The NCC approves MTN, Airtel, and Mafab for the December 13 5G spectrum auction
The NCC approves MTN, Airtel, and Mafab for the December 13 5G spectrum auction
The absence of Globacomms and 9mobile from the list is notable because they are two other Nigerian telecommunications service providers.
It was announced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that three telecommunications companies have qualified to participate as authorized bidders in the country's upcoming 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum auction, which will enable the deployment of fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks. This is in accordance with the National Communications Commission's regulatory principle of open and transparent auctions.
According to the National Communications Commission, the qualified bidders who were announced met the requirements for participation in the 3.5GHz spectrum licensing process. Included in these requirements is the payment of the required Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD), which is specified in the information memorandaned (IM).
In addition to the Main Auction, the three qualified companies are now scheduled to participate in the NCC's mandatory mock auction, which will serve as a prelude to the Main Auction.
The National Capital Commission has also announced the dates for the Mock Auction and the Main Auction. It is scheduled for Friday, December 10, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, with the Main Auction taking place on Monday, December 13, 2021, at the same venue.
Detailed information on the 5G spectrum is provided below
According to Professor Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of the National Communications Commission (NCC), the commission is almost ready to deploy a 5G network in the country next year. The announcement of the auction date signifies that everything is in place for the 2022 launch of the system.
Remember that the NCC recently announced at a stakeholders engagement forum in Lagos that the reserved price for the 5G spectrum has been set at $197.4 million, which is a significant increase from the previous $197.4 million (N75 billion). Meanwhile, the country's telecommunications operators expressed dissatisfaction with the government's decision to fix the reserve bid price in the wake of the announcement, which they said was a mistake.
It is their opinion that spectrum fees should be "as affordable as possible" in order for the country to fully benefit from all of 5G technology's capabilities once the rollout begins in 2019. The agreement for the 5G spectrum license is for a period of ten years. To put it another way, businesses that obtain the license will be required to keep it for a period of ten years, after which it will be subject to renewal.
Additionally, they are required to begin providing 5G service within two years of receiving the license. Operators are expected to begin service in at least one state from each geopolitical zone during the first and second years of their license, according to the IM.
Additional requirements include having a fully operational Universal Access Service Licence (UASL). Thus, new entrants or licensees who do not currently hold a UAS license (UASL) will be required to obtain one in order to be eligible for a 5G license in the future.
As a further condition of participation, the NCC stipulated in its announcement that only companies with a down payment of 10% of the reserved bid price and full regulatory compliance would be permitted to participate in the auction. An exception will be made in this case, and companies with outstanding debts who have obtained approval from the NCC for a payment plan will be permitted to participate in the auction.
