Airtel Africa has announced that its Nigerian subsidiary has purchased 100MHz of spectrum in the 3.5GHz band and 2×5MHz in the 2600MHz band from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for a gross consideration of USD316.7 million, payable in local currency. The additional spectrum will support Airtel Nigeria’s investments in network expansion for both mobile data and fixed wireless home broadband capability, including 5G rollout, providing significant capacity to accommodate its continued strong data growth and enhancing customer experience.
The acquisition of 3.5GHz spectrum will enable Airtel to launch 5G connectivity with higher speeds, lower latency, significant network capacity and an improved user experience. It will also accelerate the availability and efficiency of fixed wireless access products, contributing towards Airtel Nigeria’s progress in meeting the National Broadband Plan targets. The acquisition of 2600MHz spectrum will complement Airtel’s strong spectrum position in the market to enhance network capacity and future-proof its growth opportunity.
‘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,’ stated Segun Ogunsanya, CEO of Airtel Africa, adding: ‘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.’
Original article can be seen at: