TUE, MAY. 09 2023-theGBJournal|Nigeria’s independent national regulatory authority for the telecommunications industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a spectrum lease transaction between telecoms giant, MTN Nigeria (MTNN) and Natcom Development and Investment Limited (NTEL), MTN said in a statement released today.
The transaction is for the lease of NTEL’s 5MHz Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) in the 900MHz spectrum band and 10MHz FDD in the 1800 MHz spectrum band covering 19 states in Nigeria.
At a cost of N4.25 billion, including taxes, regulatory fees and ancillary charges, the transaction is for a period of two years, effective May 1, 2023.
MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Tariola described the deal as a significant milestone in delivering the company’s ”Ambition 2025” strategy.
”The access to NTEL’s 900 MHZ and 1800MHz spectrums broadens our spectrum holdings and improves our 3G and 4G user experience as coverage and capacity will be enhanced by utilising these spectrums,” Tariola said.
Meanwhile, MTN has paid N58.66 billion as renewal fee to the NCC following an offer made by the regulator to MTN to renew its 2100MHz spectrum.
The renewal is for a period of 15 years, effective May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2037.
The 2100MHz spectrum enables the provision of 3G mobile services on MTNN’s network.
MTNN, one of Africa’s largest providers of communications services, connects over 76 million people in communities across Nigeria with each other and the world.
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