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Telecommunication companies have protested against MTN Nigeriaβs request to be allowed to participate in the upcoming 5G-spectrum auction.
MTNβs intention to get an additional Fifth-Generation spectrum in the upcoming 5G-spectrum auction scheduled for December 19, 2022, was against the competition law, according to the reports.
The disagreement occurred during deliberations at the Nigerian Communications Commission-organised βStakeholdersβ Engagement on the draft information memorandum; which was on the auction of additional 2 lots of 100MHz in the 3.5GHz Band, in Lagos on Tuesday.
MTN had respectfully reiterated its prior recommendations that, to ensure that all the spectrum can be assigned and used efficiently, it will be appropriate to allow successful bidders in the prior auctions of spectrum in the 3.5GHz (or indeed any other spectrum band) to participate in future awards.
It is in MTNβs considered view that a cumulative cap of 200MHz in the 3.5GHz would be appropriate across all awards in the band.
On the issue, NCC responded, βComment received. Other stakeholdersβ views are also needed on this.β
During the question and answer sessions, stakeholders and operators, who responded, claimed that handing MTN another 5G license would make them a dominant player and such would not make other players to grow.
It was emphasized that such move was against the spirit of competition.
In defence, the General Manager, Regulatory Affairs, MTN, Ikenna Ikeme, said the company had entered the last auction in 2021 with the expectation that it was an open market and it would be allowed to participate in other auctions should the need arise.
There would be more consultations on the issue of MTN. He added that the telcoβs request wasnβt the first in the telecommunications industry as there were precedents, and Nigeria was an open market.
Speaking on the issue, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Umar Garba Danbatta, said all requests would be given due consideration and final feedback would be made before the auction.
He said more comments are invited till November 17, 2022, and the auction process isnβt to generate revenue for the
government.
What do you think?
Was it right for MTN to request second 5G license? Was the protest against this appropriate or plainly uncalled for?
#Telecommunications #telecom #telecommunication #5G #5g #5GNetwork #5gnetwork
