FG generates N71.6bn as NCC renews Airtel’s license

FG generates N71.6bn as NCC renews Airtel’s license

The coffers of the Federal Government have been topped by fresh N71.6 billion paid by Airtel Nigeria to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as fee for renewing it’s operating license in Nigeria.

Airtel Africa, a telecommunications provider in 14 countries, disclosed Thursday that the NCC had approved the renewal of spectrum licences in 900 and 1800 Megahertz (MHZ) for its Nigerian subsidiary

Business Metrics reports that spectrums are radio frequencies allocated to mobile industries and other sectors for communication over the airwaves.

Raghunath Mandava, chief executive officer of Airtel Africa, in a statement said the spectrum licences were due to expire on Nov. 30.

He explained that following the application, NCC subsequently offered Airtel Nigeria the opportunity to renew its spectrum licences in 900MHz and 1800MHz bands for a period of 10 years with effect from Dec. 1, 2021, until November 30, 2031, which the company accepted.

Mandava said that under the terms of the spectrum licences, Airtel Nigeria had paid N 71.6 billion ($189m) in respect of the licence renewal fees.

“I am pleased to announce that our application in Nigeria to renew our spectrum licenses in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands for a 10-year period, has been approved by the NCC.

“This is our largest market and we remain focused on bridging the digital divide and expanding our broadband capability in the country.

“On behalf of Airtel Nigeria and the Group, I would like to thank both the government of Nigeria and the NCC for their cooperation and support in this important process,” he said.