3.5GHz Spectrum Licence Bid: MTN Wins Bid to Enable 5G Rollout

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTN Nigeria) is pleased to announce that it was successful in its bid to acquire one of the two 100MHZ spectrum licences in the 3.5GHz spectrum band auctioned by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This is a significant step towards achieving the goals of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020-25). Acquisition of the spectrum will enable the rollout of 5G services to MTN Nigeria’s customers.

Fifth generation (5G) mobile network technology offers faster data speeds and lower latency. It allows several devices to be connected at one go and creates vast possibilities in innovation and transformation. 5G will   enable seamless communication and interconnectivity between smart devices, a process commonly called the internet of things. It has the potential to accelerate the digital transformation of industries.

Read More: Growing Concerns Over Nigeria’s 5G Spectrum Auction

Commenting on the outcome, MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola said: “5G is the future of network technology and offers incredible possibilities for new and enhanced services for our customers. Our successful bid presents an opportunity to be at the forefront of delivering these technological advancements to as many Nigerians as possible. The benefits of 5G are multi-faceted, and they hold the key to unlocking new avenues for the nation’s growth and development. It is far more than high-speed internet or faster-streaming speeds; 5G has implications for improved service delivery across every sector. It has the potential to transform our nation’s economy and make a difference in the daily lives of every Nigerian. We thank the NCC for organising a transparent auction which will transport us into the ‘tomorrow’ we desire.

The auction could not have come at a better time as we count down the last few hours to the close of the MTN Group’s ongoing offer for sale of shares in MTN Nigeria. We encourage anyone who has not yet subscribed to the offer to visit www.mtnonline.com/po and use one of the channels available to apply.”
Speaking on this, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC and Auction Overseer, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, congratulated the winners and thanked the Federal Government for its support and commitment to the deployment of 5G technology in Nigeria, which, he said, will bring substantial network improvements, including higher connection speed, mobility and capacity as well as low-latency capabilities to communications services in Nigeria.

Sequel to the successful auction by the two winners, Danbatta said in line with the processes outlined in the IM, the provisional winners have proceeded to the Assignment Stage.

“MTN Communications Nigeria Plc made an offer of $15,900,000 for the assignment of a preferred Lot, while Mafab Communications Limited made an offer of $11,120,000 for a preferred Lot. Thence, MTN Communications Nigeria Plc, having made the highest offer was given the right to select its most preferred Lot and it selected Lot 1 (3500-3600 MHz), while Lot 2 (3700-3800 MHz) is consequentially assigned to Mafab Communications Limited at no extra cost,” the EVC said.

The EVC thanked all stakeholders, who have contributed to the success of the auction process. He said the huge investment that will accrue from the sales of the spectrum band auctioned will result in increased transformation in life and businesses.