Airtel Africa has acquired 4G and 5G spectrum for a total of $316.7 million as part of wider plans to bolster connectivity in Nigeria. The purchase was done at an auction where Airtel Africa was the sole bidder.
In a statement, the company detailed it acquired 100MHz in the 3,500MHz band and two blocks of 5MHz in the 2,600MHz band, from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The additional spectrum will support network expansion for both mobile data and fixed wireless broadband capability including 5G rollout and capacity to accommodate data growth in Nigeria.
Airtel Africa CEO Segun Ogunsanya said: “Nigeria is a market with enormous potential for future growth in mobile services. Investment in new technologies and local infrastructure to enable this growth is a strategic priority for the Group and will ensure we are able to provide reliable and affordable services to local communities across the country.
“5G is critical to these ambitions, and we look forward to launching new services to drive further digitalisation across the country, facilitate economic progress and transform lives across Nigeria.”
