication industry.

Danbatta said, “As we are all aware, the radio frequency spectrum is the fundamental resource for the provision of wireless communication services and has increasingly become scarce due to the emergence of new technologies and the growing demand for wireless services.

“In line with our eight point agenda to facilitate strategic collaboration and partnership with relevant stakeholders, facilitate broadband penetration, optimize spectrum usage and its benefits, ensure regulatory excellence and operational efficiency amongst others.

“As well as to traditionally institutionalize policy of ensuring participatory regulation by conducting industry wide consultation with all relevant industry stakeholders.

“The commission has decided yet again to provide an avenue for stakeholders and users of telecommunication resources, to converge and make inputs to be considered in the opening up of the 60GHz spectrum band and the draft regulatory framework for amateur radio.”

He noted that, the commission is using this medium to present draft authorization framework for the use of amateur radio services in Nigeria, adding that the intent is to license qualified persons or companies who are interested in the amateur radio services and amateur satellite services for the purpose of non-commercial exchange messages, intercommunication, self training, private recreation, wireless experimentation and technical investigations.

Engr. A. K. Nwaulune, Director, Spectrum Administration Department, Nigerian Communications Commission during his presentation said that, the objective of the authorization is to ensure interference-free operation by all users of the amateur frequencies and optimal utilization of the bands.

He noted that, the purpose of the framework is to provide a clear and comprehensive outline for amateur radio operations in Nigeria.

He said that “eligible persons who may apply for amateur radio licenses must be over eighteen years of age.

“He should be technically competent to operate amateur radio station in line with ITU-R M.1544, which covers the basic skills required of an amateur operator.

“He must have passed the written examination and the practical Morse code test conducted by the Commission or a recognized authority in another country.”

He listed the types of licenses issued by the Commission for Amateur Radio as, Novice Class Amateur Authorization; General Class Amateur Authorization and Advanced Class Amateur Authorization.

Engr. Nwaulune, stated that the Use of Amateur Radio Station without an appropriate license is an offence and punishable under the Act, adding that applicant wishing to obtain an authorization to use an Amateur Radio shall download and complete an application form from the Commission’s website www.ncc.gov.ng. Spectrum Administration Application form.

“Applicant shall pay a non-refundable application fee of One Thousand Naira (₦1,000.00) only through the Central Bank of Nigeria Remita payment platform.

“Foreign Applicant who hold an authorization to operate an amateur radio station shall be issued a license to operate an amateur radio station while in Nigeria. The applicant can apply for the period of stay in Nigeria not exceeding one year,” he stated.

He noted that, the Commission will process an application for Amateur Radio license within 30 days upon receipt of a duly completed application form and evidence of payment of specified fees, provided also that the applicant has passed the mandatory Morse Proficiency Test administered by the Commission.