MTN renews its licence in Nigeria for R1.3 billion
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the renewal, and consequent extension of the tenure of MTN’s operating spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands.
The licence renewal comes despite a fine imposed by the NCC on MTN, for an amount of $5.2 billion (R71 billion) at the end of last month.
The fine relates to the timing of the disconnection of 5.1 million MTN Nigeria subscribers who were disconnected in August and September 2015 and is based on a fine of N200,000 for each unregistered subscriber.
MTN said that its operating spectrum for Nigeria, which was issued along with the Digital Mobile License (DML) in 2001 – with an original expiry date of February 2016 – has been renewed and extended to 31 August 2021.
The license extension notification was contained in a letter dated 2 November 2015.
“The sum of US$94,225,152.75 (R1.3 billion) is payable as a spectrum fee for the 5-year extension period by no later than 31 December 2015 and conditional upon MTN fulfilling all its regulatory obligations,” MTN said.
In February 2001, the NCC issued DML’s to three mobile operators. The licenses were bundled with spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands.
MTN also holds a Unified Access License and a 3G Spectrum License through which it provides a full bouquet of digital services to its customers throughout Nigeria.
More on MTN
MTN fine due to 28 separate violations
Loading ...