The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday has issued a 14 day warning notice to operators illegally utilising the 5.4GHZ frequency band.
The warning which is a prelude to enforcement against erring operators was made known via a public notice issued on Monday.
According to the notice by the NCC Director of Public Affairs, Ruben Muoka, the regulator noted that the 5.4 GHz frequency band spanning 5.430 5.725 GHz range is a licensed frequency in Nigeria.
“Therefore, the transmission of signals or use of equipment in any form on this band without a Frequency license obtained from the Commission is illegal.
“All telecommunications service providers, private/public organizations or any person(s) using this band in any location across the country should note that pursuant to Section 122 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, it is a criminal offence to operate in any frequency not duly assigned by the Commission. The consequences of such an act may lead to imprisonment, sanction and confiscation of equipment used in operating the illegal services.
“In view of the above, the Commission hereby gives a 14-day ENFORCEMENT NOTICE to all unlicensed operators on the 5.4GHz frequency band, spanning 5.430-725GHz to, forthwith, vacate and desist from further transmission of signals or use of equipment in any form on this band without authorization obtained from the Commission.”
The NCC DPA warned that the Commission shall upon expiration of the stipulated deadline, commence appropriate enforcement action including, but not limited to, prosecution, fine, and confiscation of equipment used in the illegal transmission of services.
“A detailed regulatory provision for the deployment of services on the entire 5GHz band is contained in the Guidelines for Deployment of Broadband Services on the 5.2-5.9GHz band. This is available at www.ncc.gov.ng, under Licensing and Regulation (Regulatory Functions) for guidance.This is a pre-enforcement notice,” the notice read.