Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced three telcos as approved bidders of the forthcoming 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum auction for the deployment of the fifth generation (5G) networks.

The qualified bidders include MTN Nigeria Plc, Mafab Communications Limited, and Airtel Networks Limited.

Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC’s director of public affairs, said this in a statement issued on Thursday.

The commission said that the qualified bidders met the criteria for participation in the licensing process of the 3.5Ghz spectrum, including payment of the stipulated Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as outlined in the Information Memorandum (IM).

NCC said that the three telcos will proceed to take part in the next stage of the bidding process. The telcos will participate in the mandatory mock auction process and the main auction.  

“Consequently, the stage is now set for the three companies to participate in the Main Auction as well as in the mandatory Mock Auction process, which will come as a precursor to the Main Auction,” the commission said. 

The commission also reaffirmed dates for the conduct of both auctions. 

The mock auction is scheduled to hold on December 10 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja by 11:00 a.m, while the main auction will hold December 13 at the same venue and time.

In November, telcos had called on the NCC to reduce the $197.4 million (N75 billion) reserve price set for the planned auction of the 3.5GHz spectrum.

The Cable