NCA Awards 700MHz Spectrum MTN Ghana: Secures Key Band for 5G

• The National Communications Authority (NCA) has finalized the allocation of the 700 MHz spectrum band in Ghana.
• Scancom Plc (MTN Ghana) was the sole successful bidder, securing two lots for a license fee of US$109.9 million.
• This 700 MHz allocation process is now complete, supporting mobile broadband services including 5G.
• The NCA is still processing applications for the 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands, with varying levels of demand.
• Final results for the 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz spectrum allocations will be announced after further regulatory stages.

The National Communications Authority (NCA) in Ghana has concluded a significant phase in its ongoing efforts to assign crucial spectrum bands for advanced mobile broadband services, including the rollout of 5G technology.

The National Communications Authority (NCA) in Ghana has concluded a significant phase in its ongoing efforts to assign crucial spectrum bands for advanced mobile broadband services, including the rollout of 5G technology. A statement issued by the NCA on Thursday, September 11, detailed the outcomes of its Best Price Offers process, which saw Scancom Plc, operating as MTN Ghana, emerge as the sole successful applicant for the highly sought-after 700 MHz band. This development marks a pivotal moment for Ghana's telecom sector.

MTN Ghana secured two lots within the 700 MHz spectrum, representing the maximum allocation permissible for a single entity under the Authority's Request for Applications (RFA). This acquisition finalizes the Ghana 700MHz spectrum allocation process for this particular band. The total license fee associated with these two lots amounted to US$109.9 million, solidifying MTN Ghana's position in the country's evolving digital landscape.

While the 700 MHz band allocation is complete, the National Communications Authority Ghana continues to manage the assignment processes for other vital spectrum ranges. For the 2.3 GHz band, five lots were made available by the NCA. However, the Authority received only four applications, submitted jointly by Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (Telecel Ghana) and Goal Telecommunications Ltd, indicating that this band was under-subscribed. The subsequent stages for the 2.3 GHz spectrum will proceed in strict accordance with the established RFA guidelines.

Conversely, the 3 GHz band experienced an oversubscription of demand. With three lots available, the NCA received four applications from two key players: Scancom Plc (MTN Ghana) and Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (Telecel Ghana). Similar to the 2.3 GHz band, the next phases of the allocation process for the 3 GHz spectrum will also adhere to the procedures outlined in the RFA. The NCA has indicated that it will announce the final outcomes for both the 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands after all remaining licensing stages have been successfully completed, with successful applicants to be notified separately.

The finalization of the NCA awards 700MHz spectrum MTN Ghana is a critical step towards enhancing mobile connectivity and enabling future technological advancements across the nation. This specific Ghana 700MHz spectrum allocation is particularly valuable due to its propagation characteristics, which are ideal for wide-area coverage and indoor penetration, making it foundational for robust 5G services. The acquisition of this MTN Ghana spectrum license positions the operator to significantly expand its network capabilities and service offerings.

The ongoing processes for the NCA 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz spectrum bands also hold substantial implications for the competitive landscape and the future of Ghana telecom 5G spectrum development. The varying levels of demand observed for these bands highlight the strategic interests of different operators. The National Communications Authority's methodical approach ensures a structured and transparent allocation of these vital national resources, which are indispensable for driving digital transformation and economic growth in Ghana.

Lawyers advising telecom operators in Ghana should note the finalization of the 700MHz spectrum allocation to MTN Ghana, as it impacts market competition and future network development, particularly for 5G services. They should also monitor the ongoing regulatory process for the 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands for potential client opportunities or compliance implications.

Source: Original reporting via Myjoyonline.com