MTN Nigeria Gets Additional 2.6GHz Spectrum to Deepen Broadband Penetration

By Dipo Olowookere

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A leading telecommunications company, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, has acquired another spectrum to deepen broadband in the country.

The 2.6GHz spectrum band was acquired by the firm from OpenSkys Services Limited, according to a regulatory disclosure filed to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited on Tuesday.

The GSM network provider disclosed that it obtained the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to take over the 10MHz frequency division duplex (FDD).

The NCC is the regulatory agency for the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.

However, MTN Nigeria did not disclose how much it paid to purchase the spectrum; it only said it would operate the facility for 10 years and would be required to renew it by 2033.

“MTN Nigeria is pleased to announce that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the transfer and assignment of the 10MHz frequency division duplex (FDD) in the 2.6GHz spectrum band from OpenSkys Services Limited to MTN Nigeria.

“The effective date for the licence is September 7, 2023, and it is due for renewal on April 16, 2033.

The additional spectrum will enable MTN Nigeria to enhance network capacity and improve customer experience,” a part of the statement signed by the company secretary, Uto Ukpanah, stated.

The telco, with the largest subscriber base, said the new spectrum would enable it to meet the growing demand for data in the country.

“The acquisition of an additional 10MHz frequency division duplex (FDD) in the 2.6GHz spectrum band is an important milestone in the execution of our Ambition 2025 strategy.

“This spectrum will enable MTN Nigeria to roll out our network capacity more efficiently and enhance our sustainability priorities. Not only will it help to support the growing demand for data in the country, but it will improve the overall internet experience in line with our commitment to delivering quality service to our customers,” the chief executive of MTN Nigeria, Mr Karl Toriola, said.

Mr Toriola further disclosed that the acquisition of the spectrum “aligns with our ongoing support of the federal government’s plan to deepen broadband penetration in Nigeria.”