The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the renewal, and consequent extension of the tenure of MTN\u2019s operating spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The license extension notification was contained in a letter dated 2 November 2015.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
In February 2001, the NCC issued DML\u2019s to three mobile operators. The licenses were bundled with spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
MTN fine due to 28 separate violations<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n MTN has 18 days to pay R71 billion fine<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n