...to roll out 5G network and expand 4G services this year
Airtel Nigeria, a subsidiary of Airtel Africa, announced that it has acquired 5G spectrum and an additional 4G spectrum for the sum of $316.7 million to roll out 5G network and expand its 4G services respectively.
Specifically, it acquired 100 MHz of spectrum in the 3500MHz band and 2x5MHz of 2600MHz from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
According to a statement signed by the Group Company Secretary Simon O’Hara, the additional spectrum will support the group’s investments in network expansion for both mobile data and fixed wireless home broadband capability, including 5G rollout, providing significant capacity to accommodate our continued strong data growth in the country and exceptional customer experience.
Commenting on this development, Segun Ogunsanya, CEO for Airtel Africa, said Nigeria is a market with enormous potential for future growth in mobile services.
“Investment in new technologies and local infrastructure to enable this growth is a strategic priority for the Group and will ensure we are able to provide reliable and affordable services to local communities across the country. 5G is critical to these ambitions, and we look forward to launching new services to drive further digitalisation across the country, facilitate economic progress and transform lives across Nigeria,” he said.
Last month, Airtel emerged as the sole bidder in Nigeria’s second 5G license auction. The Nigeria Communications Commission, the Nigerian telecoms regulator had placed a reserve of $273.6 million on this second license auction.
MTN and Mafab emerged as winners of 5G licences in the first auction paying $273 Million for each licence.
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