5G: MTN, Airtel, Mafab Qualify As Bidders For 3.5Ghz Spectrum Auction

By Victor Ezeja

In preparation for the deployment of Fifth Generation Network (5G) in Nigeria, three telecommunications companies, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Networks and Mafab Communications have qualified as bidders for the spectrum to be auctioned by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

According to a statement by the NCC’s director of public affairs, Ikechukwu Adinde, the qualified bidders having met all the criteria in the licensing process for the 3.5Ghz spectrum as outlined in the Information memorandum, would now proceed to the final bid round which is the main auction.

“The stage is now set for the three companies to participate in the Main Auction as well as in the mandatory Mock Auction process, which will come as a precursor to the Main Auction,” Adinde stated.

The mock auction is scheduled to hold on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja by 11:00 a.m., while the main auction will hold on Monday, December 13, 2021, as indicated in the NCC’s Information Memorandum.

5G To Create Economic Value Worth $2.2 trn by 2034

The NCC director of public affairs also confirmed that the auction will hold as earlier scheduled despite concerns on movement restrictions due to global fears of the new COVID-19 variant called Omicron which has made some western countries place travel bans on some African countries.

Nigeria had on September 8, 2021, approved the deployment of 5G network in the country to improve access to digital services and boost the country’s drive for a robust digital economy. While announcing the approval, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami had said the benefits were not just economic, health, security and education, but also include the ability for higher capacity data rates.

The NCC consequently announced an invitation to the public for submission of bids spectrum slots.