Airtel Africa, a leading telecommunications company, has announced that its Nigerian subsidiary, Airtel Networks Limited, has made a payment of N58.7 billion to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to renew its 2×10 MHz and 2100 MHz spectrum licenses. The renewal, which is valid for 15 years, reflects Airtel Africa’s commitment to the Nigerian market and its efforts to further digital inclusion and connectivity.
“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,” Airtel Africa stated in the regulatory communication.
In a separate development, MTN Nigeria has received approval from the NCC for a spectrum lease transaction with Natcom Development and Investment Limited (NTEL). The lease involves 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, costing N4.25 billion, includes taxes, regulatory fees, and ancillary charges, and is effective from May 1, 2023, for a period of two years.
MTN Nigeria has renewed its 2100 MHz spectrum license for 15 years, from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2037. The company has paid N58.66 billion to the NCC for the renewal. This license enables the provision of 3G mobile services on MTN Nigeria’s network, enhancing coverage and capacity for its users.
MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola has expressed that these transactions are significant milestones in delivering the company’s Ambition 2025 strategy. The acquisition of NTEL’s spectrums broadens MTN Nigeria’s spectrum holdings and improves the user experience for 3G and 4G services by enhancing coverage and capacity
