The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that three telecoms companies have qualified as approved bidders of the forthcoming 3.5 gigahertz (Ghz) spectrum auction for the deployment of Fifth generation (5G) networks in the country.
The qualified bidders that have met the criteria for participation in the licensing process of 3.5Ghz spectrum, including payment of the stipulated Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as outlined in the NCC’s Information Memorandum (IM), are MTN Nigeria Plc., Mafab Communications Limited and Airtel Networks Limited.
“Consequently, the stage is now set for the three companies to participate in the Main Auction as well as in the mandatory Mock Auction process, which will come as a precursor to the Main Auction”, NCC said in a statement on Thursday.
The statement said the NCC had also reaffirmed the dates for the conduct of both the Mock Auction and the Main Auction.
It said the Mock Auction is scheduled to hold on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja by 11am, while the Main Auction will hold on Monday, December 13, 2021 at the same venue and same time.
