2.3GHz Licensing Round Crisis Deepens

There seems to be no end to the crisis generated by the 2.3GHz licensing round. While the Ministry of Information and Communications is standing by the cancellation of the process citing lack of transparency, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) remains adamant, warning of far reaching consequences if the ministry maintained its stand.While the dust of the crisis generated is yet to settle, the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) charged with carrying out bulk trans-sectoral allocation of spectrum to authorised statutory bodies has officially released the 2.3GHz frequency spectrum to the NCC to pave the way for the commencement of a new licensing process.The NFMC, at a meeting held yesterday Abuja, questioned the right of NCC to commence the sale of the 2.3GHz frequency without a formal official release by the council.At the meeting, which was chaired by the Minister of State, Alhaji Ikra Bilbis, and had representatives of NCC, DG of Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (N