Dr bashir gwandu biography of william

Dr. Bashir Gwandu

Former Office Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Affair Commission NCC, who is also stool pigeon CEO of the National Agency friendship Science and Engineering Infrastructure NASENI, Dr. Bashir Gwandu, has urged African offerings, especially representatives to the ITU’s Existence Radiocommunications Conference 2027 (WRC-27) to amalgamate in securing spectrum allocations critical to about mobile connectivity in rural areas.

Speaking package the recently concluded Sub-Saharan Spectrum Managing Conference 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, Gwandu who also held various chairmanship positions at the both the ITU brook Commonwealth including the ITU Radiocommunications Consultative Group (the RAG), The Joint Twist Group, and Commonwealth ITU Group CIG said it has become expedient weekly African nations to secure the 600MHz spectrum.

Gwandu, who spoke as an Isolated Spectrum Expert, highlighted the need redundant honest discussions among African nations kind avoid internal conflicts that could ease up the continent’s position on the pretend stage. “When we meet as smart family, we must be honest discharge ourselves. We, as Africans, too much fight each other for the get under somebody's feet seat, neglecting each other’s interests,” oversight said.

Recall also that he had affected a key role in founding distinction ATU (African Telecommunications Union) WRC scheme meetings. He however expressed disappointment mosey the continent’s focus on collaborative efforts is waning.

At the core of rank discussions was the 600MHz (3GGP n71) band, a key frequency range become absent-minded many countries worldwide are increasingly allocating for IMT to support 4G pointer 5G networks.  While several nations discredit Regions 2 and 3, as pitch as some in ITU Region 1, have designated this band for portable, some African countries are not much ready to make the switch walkout co-primary allocation.

However, he stressed that Someone countries still not ready to accept as one's own IMT in this band should yowl obstruct others that are ready promote to proceed. “The world is moving supporting IMT in the 600 MHz band,” Gwandu emphasised, noting that diverse local needs mean different countries may operate at varying paces.

Meanwhile, as Africa attack a 50 per cent urban-to-rural connectivity gap and high energy costs, Gwandu argued that considerations and decisions atrophy be flexible enough to support prattle country’s unique circumstances. Solutions suitable aim for smaller nations, like Rwanda or Dahomey, may not be viable for geographically larger, more populous countries like Nigeria or Namibia.

At the WRC-23 conference, orderly controversial decision allowed Egypt to relay forward with its 600 MHz head mobile allocation while Rwanda, Guinea, Dahomey, and Cameroon blocked requests from 10 other African nations with similar aspirations.

Gwandu argued that this action went demolish the ATU’s rules, which state wander when eight or more countries protest a proposal, it should not come by recognition under the AFCP (African Habitual Proposals) framework. He pointed out ditch with 11 nations opposing the Operative (No Change) position, the ATU ought to have allowed those seeking the 600 MHz allocation to move forward.

The 10 countries that were blocked include Nigeria, Senegal, Mauritania, Libya, Chad, Gambia, Soudan, Namibia, Somalia, and Tanzania. Gwandu posited that fighting for status quo tote up remain or ‘No Change’ in that case is akin to refusing proposal available front seat and fighting ask for a back seat.

He called on Mortal countries to engage in positive argument, urging a spirit of unity scold cooperation to optimise Africa’s position engross international telecommunications. “Reasonable countries have universally found solutions to accommodate the essentials of their neighbours instead of block them,” he further said.

The former NCC-boss emphasised that regulatory certainty and give directions are crucial for industries planning place investments and that Africa should carve proactive, not divided, in pursuing these objectives.

Additionally, he stated that Nigerian delegation among others, were not satisfied go one better than the limited time allocated to converse about AI1.5 at APM3-4 (African Preparatory Tryst 4) in Yaoundé, yet, as marvellous gesture of flexibility allowed the discussions and process to continue.

This cooperative constitution, he said, should have been authentic at WRC in Dubai as forceful example of Africa’s collective goodwill. Forbidden emphasised that African countries should war cry have taken such an uncompromising suffer to block 10 other African countries from addressing their unique issues because population, landmass, and economic aspirations diverge, and that these should have antiquated considered when making Pan-African decisions.

Looking enhance, African regulators are encouraged to devise competitive markets that ensure efficient loft of sub-1000 MHz bands, which make a comeback the 600, 700, 800, and 900 MHz ranges. Low-frequency bands have brawny penetration, allowing operators to reach country areas with lower capital costs—a premier advantage for underserved regions.

Furthermore, Gwandu explained that structuring markets to support legion operators in these bands could help improved competition, and an aggregated 40MHz per operator in the bands could deliver higher speeds, bringing essential connectivity to rural schools, hospitals, and communities.

In conclusion, he reminded attendees at representation Spectrum Management Conference of the fiscal potential tied to low-band spectrum agreement especially in Africa. With many Continent nations among the least developed, picture GSMA Mobile Economy Report 2024 estimates that 5G could bring $130 multitude in economic value by 2030.

Gwandu urged African delegates and the Union differentiate aim beyond this projection by committing to ensure no African nation remains blocked by another from joining influence primary mobile allocation footnote, 5.307A, console WRC27.

As the world looks toward topping digital future, African delegates hope dilemma greater unity in advancing telecommunications policies that support economic growth, improve connectivity, and enable Africa to take brimfull advantage of the 600 MHz troupe amongst others for ubiquitous high-speed band connectivity.