*As MTN leases NTEL spectrum for N4.25bn
Airtel Africa said last Tuesday that it paid N58.7 billion to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to renew its 2×10 MHz and 2100 MHz spectrum licenses.
In a regulatory filing with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), the telecom firm said it is seeking to renew its license for a further 15 years after the previous approval lapsed on April 31, 2022.
It said the renewal was a reflection of the company’s commitment and trust on the Nigerian market.
It atated: “Airtel Africa announces that its Nigerian subsidiary, Airtel Networks Limited (‘Airtel Nigeria’), has made a payment of NGN58.7bn, payable to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to renew its 2×10 MHz, 2100 MHz spectrum license.
“Once renewed, the license will be valid for a period of 15 years following the expiry of the previous license (April 31, 2022).
“This investment to renew the license reflects our continued confidence in the opportunity inherent across the Nigerian market, supporting the local communities and economies through furthering digital inclusion and connectivity.”
Also, MTN Nigeria Plc disclosed that the NCC approved a spectrum lease transaction between it and Natcom Development and Investment Limited (NTEL).
It said the lease took into effect NTEL’s 5 MHz Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) in the 900 MHz spectrum band and 10 MHz FDD in the 1800 MHz spectrum band, covering 19 states.
“The transaction is for a period of two years, effective May 1, 2023, at a cost of N4.25 billion, including taxes, regulatory fees, and ancillary charges.
“In addition, having accepted the NCC’s offer to renew our 2100 MHz spectrum for a period of 15 years, effective from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2037, MTN Nigeria has paid N58.66 billion to the NCC. The 2100 MHz spectrum license enables the provision of 3G mobile services on our network.
MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola said: “This is a significant milestone in delivering our Ambition 2025 strategy. “Access to NTEL’s 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrums broadens our spectrum holdings and improves our 3G and 4G user experience as coverage and capacity will be enhanced by utilizing these spectrums.”
