Nigeria’s auction of a 30 MHz licence in the 2.3 GHz band will kick off in February 2014, according to the country’s telecoms regulator.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said on its website that the process will take place on 19-20…
Nigeria’s auction of a 30 MHz licence in the 2.3 GHz band will kick off in February 2014, according to the country’s telecoms regulator.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said on its website that the process will take place on 19-20 February, and the results will be published in March.
The winner of the 10-year licence will be able to deliver broadband across the country to ISPs and other retail telecoms services providers. The reserve price has been set at US$23m.
Several mobile operators are reportedly planning to submit bids, including MainOne and Glo Mobile. Nigerian consortium Brymedia may also joins the race, according to reports.
Mobitel, Spectranet, and Multilinks already occupy that band to provide broadband services. Earlier this year, local media suggested that the companies had opposed a potential tender and instead suggested the extra spectrum should be split between them.
Their current intentions are not known.
But NCC’s executive vice chairman Eugene Juwah said in November that the auction will ensure “transparency in the assignment of the available spectrum”.
The government is reportedly looking to improve the quality of services provided and is aiming for an 80% broadband penetration target by 2017, in order to stimulate Nigeria’s economy.
