Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel) has emerged as the sole bidder for the second 3.5GHz Spectrum auction by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Airtel’s emergence followed an announcement late Wednesday evening by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that only two companies expressed interest in the auction of the 3.5GHz Spectrum band by the close of business on Monday, December 5, 2022.
The NCC named the two companies as Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel), and Standard Network & Connections Limited (Standard Network).
The Commission said in a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs at the NCC, that only Airtel out of the two bidders, paid the Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as stipulated in the Information Memorandum (IM).
Muoka further disclosed in the statement that Standard Network sent an email appeal for the deadline to be extended by 12 working days, an appeal that was turned down in view of the auction timetable.
The statement noted that having, therefore, met all the provisions in the Information Memorandum (IM), Airtel emerged as the sole bidder for the Spectrum band.
The NCC said, as a result, there shall be no further bidding and that it will proceed to the Assignment Stage in line with the published Information Memorandum guiding the licensing process.
The NCC statement reads:
“The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) hereby announces that by the close of business on Monday, December 5, 2022, only two companies expressed interest in the auction of the 3.5GHz Spectrum band namely;
- Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel) and
- Standard Network & Connections Limited (Standard Network).
“However, only Airtel paid the Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as stipulated in the Information Memorandum (IM) whereas, Standard Network sent an email appeal for the deadline to be extended by twelve (12) working days which was not acceptable in view of the auction timetable.
“Having met all the provisions in the IM, Airtel has, therefore, emerged as the sole Bidder.
“Consequently, there shall be no further bidding and the Commission will proceed to the Assignment Stage in line with the published Information Memorandum guiding the licensing process.”
Signed:
Reuben Mouka
Director, Public Affairs
December 07, 2022
