Three companies, MTN Nigeria plc, Airtel Networks Limited, and Mafab Communications Limited, have qualified as bidders for the 3.5GHz spectrum auction, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced on Thursday.
The telecom companies are bidding for the deployment of Fifth Generation Technology, otherwise known as 5G, in the country from January 2022.
NCC made the disclosure in a statement signed by its Public Affairs Director, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde.
Below is the statement:
“Consistent with its regulatory principle of open and transparent auction, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that three telecoms companies have qualified as approved bidders of the forthcoming 3.5 gigahertz (Ghz) spectrum auction for the deployment of Fifth-generation (5G) networks in the country.
“The qualified bidders that have met the criteria for participation in the licensing process of 3.5Ghz spectrum, including payment of the stipulated Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as outlined in the Information Memorandum (IM), are include MTN Nigeria Plc., Mafab Communications Limited and Airtel Networks Limited.
“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 Commission has also reaffirmed the dates for the conduct of both the Mock Auction and the Main 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.”
