Airtel emerges sole bidder for new round of 5G licence

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that only two companies expressed interest in the auction of the 3.5GHz Spectrum at the close of business on Monday, December 5.

The two companies, according to the Commission, are Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel) and 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,” NCC said in a statement.