Airtel Africa is in a strong position to secure a 5G high-speed spectrum licence in Nigeria, after emerging as the sole bidder in the second round of licensing, as reported by Reuters.

According to the news agency, a competitor had failed to pay a deposit to continue with the auction.

In March last year ITWeb Africa reported that MTN Nigeria acquired additional 10MHz spectrum in the 800MHz band from Lagos-based telecommunications firm Intercellular Nigeria Limited.

The transaction was approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

At the time, MTN Nigeria’s executive leadership said the acquisition will better position the company to deepen broadband penetration in the country.

Reuters quoted the NCC as having said that Standard Network & Connections Limited had did not pay the requisite “intention to bid deposit” and added that the NCC has set a reserve price of US$273.6-million for the new 5G spectrum licence, valid for ten years.

5G R&D eagerness

In November last year, the NCC announced it had set aside US$500,000 for further research and development in telecommunications – specifically 5G.

Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, executive vice chairman and CEO of the NCC, said, “We are emphasising enhanced broadband both in the wholesale and retail segments; we will also continue to sensitise people about the usefulness of 5G; and we will continue with existing collaborations with sub-regional, continental and global partners to ensure we deploy 5G with effectiveness.”