Emma Okonji
In order to accelerate 5G in Africa, regulatory frameworks governing critical wireless backhaul spectrum like E-band (70-80 GHz) needs to be put on the agenda swiftly.
This is according to the views of experts in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry, who attended the 6th Annual sub-Sahara Spectrum Management Conference, which held recently on a virtual platform.
According to them, for data to move from one point to another on the internet, there should be a medium that allows these points to interface with each other. Wireless backhaul is the use of wireless communication, such as microwave, to transport data between the wireless site and core areas. It’s a key component to connect a device to the internet.
The Director of Wireless and Core Network for Huawei Southern Africa Region, Shu Peijian, said: “The E-band and 5G RAN spectrum planning prior to 5G is essential for the development of ICT in Africa especially as network densification and planning for urban network development advances.”
According to the Wireless Backhaul Evolution Delivering Next-generation Connectivity Report that was published in February 2021, by the GSMA, 5G is set to have a significant impact on backhaul networks in the coming years.
“Microwave backhaul will account for the majority of global backhaul links from 2021 to 2027, with around 65 per cent market share. The continued use of wireless backhaul will require an evolution toward higher frequency bands, such as the E-band, which can support wider channels and have a greater total amount of spectrum available.
“Having demonstrated clear technical advantages in 5G backhaul construction globally, E-band spectrum has been allocated in 86 countries, including eight in Africa. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), started E-band regulatory planning in 2015 with amendments for use of these bands coming into force in 2016. Nigeria is also the first country in Africa to open up 70/80GHz spectrum to support terrestrial service providers for short backhauling, “the report stated.
Head of Spectrum Planning, Nigerian Communications Commission, Joseph Emeshili, said: “E-band enables Nigeria’s backhaul network to evolve to the 4G & 5G era. The release of E-band is a highly significant step to accelerate Nigeria’s ICT development and enable more people to enjoy digital service.”
Industry insights show more than 85 per cent of base stations in Africa use microwave for backhaul while eight carriers provisioned 5G services. Alongside the rollout of 5G in Africa, microwave backhaul is playing an increasing important role as an essential component to 5G network infrastructure in the continent, ICT experts said at the virtual forum,
The 6th Annual sub-Sahara Spectrum Management Conference took place using a virtual format. The conference provided a platform for governments, regulators and industry to deliberate on issues pertaining to the management and coordination of spectrum policy across Africa and clear the path towards 5G to build Africa’s digital future.
