Accra, Ghana — In a significant move to bolster its telecommunications infrastructure, Ghana has commenced a 5G spectrum auction with a minimum reserve value of over $230 million. This auction marks a pivotal shift in the nation’s strategy following the revocation of an exclusive infrastructure deal previously backed by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) is currently inviting bids from qualified companies for spectrum licences across the 700 MHz, 2. 3 GHz, and 3 GHz frequency bands.
The initiative is part of Ghana’s broader effort to accelerate the deployment of next-generation mobile broadband services.
The auction features 11 spectrum lots, with a combined minimum reserve value of $230 million. This figure is expected to rise as competitive bidding commences, with the potential for proceeds to exceed $100 million depending on the number of lots awarded and the level of interest.
The decision to launch the auction follows the Ghanaian government’s move to revoke the exclusive 5G infrastructure agreement with Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC), a consortium led by Ambani’s Radisys Corporation.
The consortium included several international companies and Ghanaian partners. Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George explained the rationale behind the reversal, stating that granting exclusive control of the country’s 5G infrastructure to a single entity could stifle competition and impede innovation.
The government, therefore, chose to adopt an open licensing framework, allowing multiple operators to directly acquire spectrum.
The new auction is anticipated to draw interest from major telecom operators in Ghana, including MTN Ghana, Telecel Ghana, and AT Ghana, as well as other potential investors eyeing a stake in one of West Africa’s fastest-growing digital markets.
The spectrum bands offered are crucial for 5G deployment, with the 700 MHz band suitable for rural broadband expansion and the 2. 3 GHz and 3 GHz bands ideal for urban and industrial applications.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Solomon Ekanem
