The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel) has emerged as the sole Bidder of the 3.5GHz Spectrum band.
In a statement on Wednesday night by Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs, the Commission said that only two companies expressed interest in the auction of the 3.5GHz Spectrum band namely: Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel) and Standard Network & Connections Limited (Standard Network).
The Commission however explained that “only Airtel paid the Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as stipulated in the Information Memorandum (IM) whereas, Standard Network sent an email appeal for the deadline to be extended by twelve (12) working days which was not acceptable in view of the auction timetable.
The statement read: “The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) hereby announces that by the close of business on Monday, December 5, 2022, only two companies expressed interest in the auction of the 3.5GHz Spectrum band namely;
i. Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel) and
ii. Standard Network & Connections Limited (Standard Network).
However, only Airtel paid the Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as stipulated in the Information Memorandum (IM) whereas, Standard Network sent an email appeal for the deadline to be extended by twelve (12) working days which was not acceptable in view of the auction timetable.
Having met all the provision in the IM, Airtel has, therefore, emerged as the sole Bidder.Consequently, there shall be no further bidding and the Commission will proceed to the Assignment Stage in line with the published Information Memorandum guiding the licensing process.”