The final act of WRC 2023 comprises both the new and revised provisions of the radio regulations, which, put together, benefits Nigeria
Nigeria has joined the rest of the world in endorsing the revised provisions of the radio regulations, which contain the outcome of agreements on agendas put forward by signatories to the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits
This happened at the just concluded World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC) 2023, which recorded a high-powered delegation from Nigeria, according to a statement signed by the director of public affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Reuben Muoka.
The event was attended by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, , Dr. Aminu Maida and the Managing Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat Ltd), Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen.
The WRC2023 is a global, inter-governmental treaty conference which is held every three to four years by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations-affiliated international organization for telecommunications. At the end of each conference, countries signed an updated final Act.
“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,” the ITU said in a statement.
The decisions endorsed include: the identification of 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 identification of 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.
The NCC statement said, “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.”
The minister was reported to have thanked the country’s delegation to the WRC 2023 conference 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.
Also, 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.
“These outcomes align with Nigeria’s overall objectives and the Honorable 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.”
