The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel) emerged as the sole bidder for the advertised 3.5GHz spectrum band.
In a statement, the regulator said that by the close of business on Monday, December 5, 2022, only two companies expressed interest in the auction of the 3.5GHz Spectrum band; Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel) and Standard Network & Connections Limited (Standard Network).
Reuben Mouka, Director, Public Affairs of NCC, stated that only Airtel paid the Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as stipulated in the Information Memorandum (IM), whereas Standard Network sent an email appeal for the deadline to be extended by 12 working days which was not acceptable given the auction timetable.
The NCC said having met all the provisions in the IM; Airtel has, therefore, emerged as the sole Bidder.
Furthermore, the regulator said there should be no further bidding and that the NCC will proceed to the Assignment Stage in line with the published Information Memorandum guiding the licensing process.
MTN Nigeria was nowhere to be found during the bidding process.
