Airtel Africa has announced that its Nigerian subsidiary, Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel Nigeria) has paid N58.7 billion to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to renew its 2×10 MHz 2100 MHz spectrum licence.
This is as the NCC also approved a spectrum lease transaction between MTN Nigeria and Natcom Development and Investment Limited (NTEL), according to report by Nairametrics.
In a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), which was signed by Company Secretary, Simon O’Hara, Airtel Africa noted that once its spectrum license is renewed, it would be valid for 15 years following the expiry of the previous licence (31st April 2022).
Part of the statement reads: “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”.
In January 2023, Airtel Africa announced that its Nigerian subsidiary purchased 100 MHz of spectrum in the 3500MHz band and 2x5MHz of 2600MHz from the NCC for a gross consideration of $316.7 million, payable in local currency.
At the time of announcing the purchase, Airtel noted that the additional spectrum would support the group’s investments in network expansion for both mobile data and fixed wireless home broadband capability, including 5G rollout, providing significant capacity to accommodate our continued strong data growth in the country and exceptional customer experience.
It further disclosed that the acquisition of the 5G spectrum would underpin the group’s growth strategy by enabling the launch of higher-speed connectivity to enhance customer service and accelerate digitalization for consumers, enterprises, and the public sector.
According to the statement, the key benefits of 5G would include higher speeds, lower latency, significant network capacity as well as an improved user experience.
The group noted: “Furthermore, the deployment of 5G will accelerate the availability and efficiency of fixed wireless access products across the country, contributing towards Airtel Nigeria’s progress in meeting the National Broadband Plan targets.
“The acquisition of 2600MHz spectrum will complement our already strong spectrum position in the market to enhance network capacity and future-proof our growth opportunity”.
Airtel Africa CEO, Segun Ogunsanya said that Nigeria is a market with enormous potential for future growth in mobile services.
’Investment in new technologies and local infrastructure to enable this growth is a strategic priority for the Group and will ensure we can provide reliable and affordable services to local communities across the country. 5G is critical to these ambitions, and we look forward to launching new services to drive further digitalization across the country, facilitate economic progress and transform lives across Nigeria”, he further said.
The NTEL deal would enable MTN Nigeria to lease two spectrums from the investment company (5HMz Frequency Division Duplex and 10HMz FDD) which cover 19 states in Nigeria.
The transaction cost MTN Nigeria N4.25 billion, according to a corporate action filed by the telecommunications firm.
The cost included taxes, regulatory fees and anxilliary charges.
The spectrum lease is for a two-year period, starting 1st May 2023.
Source: Nairametrics
