The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has delayed its auction of 2.6 GHz spectrum that was due to commence at the start of December.
Nigeria’s telecoms regulator disclosed that it was yet to conclude all the administrative requirements that…
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has delayed its auction of 2.6 GHz spectrum that was due to commence at the start of December.
Nigeria’s telecoms regulator disclosed that it was yet to conclude all the administrative requirements that would allow it to deliver licences to the winners immediately after the auction had completed and therefore needed more time.
The NCC said a new timetable for the tender would be issued shortly.
The schedule was initially announced on 10 October. At the time, the regulator said it would issue 14 lots of 2 X 5 MHz 10-year licences in the 2.6 GHz band, which is suitable for 4G and particularly effective at penetrating buildings in built-up areas.
The reserve price for each paired block is US$16m meaning the auction would raise at least US$224m, providing all the frequencies are sold.
Nigeria’s mobile market is dominated by four large operators. According to NCC data from June, MTN Nigeria leads the way with 58.5 million users, followed by Globacom with 27.3 million, Airtel Nigeria with 25.3 million and Etisalat with 19.4 million.
