5G: Airtel emerges sole bidder of 3.5GHz Spectrum auction

Airtel Networks Limited has emerged as the sole bidder in the auction of the 3.5GHz Spectrum band for 5G deployment in Nigeria.

Airtel beat Standard Network and Connections Limited (Standard Network) to emerge as the sole bidder of the 3.5GHz Spectrum auction.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) disclosed this via a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Reuben Mouka.

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Mouka stated that only two companies, Airtel and Standard Network, expressed interest in the auction of the 3.5GHz Spectrum.

He noted that only Airtel paid the Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as stipulated in the Information Memorandum (IM), while Standard Network sent an email appeal for the deadline to be extended by 12 working days which he said was not acceptable in view of the auction timetable.

“Having met all the provision 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 NCC spokesperson added.

The Star