Regulator announces commencement of 2.6GHz spectrum auction

Media reports reveal that, after multiple postponements (naija style, of course), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that it will commence the auction of 2.6GHz band licenses to interested parties.

The Commission made this known in a press statement. The auction was orginally scheduled to hold in December 2014, whilst Dr. Eugene Juwah was still boss at the NCC, but it was postponed to May 2015, after which another indefinite postponement was announced.

Prof. Umar Danbatta, new EVC of the NCC, who took over from Mr. Juwah, however announced in November 2015 that the commission will be issuing new spectrum licenses in 2016.

“The NCC on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, hereby informs parties interested in participating in the Auction of Frequency Spectrum Licences in the 2.6GHz Band that the process of the auction has resumed. Further details will be published in due course in print and electronic media, as well as on the commission’s website. Interested participants are advised to be on a watch out,” said Danbatta in the statement, officially informing the public of the auction.

According to Techpoint, Danbatta had said in an earlier interview that the move was to bolster a level playing field for all telecom companies in the Nigerian industry, as well as investors who are looking to maximize investments.

The NCC chief hopes that this would improve investments, expand broadband services, and drive more economic growth in the country.