Renewal Of MTN Nigeria Spectrum Lease With NTEL Boosts Connectivity Across States

Following approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), MTN Nigeria Communications PLC (MTN Nigeria) has renewed its spectrum lease agreement with Natcom Development and Investment Limited (NTEL).

This extension builds on a partnership that started in 2023 when NCC authorised a spectrum lease between MTN Nigeria and NTEL. The initial deal gave MTN Nigeria the ability to lease two crucial spectrums, a 5 MHz FDD and a 10 MHz FDD, enhancing connectivity in 19 Nigerian states.

MTN Nigeria hopes to increase network capacity and coverage while also significantly improving the customer experience for both 3G and 4G services by utilising these spectrums.

According to a statement by the company, a two-year extension for leasing NTEL’s 5 MHz FDD in the 900 MHz band and 10 MHz FDD in the 1800 MHz band is part of the revised deal, which goes into effect on May 1, 2025, and keeps coverage in the same 19 states.

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With effect from January 1, 2025, the NCC has also authorised a one-year lease extension for certain spectrums in the remaining 17 states.

Commenting on the spectrum lease agreement, CEO of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, said he was happy that the spectrum lease deal with Natcom Development and Investment Limited (NTEL) has been successfully renewed.

Toriola highlighted the benefits of the agreement on improving service quality, adding that it will enhance its 3G and 4G user experience by providing them with faster and more reliable service.

“This positions us to capitalize on the growing demand for data and improve the delivery of services to our customers,” the statement added.