Nigeria largest telecom operator, MTN has secured approval for additional 10MHz spectrum in the 2.6GHz spectrum band which will see the telco deepen broadband across the 36 States of the federation, including the FCT.
“This additional spectrum will enable us to deliver on our
promise to our customers to deliver quality service, as we continue to support
the Federal Government’s vision of deepening broadband penetration in the
country,” said Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria.
The spectrum was acquired from OpenSkys Services Limited, an
indigenous Nigerian telecommunications company, licenced by the NCC to offer
telecommunication services on the 450MHz.
The 2.6GHz spectrum band is designated for the deployment of
terrestrial mobile broadband services. According to a GSMA report on
opportunities for global mobile broadband, the 2.6GHz spectrum band is the
ideal complement to the 700MHz-800MHz spectrum bands as together, these bands
can help to provide the most cost-effective nationwide coverage of mobile
broadband services across both rural and urban areas.
Broadband penetration in Nigeria stood at 47.36 per cent as
at December 2022. The Federal Government of Nigeria has a target of 70 per cent
broadband penetration by 2025. MTN Nigeria’s acquisition of the broadband
spectrum will enable the ICT giant to provide improved broadband services for
its customers, meeting the rapidly growing demand for capacity to deliver
mobile broadband services on a widespread, common basis across the country.
MTN says the transfer of the spectrum will significantly
improve its customers’ experience in line with its commitment to deliver
excellent service. In addition, the acquired spectrum will also enable the
telecommunications operator to deliver broadband technologies, aiding the
achievement of Nigeria’s broadband objective.
Commenting on the acquisition, Karl Toriola, Chief Executive
Officer, MTN Nigeria said, “This additional spectrum will enable us to deliver
on our promise to our customers to deliver quality service, as we continue to
support the Federal Government’s vision of deepening broadband penetration in
the country.”
A report by the GSMA suggests that an increase in broadband
penetration especially in developing countries automatically translates to an
increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and this underscores the need for
constant development and investment in broadband infrastructure such as the
2.6GHz spectrum band.