The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the approval of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Airtel Networks Ltd and Mafab Communications Ltd., as bidders of the forthcoming 3.5 gigahertz (Ghz) spectrum auction.
This disclosure is contained in a press statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs of NCC, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, on Thursday in Abuja, according to NAN.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, had said the 3.5GHz spectrum band (the lower C-band), which is not effective in satellite operations, has been recovered from NIGCOMSAT and reallocated to the NCC in the first instance, for the deployment of 5G technology.
What the NCC Director of Public Affairs is saying
Adinde said the license was for the deployment of Fifth-generation (5G) networks in the country. He pointed out that the firms that were chosen as qualified bidders met the criteria for participation in the licensing process of 3.5 GHz spectrum, including payment of the stipulated Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as outlined in the Information Memorandum (IM).
He said that the mock auction had been slated for December 10, while the main auction is expected to hold on December 13, both in Abuja.
Adinde said, “The stage is now set for the three companies to participate in the main auction. They will also participate in the mandatory mock auction process, which will come as a precursor to the main auction.
“The commission has also reaffirmed the dates for the conduct of both the mock auction and the main auction.”
What you should know
Recall that earlier in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the Fifth Generation Network, otherwise known as 5G for the nation.
Pantami, also revealed that the Council in approving the 5G took cognisance of the report of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) that pronounced it safe to human health
Meanwhile, NCC had scheduled December 10 for the mock auction, while the actual auction is fixed for December 13, 2021.
Interested operators are expected to pay 10% of the reserved price of $197.4 million to qualify to participate in the auction.
The commission plans to conduct the 5G spectrum auction with a reserve price starting at $197,400,000 for two lots of 100 MHz on offer in the first phase of the auction in the 3.5GHz band while an Initial Bid Deposit (IBD) equal to 10 percent of the reserve price will be adopted in line with the previous auction.
