BEVERLY HILLS, November 03, (THEWILL) – Inspite of the strained relationship between them, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the renewal, and consequent extension of the tenure of MTN’s operating spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands. With this renewal and extension, MTN’s operating spectrum which was issued along with the Digital Mobile Licence (DML) in 2001 (with an original expiry date of 31 August 2016), has now been extended to 31stAugust, 2021.
The licence extension notification was contained in a letter dated 2 November, 2015, and signed by the acting Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umaru Dambatta. According to the letter: “MTN will, however, be required to pay the sum of $94,225,152.75 (ninety four million, two hundred and twenty five thousand, one hundred and fifty two dollars, seventy five cents) as Spectrum fee for the 5 year extension period.”
It will be recalled that in February 2001, pursuant to one of the most transparent mobile license auctions in the world, the NCC issued Digital Mobile Licenses (DML) to three pioneer mobile operators. The Licenses were bundled with spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands. Amongst other authorisations, MTN also holds a Unified Access License and a 3G Spectrum License through which it provides a full bouquet of digital services to its esteemed customers throughout Nigeria.
According to Akinwale Goodluck, Corporate Services Executive of MTN, “We view this extension as a demonstration of confidence in MTN’s capacity to continue to provide ground-breaking and innovative services to its customers, and another milestone in the evolution of the Nigerian communications industry.”
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