Nigeria joins global effort to update radio regulations for connected world

Business a.m

Nigeria has joined the rest of the world to sign onto the Final Act WRC-23, which constitutes a record of the decisions taken at the World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC) 2023 which is expected to deepen global connectivity by making more radio spectrum available for mobile broadband and satellite communications.

The Final Act WRC-23 includes revisions to the Radio Regulations, which is an international treaty that regulates the use of the radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. The treaty is administered by the ITU, the United Nations-affiliated international organisation for telecommunications and is updated every three years through the WRC. The treaty governs how countries use the radio spectrum and satellites for activities such as broadcasting, mobile communications, and space research.

At the end of each conference, countries signed onto an updated Final Act, the outcome of agreements on agendas put forward by country administrations.

Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, led the Nigerian delegation to WRC-23, along with Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and Jane Egerton-Idehen, managing director, NigComSat Ltd.

According to a statement by the ITU, “the agreement to the updated Radio Regulations identifies new spectrum resources to support technological innovation, deepen global connectivity, increase access to and equitable use of space-based radio resources, and enhance safety at sea, in the air, and on land.”

Among the decisions reached, the conference identified spectrum for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), which will be crucial for expanding broadband connectivity and developing IMT mobile services, also known as 4G, 5G and, in the future, 6G.

The conference also identified new frequencies for non-geostationary fixed-satellite service Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs) that would provide high-speed broadband onboard aircraft, vessels, trains, and vehicles. These satellite services are also critical following disasters where local communication infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.

Provisions were also included to protect ship and aircraft mobile service stations located in international airspace and waters from other stations within national territories.

Nigeria’s delegation at the conference comprised seasoned engineers and experts in telecommunications and satellite regulations and governance from the Ministry, NCC, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), NigComSat Ltd, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), telecom operators and other practitioners from the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Tijani, who led the Nigerian delegation at the WRC-23, thanked the delegation for their sacrifices which, he noted, were made for the collective benefit of the future of Nigeria.

He also enjoined the Nigerian delegation to commence preparation for future conferences to ensure the preservation of the country’s interest by developing capacity through investments in extensive research and inter-agency collaboration.

During an engagement with the Nigerian delegation at the conference, Maida commended the delegation for collaborating towards Nigeria’s best interest. He emphasised the conference’s significant importance for Nigeria.

According to him, “the agreements reached at this year’s conference will provide valuable spectrum resources that will benefit the Commission’s stakeholders, especially ordinary Nigerians by enhancing service quality and bridging the digital gap in rural areas.

“Additionally, the establishment of international standards for radiocommunications and the decisions made at the conference will impact the development and implementation of new technologies.

Maida noted further that these outcomes align with Nigeria’s overall objectives and the minister’s strategic plan for the Ministry particularly on expanding broadband connectivity, in harmony with the global transition to 5G and future 6G technologies, as well as improving quality of experience and providing equitable access to all Nigerians.