Anxiety as Glo, 9Mobile miss out in NCC 5G auction

Subscribers of Globacom, Emerging Markets Telecommunication Service Limited, and other telecommunication service providers outside MTN Nigeria Plc, Airtel Networks Limited and Mafab Communications Limited, have expressed concerns about the non-listing of their service on the forthcoming deployment of Fifth Generation network (5G) by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

On Thursday, the NCC announced three qualified bidders who met its criteria for the licensing process for the 3.5 gigahertz spectrum which is required for 5G deployment.

The three qualified bidders who paid at least $19.74 million each in order to qualify, will operate the emerging technology for at least two years.

The companies listed by NCC are MTN Nigeria Plc, Airtel Networks Limited and one new player, Mafab Communications Limited.

The commission said, “The qualified bidders that have met the criteria for participation in the licensing process of 3.5Ghz spectrum, including payment of the stipulated Intention to Bid Deposit as outlined in the Information Memorandum, are MTN Nigeria Plc, Mafab Communications Limited, and Airtel Networks Limited.”

According to the document released by the Federal Government, “Applicants must transfer an IBD corresponding to a lot into the designated account in cleared funds not later than 17.00 hours West African Time on November 24, 2021.

“A bank guarantee, or similar instruments, will not be acceptable. This deposit will bind the applicant to take up a licence, should it be a successful bidder, at the reserve price or any higher bid value submitted during the process.”

The commission pegged the IBD at 10 per cent of the reserve price for the spectrum ($197.40m).

According to the NCC, only the three companies would participate in the main auction as well as in the mandatory mock auction process set to hold in December 2021.

In the IM, the commission had earlier disclosed that it was only offering two lots of 100 MHz TDD Spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band ranging from 3500 – 3600 MHz and 3700 – 3800 MHz for auction.

This implies only two of the three companies would emerge with capability to offer 5G services after the auction.

The development has, however, stirred anxiety from subscribers of Globacom and 9Mobile, who expressed their dismay on some social media platforms.

Speaking on Facebook, Folami Adeyinka said: “Glo network is poor….and he is not ready to upgrade its network problem… Not that he can’t afford the money!”

Joshua Olaniyi wrote: “The grand master of data is left behind.”

Gad Solomon said: “Na money Dem dey use find money.”

Foster Uzoudu said: “And what about my darling Etisalat, abi na 9mobile, we nor get money to take enter the raffle draw talk less of to qualify.”