To accelerate 5G in Africa, regulatory frameworks governing critical wireless backhaul spectrum E-band (70-80 GHz) needs to be put on the agenda swiftly.

This is the call made by ICT experts at the 6th Annual Sub Sahara Spectrum Management Conference that took place using a virtual format from July 20 to 22, 2021.

For data to move from one point to another on the internet, there needs to be a medium that allows these points to interface with each other.

Wireless backhaul is the use of wireless communication, such as microwaves, to transport data between the wireless site and core. It’s a key component to connect a device to the internet.

A combination of high capacity and low latency makes E-band (70-80 GHz) ideal for high capacity backhaul.

“Africa currently experiences a coverage gap of 25% and achieving terrestrial universal access depended on the development of 250,000 new 4G base stations, ”says Stephen Spengler, CEO of Intelsat and Board Chairman for ESOA.

“Microwave backhaul represents a fundamental tool to be able to extend the advantages of 5G networks to all areas of the world.”

Having demonstrated clear technical advantages in 5G backhaul construction globally, the E-band spectrum has been allocated in 86 countries, including 8 in Africa.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), for example, started E-Band regulatory planning in 2015 with amendments for use of these bands coming into force in 2016.

Nigeria is also amongst the first countries in Africa to open up 70/80GHz spectrum to support terrestrial service providers for short backhauling.

“E-band enables Nigeria's backhaul network to evolve to the 4G & 5G era. The release of E-band is a very important step to accelerate Nigeria's ICT development and enable more people to enjoy digital service,” says Engineer Joseph Emeshili, Head Spectrum Planning, Nigerian Communications Commission.

Industry insights show more than 85% of base stations in Africa use microwaves for backhaul while eight carriers provisioned 5G services.

Alongside the rollout of 5G in Africa, microwave backhaul is playing an increasingly important role as an essential component to 5G network infrastructure in the continent.

“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 (dense) urban network development advances,” said Shu Peijian, Director of Wireless and Core Network for Huawei Southern Africa Region.

The 6th Annual Sub Sahara Spectrum Management Conference took place using a virtual format from the 20th to 22nd July 2021.

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.