MTN Acquires 2.6GHz Spectrum to Accelerate Broadband Deployment
Emma Okonji
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the transfer of a 10MHz spectrum in the 2.6GHz spectrum band from OPENSKYS Services Limited (OS) to MTN Nigeria.
According to a statement from MTN, the acquisition of the 2.6GHz spectrum licence will enable MTN Nigeria accelerate its broadband deployment across Nigeria.
“The acquisition of the licence took effect on September 7, 2023, and will see MTN deploy the spectrum across the 36 states of the federation, including the federal capital territory (FCT) Abuja. The 2.6GHz spectrum band is designated for the deployment of terrestrial mobile broadband services,” the statement said.
According to a GSMA report on opportunities for global mobile broadband, the 2.6GHz spectrum band is the ideal complement to the 700MHz-800MHz spectrum bands as together, these bands can help to provide the most cost-effective nationwide coverage of mobile broadband services across both rural and urban areas.
Broadband penetration in Nigeria stood at 47.36 per cent as at December 2022, but the Nigeria National Broadband Plan (NNBP 2020-2025) sets a target of 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025. MTN however said its acquisition of the broadband spectrum would enable it to provide improved broadband services for its customers, meeting the rapidly growing demand for capacity to deliver mobile broadband services on a widespread, common basis across the country.
MTN says the transfer of the spectrum will significantly improve its customers’ experience in line with its commitment to deliver excellent service. In addition, the acquired spectrum will also enable the telecommunications operator to deliver broadband technologies, aiding the achievement of Nigeria’s broadband objective.
Commenting on the acquisition, the Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, said: “This additional spectrum will enable us to deliver on our promise to our customers to deliver quality service, as we continue to support the Federal Government’s vision of deepening broadband penetration in the country.”
