The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has extended the operating license of MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest mobile telecommunications provider, for another ten years. The renewal covers the mobile operator’s Unified Access Service (UAS) license and spectrum for wireless local loops in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands, which is subject to license conditions, including an additional amount under consideration. In other words, the country’s largest telecommunications company can continue to offer fixed wireless and mobile services as long as they adhere to the geographical and regional restrictions imposed by their licenses.
MTN Nigeria’s license had expired on August 31, 2021, although the company had previously submitted requests to renew it. In a recent statement signed by the Company Secretary, Mr Uto Ukpanah, MTN announced that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which regulates the telecoms industry, has renewed its license. According to the announcement, it has been granted legal permission to operate in the country from September 1, 2021, until August 31, 2031.
According to the disclosure, a total of US$ 910770,71 was paid for the UAS license in settlement of the commission’s invoice for the ten years, with a total of US$ 174 million paid for the spectrum license, which NCC acknowledged. While commenting on the renewal, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Mr Karl Toriola, stated that the company would continue to look forward to collaborating with the NCC and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in strengthening Nigeria’s economy through technology.
“Renewing our license for another ten years is critical to our business since it allows us to continue to provide service and ensure that our customers benefit from modern connected living. Mr Toriola was quoted as saying in the statement that, “MTN Nigeria is pleased with its solid partnership with the NCC.”
