NCC Renews MTN Nigeria’s 800MHz Spectrum Band Licences

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has renewed and extended the validity of the 800MHz spectrum band licences given to MTN Nigeria Plc to boost its mobile broadband and voice communication service offerings.

The 800 MHz band is ideal for 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks, delivering high-speed internet services as its low-frequency range allows signals to travel long distances and penetrate buildings better, ensuring wider coverage, especially in rural or hard-to-reach areas in the country.

The first 800MHz spectrum licence (Channel 1) has been renewed for 10 years, effective from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2034.

The second 800MHz spectrum licence (Channel 2), initially set to expire on December 31, 2030, has been extended by four years, bringing its new expiration date with Channel 1 to December 31, 2034.

This harmonisation of licence tenures ensures that both spectrum licences will now expire concurrently, streamlining future renewals and enhancing operational efficiency.

Commenting on the transactions, MTN Nigeria CEO, Mr Karl Toriola said: “We are pleased with the successful renewal and harmonisation of our 800MHz spectrum licences, which lay a solid foundation for the ongoing delivery of 4G services to our customers.

“This enables us to continue to meet the demand for data and is integral to our broader strategy for enhancing connectivity.”

MTN has the largest market share in the Nigerian telecommunications sector in terms of customer base.

The development comes amid the industry regulator’s approval of the 50 per cent tariff increase for telecom operators in the country, the first since 2013.

The 50 per cent call was lower than the 100 per cent recommended by operators and service providers in the telco industry.

Mr Toriola, who was one of the most vocal proponents for the hike, warned that the review was necessary to sustain the sector and contribute more to economic development.