Association urges adoption of 700MHz for improved broadband, data service

Mr Adeolu Ogunbanjo, President, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), has called for the adoption of 700MHz to enhance the nation’s broadband and data service.

He made the call in a statement made available in Lagos on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 700MHz band is an important swathe of spectrum available for both commercial wireless and public safety communications.

The band consists of 108 megahertz of spectrum running from 698-806 MHz and was freed up as a result of the Digital Television transition.

Ogunbanjo, therefore, urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Ministry of Communications to do the needful to get the 700MHz allotted for telecommunications services.

He explained that such a move was in line with the decision of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) that 700MHz band be adopted for global mobile industry.

He stated that the ITU, a UN specialised agency for information and communication technologies, had said that the utilisation of the 700MHz communication spectrum would address “digital divide.’’

He noted that the ITU’s decision would pave the way for manufacturers and mobile operators to offer mobile broadband at affordable prices in currently underserved areas.