At the recently concluded Sub-Saharan Spectrum Management Conference 2024, Dr. Bashir Gwandu, a former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and former CEO of NASENI, urged African nations to work together in securing the 600MHz spectrum allocation critical for rural mobile connectivity. Speaking as an Independent Spectrum Expert, Dr. Gwandu called on African representatives to unite at the upcoming World Radiocommunications Conference 2027 (WRC-27) to avoid internal divisions that could weaken the continent’s position on the global stage.
Gwandu highlighted the importance of honest dialogue among African countries to prevent conflicts that risk undermining collective goals. “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 cooperative spirit and mutual support.
Central to the conference was the 600MHz band, a key frequency range for expanding 4G and 5G networks. Although many countries worldwide have designated this band for mobile use, some African countries remain hesitant to adopt it. Gwandu stressed that those nations not yet ready for IMT should not block others that are, underscoring that regional needs vary and that progress should reflect this diversity.
The 600MHz band is particularly important for Africa due to its ability to provide wide coverage at low capital costs, making it suitable for rural areas. Despite this, at WRC-23, a controversial decision blocked 10 African nations, including Nigeria and Senegal, from moving forward with primary mobile allocations in the band. Gwandu argued that the decision contradicted ATU rules, as it failed to consider the interests of nations with different population sizes, geographic scales, and economic aspirations.
Dr. Gwandu called on African delegates to design regulatory frameworks that support competitive markets and efficient spectrum usage in the 600MHz to 900MHz bands, which have high penetration capability and could transform connectivity for underserved regions. He highlighted that structured markets allowing operators a 40MHz allocation in these bands could significantly boost rural broadband speeds, enhancing access for schools, hospitals, and communities.
Looking ahead, Gwandu reminded attendees of the economic promise tied to low-band spectrum allocations, with projections suggesting 5G could add $130 billion to Africa’s economy by 2030. He encouraged African representatives to aim even higher, ensuring all countries have fair access to the primary mobile allocation footnote, 5.307A, at WRC-27.
As the global digital shift accelerates, Dr. Gwandu’s call for unity signals a growing push for policies that bridge connectivity gaps across Africa, helping nations build a resilient telecommunications infrastructure to foster economic growth and social progress.