The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has finally renewed MTN Nigeria operating spectrum and licence in Nigeria for another 10 years, effective until August 2031.
The recent development is following an earlier disclaimer issued by the NCC in August which denied renewing the operating licence of the telecommunications giant. The regulator (NCC) admitted that it had received an application from MTN as to that effect but emphatically stated that the application is still being processed.
Barely a month after the contradicting experience, naijabusiness.com.ng can authoritatively report that the NCC has finally approved the operating licence of the aforementioned telco. In a statement signed by the company’s secretary, Uto Ukpanah, MTN Nigeria revealed that the NCC approved the renewal of its Unified Access Service (UAS) Licence and Spectrum licence for wireless local loop in the 900MHz and 1800MHz band.
The approval will further strengthen the telecommunications giant in further extending its data network and telecom coverage in Africa’s biggest economy. It is pertinent to note that these licences which expired on 31st of August, 2021, have now been renewed for a further ten-year period, starting from 1st of September, 2021.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Communications Commission acknowledged the receipt of the sum of N7.16 billion for the spectrum licence, and N374.6 million for the UAS licence in settlement of their invoices for the period 1st of September 2021 to 31 August, 2031.
Commenting on the renewals, the CEO of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola said: ‘’Renewing our licences for another ten years is very important to our business and enables us to continue to provide services to ensure the benefits of modern connected life for our people. MTN Nigeria is delighted with its strong partnership with the NCC and looks forward to working closely with the Commission, and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.’’
