NCC confirms Airtel as sole bidder for new 5G licence

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel Nigeria is the only telecom provider prepared to submit a bid for the 3.5GHz spectrum license required for the deployment of 5G technology.

In preparation for the auction scheduled for December 19, the telco was the first to pay the $27.36 million intention to bid deposit.

Only two telecom companies registered interest in the auction as of the deadline, which was Monday, December 5, 2022, according to an NCC statement obtained by Nairametrics. Airtel and Standard Network & Connections Limited are the telcos. Keep in mind that the $27.36 million deposit represents 10% of the $273.6 million reserve price for the spectrum.

The NCC statement also revealed that Standard Network had sought a delay in the deposit payment deadline. The regulator, though, rejected it.

READ MORE: 5G spectrum auction bidders must pay a $27.36 million deposit – NCC

“Only Airtel paid the Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as stipulated in the Information Memorandum (IM) whereas, Standard Network sent an email appeal for the deadline to be extended by twelve (12) working days which was not acceptable given the auction timetable,” the NCC said.

Because Airtel was the only bidder left, NCC announced that the auction would not go on. Instead, it will give Airtel a lot of the spectrum.

This implies that Airtel will pay the $273.6 million reserve fee, which was also paid by MTN and Mafab Communications in December of last year.

“Having met all the provisions in the IM, Airtel has, therefore, emerged as the sole Bidder. Consequently, there shall be no further bidding and the Commission will proceed to the Assignment Stage in line with the published Information Memorandum guiding the licensing process,” the Commission stated.