NCC approves Airtel application for renewal of spectrum licences in 900MHz, 1800MHz

Airtel Africa has announced that the application for renewal of the spectrum licences in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands for its Nigerian subsidiary, Airtel Networks Limited (“Airtel Nigeria”), has been approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

These spectrum licences were otherwise due to expire on 30 November 2021.

Following the application, the NCC subsequently offered Airtel Nigeria the opportunity to renew its spectrum licences in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands for a period of ten years with effect from 1 December 2021 until 30 November 2031, which Airtel Nigeria has accepted.

Under the terms of the spectrum licences Airtel Nigeria has paid 71.611 billion naira ($189m) in respect of the licence renewal fees.

Raghunath Mandava, CEO of Airtel Africa, commented:

“I am pleased to announce that our application in Nigeria to renew our spectrum licences in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands for a ten-year period has been approved by the NCC. This is our largest market and we remain focused on bridging the digital divide and expanding our broadband capability in the country. On behalf of Airtel Nigeria and the Group, I would like to thank both the government of Nigeria and the NCC for their cooperation and support in this important process.”