NCC resumes 2.6 GHz frequency spectrum auction

THE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, has announced the resumption of the 2.6GHz spectrum auction.

According to a statement yesterday signed by the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, all interested parties should be informed that the auction of frequency spectrum licences in the 2.6 GHz band has resumed.

Juwah, who said the Information Memorandum (IM) giving details of the requirements, revised timetable and the auction process has been published on the commission’s website at www.ncc.gov.ng, advised interested applicants to download the document from the website, and be guided accordingly.

He said: “The NCC, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, regrets to inform parties interested in participating in the auction of Frequency Spectrum Licences in the 2.6 GHz band that it has decided to postpone the process of the auction.

“This postponement is to enable the conclusion of all administrative requirements aimed at ensuring that the licences are delivered to winners and be effective immediately on conclusion of the auction.”

The Minister of Communications Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, had at a ministerial briefing in Lagos informed that the auction would be concluded in the first quarter of 2015.

The Guardian had also reported on November 12 that the country’s GSM operators and others are keenly contesting for the 2.6GHz spectrum licence. A source had also informed that MTN, Airtel and Etisalat had submitted bids for the licence before the suspension.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, in Lagos, at a media briefing, the Director of Spectrum Administration at NCC, Austin Nwaulune, said the 2.6GHz spectrum auction process would be out soonest, stressing that the whole process is to ensure the creation of pervasive broadband and enable ubiquitous Internet access in the country.