5G Technology: NCC announces update on 3.5GHz Spectrum auction

*The Nigerian Communications Commission says the telecoms regulator will proceed to the Assignment Stage in line with the published Information Memorandum guiding the licensing process

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that as of the close of business Monday December 5, 2022, only two companies expressed interest in the auction of the 3.5GHz Spectrum band for the deployment of 5G networks in the country.

The NCC disclosed these companies are Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel) and Standard Network & Connections Limited (Standard Network).

Mr. Reuben Mouka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Wednesday, December 07, 2022, however, stated the only Airtel had paid the Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as stipulated in the Information Memorandum (IM).

The telecoms regulatory Commission also said Standard Network sent an e-mail appeal for the auction deadline to be extended by 12 working days.

The appeal “was not acceptable in view of the auction timetable,” stated the NCC.

Muoka noted in the statement: “Having met all the provisions in the IM, Airtel has therefore emerged as the sole Bidder.

“Consequently, there shall be no further bidding and the Commission will proceed to the Assignment Stage in line with the published Information Memorandum guiding the licensing process.”