The Angolan Communications Institute (INACOM), has granted 5G implementation licences to three telecom operators, Africell, Movicel and Unitel, with an allocation of radio frequencies in the 3.3 to 3.7 Ghz band.
The authorization for the use of the allocated frequency band will enable the availability of terrestrial mobile telephony services, especially in the development of 5G technology, says INACOM.
The regulator also highlighted that the processes for attributing these titles follow some specific procedures, namely, the attribution of the title for a period of two years to carry out tests, during which the operators are exempt from paying fees for the use of the spectrum, and in the subsequent stage, the attribution of the title for the operation, phase in which the holders of the titles pay fees for the use of the consigned spectrum.
INACOM also said that the step taken is a clear achievement and represents another stage in the evolution of wireless networks, which will allow a new level of flexibility, performance and high data transmission rates, so that the networks can be used for provide services, meeting the needs of a wide variety of users and different connection types.
Following the spectrum allocation, Angolan cellco Unitel joined forces with Ericsson to successfully complete a 5G data call in Angola, utilising spectrum in the 3.5GHz band.
The test was powered by the vendor’s 5G RAN and Ericsson 5G Core solutions for Non-Standalone (NSA) networks. The conclusion of the trial was announced on 31 December 2021.
