By Angeline Mgbele, Bureau Chief, Northern Nigeria
Feelers emerging from the stable of independent telecommunications sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), verify the readiness of Airtel Nigeria to join MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications among the league of firms to provide 5G services in the country. So far, MTN Nigeria is the only network that has launched commercial 5G services.
In a press statement on the status of the panned auction, the Director of Public Affairs(DPA) at NCC, Reuben Muoka, hinted that by the close of business on Monday, December 5, 2022, only two companies expressed interest in the auction of the 3.5GHz Spectrum band namely;
i. Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel) and
ii. Standard Network & Connections Limited (Standard Network).
The release reads in part: “However, only Airtel paid the Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as stipulated in the Information Memorandum (IM) whereas, Standard Network sent an email appeal for the deadline to be extended by twelve (12) working days which was not acceptable in view of the auction timetable.
Having met all the provision 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.”
