The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that Airtel Networks Limited has emerged as the Sole Bidder for 3.5GHz Spectrum auction.
In a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, Director Corporate affairs of the NCC, the commission said “by the close of business on Monday December 5, 2022, only two companies expressed interest in the auction of the 3.5GHz Spectrum band, namely;
- Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel) and;
- Standard Network & Connections Limited (Standard Network).
However, 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 in view of the auction timetable.
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 was supposed to hold the 3.5GHz spectrum auction on December 19, 2022 in Abuja following the release of the final collation of Information Memorandum (IM).
The NCC offered the remaining two Lots of 100 MHz TDD Spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band ranging from 3400 – 3500 MHz and 3600 – 3700 MHz, totalling 200 MHz for auction. The winner will receive 100MHz Lot.
