5G: GLO, 9Mobile Missing As MTN, Two Others Selected For 3.5GHZ Spectrum Auction– NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission has said that only three bidders are qualified for its forthcoming 3.5 gigahertz spectrum auction for the deployment of Fifth generation (5G) networks.

NCC said on Thursday that only MTN Nigeria PLC, Mafab Communications Limited and Airtel Networks Limited met the regulatory requirement among the investors who showed interest.

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Leading telecom companies like Globacom Limited and 9Mobile were not part of the bidders selected by the NCC.

NCC said MTN, Mafab and Airtel have also stipulated Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as outlined in the Information Memorandum.

The Commission said, “Consistent with its regulatory principle of open and transparent auction, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that three telecoms companies have qualified as approved bidders of the forthcoming 3.5 gigahertz (Ghz) spectrum auction for the deployment of Fifth generation (5G) networks in the country.

“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 (IBD) as outlined in the Information Memorandum (IM), are include MTN Nigeria Plc., Mafab Communications Limited and Airtel Networks Limited.

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“Consequently, the stage is now set for the three companies to participate in the Main Auction as well as in the mandatory Mock Auction process, which will come as a precursor to the Main Auction.”

Prior to the selection of the three successful bidders, some of the requirements listed by the commission is that bidders must not have a relationship with another Bidder.

It defined a relationship as a situation where a Bidder has a direct or indirect ownership stake of 10 per cent or more in another bidder.

Applicants must transfer an Intention-to-Bid Deposit (IBD) for the amount described into the designated account in cleared funds.

“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.

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“Licenced Operators participating in the process must be in good regulatory standing with the commission.”

The Commission while announcing the development reaffirmed the dates for the conduct of both the Mock Auction and the Main Auction.

“The Mock Auction is scheduled to hold on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja by 11:00 a.m., while the Main Auction will hold on Monday, December 13, 2021 at the same venue and same time,” said NCC.

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