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NCC Announces Airtel as the Sole Bidder for the Second 5G Spectrum Auction

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Airtel Financial Results - Investors King

The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has announced Airtel Network Limited as the sole bidder for the 5G spectrum scheduled for auction on December 19, 2022.

Airtel has since deposited $27.36 million ahead of the auction.

Investors King could recall that MTN and Mafab Communication won the first 5G spectrum auction which also had Airtel as a competitor. 

According to the NCC, only two telecom companies, Airtel Africa and Standard Network & Connections Limited expressed interest in the auction as of the stipulated deadline which was Monday, December 5, 2022. 

Therefore, the NCC noted that there would be no auction as Airtel would be assigned one of the available lots of 100 MHz TDD Spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band.

Investors King understands that the $27.36 million deposit is 10 percent of the reserve price for the spectrum fixed at $273.6 million. The same price was paid by MTN and Mafab Communications before the 5G spectrum was allocated to them individually. 

MTN on its part has since launched its 5G network in some cities which include Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan. The 5G network promised to enhance connectivity and stimulate broadband penetration in Nigeria. 

NCC further stated that an extension sought by Standard Network can not be granted owing to the auction timetable which had earlier been published. 

The statement by NCC partly read “Only Airtel paid the Intention to Bid Deposit as stipulated in the Information Memorandum (IM) whereas, Standard Network sent an email appeal for the deadline to be extended by 12 working days which was not acceptable in view of the auction timetable”. 

“Having met all the provisions in the IM, Airtel has, therefore, emerged as the sole bidder. Consequently, there shall be no further bidding and the Commission will proceed to the assignment stage in line with the published Information Memorandum guiding the licensing process,” the statement added. 

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Telecommunications

MTN Nigeria Grapples with Network Disruptions from Overseas Cable Damage

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MTN Nigeria - Investors King

MTN Nigeria is currently contending with network disruptions stemming from damage to an overseas undersea cable, causing widespread inconvenience for its customers.

The telecommunication giant confirmed the issue in a statement, acknowledging the connectivity disruptions experienced by its subscribers.

Reports indicate that the glitch has affected both voice and data services, resulting in communication disruptions for millions of subscribers across the country.

Subscribers have expressed frustration on social media platforms over the prolonged network outage, with complaints ranging from failed call attempts to concerns about the failure to receive bank alerts.

MTN Nigeria assured its customers that it is actively working to resolve the issue and restore services as quickly as possible.

The telecom operator emphasized the critical importance of consistent internet and communication services, pledging to swiftly address the disruptions.

Efforts are underway to reroute traffic through alternative network paths and expedite the repair process for the damaged cables in collaboration with consortium partners.

Despite the challenges, MTN Nigeria remains committed to minimizing service interruptions and maintaining connectivity for its customers.

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Airtel Africa Mulls IPO for Mobile Money Unit, Eyeing $4 Billion Valuation

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Airtel Financial Results - Investors King

Airtel Africa Plc, led by billionaire Sunil Mittal, is contemplating an initial public offering (IPO) for its mobile money unit, Airtel Money, in a move that could potentially value the division at over $4 billion.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that discussions have been held with potential advisers regarding the IPO, with considerations for a listing as early as this year.

While Airtel Africa has not made a final decision on the listing venue, executives are reportedly exploring options across bourses in the United Arab Emirates, London, and Europe.

However, it is cautioned that the firm might ultimately choose not to proceed with the offering, and details regarding the timing and valuation of the IPO remain preliminary.

Airtel Money stands as the telecom operator’s fastest-growing division, experiencing significant traction in Nigeria, its largest market.

The expansion of its mobile money services in Nigeria aligns with the government’s efforts to promote cashless transactions, driving the division’s growth trajectory.

The potential IPO comes on the heels of previous investments in Airtel Money, with TPG injecting $200 million at a valuation of $2.65 billion in 2021, alongside a $100 million investment from MasterCard Inc.

The wireless carrier had previously hinted at a possible listing for the business within four years.

Africa’s burgeoning fintech landscape, coupled with a young population increasingly adopting digital banking solutions, presents a fertile ground for Airtel Money’s expansion.

As of the first half of 2024, Airtel Money recorded a transaction value of $56 billion across its operations in 14 markets, reflecting its significant market presence and potential for further growth.

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Interswitch Ventures into Telecoms Sector with $1.08 Million MVNO License Acquisition

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interswitch limited

Interswitch, the leading Nigerian payments giant, has made a strategic move into the telecommunications sector by acquiring a Tier 5 Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) license for ₦500 million ($1.08 million) from the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) in May 2023.

This bold step marks Interswitch’s foray beyond its traditional payments domain into providing telecommunications services, leveraging its extensive infrastructure and customer base.

The company’s financial report revealed plans to explore a capital-efficient virtual telecoms model using the acquired license, blending payments and telecoms services for both business-to-business (B2B) customers and consumers.

With the highest tier MVNO license in Nigeria, Interswitch is empowered to negotiate with established telcos in the country and offer asset-light telecom services, particularly in underserved regions.

Interswitch aims to utilize its telco partner’s infrastructure to introduce value-added services to consumer segments traditionally overlooked by mainstream telcos.

This strategic move aligns with Nigeria’s broader objective of increasing mobile connectivity, particularly in rural areas where access remains limited.

The Nigerian telecommunications sector experienced a slowdown in growth recently due to reduced foreign investment, prompting the NCC to issue 25 MVNO licenses in 2023 to foster competition.

Interswitch’s entry into the telco space could inject fresh competition and innovation, leveraging its vast customer base, including over 50 million Verve debit cardholders.

However, to effectively compete in Nigeria’s dynamic telco market, Interswitch will need to offer compelling telecommunications services and forge strategic partnerships with established telcos.

The company’s success in this endeavor will hinge on its ability to introduce innovative communication solutions and value-added services tailored to meet the diverse needs of Nigerian consumers.

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