🏛️ Course Overview: Policy Implications of 5G in Africa
Welcome to your course on Policy Implications of 5G in Africa!
The rollout of 5G broadband in Africa presents the critical need for policymakers to create updated broadband policies and regulations. This course provides an in-depth overview of the regulatory landscape, its challenges, and the recommendations for localized implementation of 5G.
The curriculum begins by exploring the technical aspects of 5G, including the three usage scenarios (eMBB, uRLLC, mMTC) and the role of IMT-2020. We then detail the policy implications across key areas like spectrum management (low, mid, and high-band frequencies), licensing procedures (licensed vs. license-exempt, including Wi-Fi 6E), and infrastructure deployment (fiber and energy). Ultimately, this course equips you to assess and amend local policies to ensure fair, equitable, and efficient 5G adoption across Africa.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Analyze the technical characteristics of 5G and its compliance benchmark (IMT-2020) to inform regulatory decisions.
- Differentiate between licensed and license-exempt spectrum and assess their policy implications for 5G and Wi-Fi 6E deployment.
- Examine the local policy and regulatory implications of 5G in Africa, focusing on spectrum allocation, technology neutrality, and right-of-way issues.
- Propose and justify strategic implementation strategies and recommendations for infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and capacity building in your local context.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for policymakers, regulators, legal professionals, and high-level government officials involved in telecommunications and digital infrastructure in Africa. It is highly beneficial for individuals who are:
- Responsible for drafting or updating National Broadband Plans and ICT regulations.
- Involved in spectrum auctioning, licensing, or ensuring compliance with international telecommunication standards.
- Seeking to address challenges related to digital inclusion, infrastructure investment, and public safety in the 5G era.