Inundated with requests from the telecom industry for trial Frequencies in certain Spectrum bands for the purpose of verification of certain concepts and theories, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has made some clarifications in this regard.
The NCC recently said in a public notice titled: Proof of Concept (PoC) Trial License that the emergence of new technologies and services has no doubt resulted in increased demand for different Spectrum requirements.
The Commission said that consistent with international best practices and in the spirit of its Strategic Vision Plan of facilitating the provision of infrastructure for a digital economy that fosters national development with the objective of optimizing usage of Spectrum, it is making certain clarifications in respect of the application for a Proof of Concept (PoC) Trial License.
According to the NCC, the Proof of Concept (PoC) trial license shall only be granted to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)/Vendors, or Operators in conjunction with their Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
The Commission stated further that the Proof of Concept (PoC) trial shall not exceed a period of three months effective from the date of approval and on a non-commercial basis.
The NCC added that in furtherance with international best practices, Equipment for Proof of Concept (PoC) must be “Type-approved” by the Commission.
While urging the general public and the Communications industry, in particular, to note these clarifications and be guided accordingly, the Commission warned that appropriate Spectrum fees must be paid in accordance with the Commission’s regulations.