FG Receives N71.6bn From Airtel For Spectrum Licence Renewal

Airtel Africa said its subsidiary, Airtel Nigeria, has paid the Nigerian Communications Commission N71.6bn to renew its spectrum licences in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands up to 2031.

Airtel said this on Thursday in a statement seen by THE WHISTLER.

Advertisement

Nigeria’s third largest telecom operator said the spectrum which it received renewal approval for was due to expire November 30, 2021.

With the renewal of the licences by ten years, the telecom firm said its spectrum licences in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands would take effect from December 1, 2021 until 30 November 2031.

Airtel said, “The application for renewal of the spectrum licences in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands for its Nigerian subsidiary, Airtel Networks Limited, has been approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission. These spectrum licences were otherwise due to expire on 30 November 2021.

“Following the application, the NCC subsequently offered Airtel Nigeria the opportunity to renew its spectrum licences in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands for a period of ten years with effect from 1 December 2021 until 30 November 2031, which Airtel Nigeria has accepted.

Advertisement

“Under the terms of the spectrum licences Airtel Nigeria has paid N71.61bn ($189 million) in respect of the licence renewal fees.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Raghunath Mandava, said the company would remain focused on bridging the digital divide and expanding its broadband capability in its largest market.

Leave a comment

Advertisement