Technology
BREAKING: NCC qualifies Mafab, Airtel, MTN for 5G spectrum auction
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that three telecoms companies have qualified as approved three bidders of the forthcoming 3.5 gigahertz (Ghz) spectrum auction for the deployment of Fifth generation (5G) networks in the country.
The bidders three bidders are include MTN Nigeria Plc., Mafab Communications Limited and Airtel Networks Limited.
The commission, in a statement Thursday by Ikechukwu Adinde, its director of public affairs said the qualified bidders have met the criteria for participation in the licensing process of 3.5Ghz spectrum.
Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta
Such requirements include payment of the stipulated Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as outlined in the Information Memorandum (IM).
“Consequently, the stage is now set for the three companies to participate in the Main Auction as well as in the mandatory Mock Auction process, which will come as a precursor to the Main Auction,” the statement read.
As efforts towards commercial roll out of the fastest internet technology in Nigeria approaches logical end, Business Metrics will recall that NCC had reserved the 3.5GHz at N75 billion, while operators may pay up to N100 billion afterwards to get the spectrum.
Meanwhile, the Commission has also reaffirmed the dates for the conduct of both the mock and main 5G Spectrum Auction.
The Mock Auction is scheduled to hold on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja by 11:00 a.m., while the Main Auction will hold on Monday, December 13, 2021 at the same venue and same time.
