…As Telcos kick against $100 million reserve price
…Wants auction price fixed at $50million
..Prefers staggered payment period of five years
By Tunde Abatan
Executive Commissioner Stakeholders,Barrister Adeleke Adewolu (left) in a tete with Director of Public Affairs,of NCC ,Dr Ikechukwu Adinde at the stakeholders’ engagement forum,held in Lagos,Thursday November 2021
The Nigerian Communication Commission,NCC,has shifted the auction date of the much talked 5G network to December 13th this year.
In like manner,the reserve price of average of $100 million US dollars for 3.5-3.6 and 3.7-3.8 have been fixed for intending Telecommunications operators.
Director of Spectrum Administration of NCC,Engineer Oluwatoyin Y Asaju disclosed this conditions Thursday at the Stakeholders Engagement Forum on the draft information memorandum for 3.5Ghz spectrum auction held in Lagos.
He said that as a condition telecom operators are requested to make a 10percent reserve price deposit .
However,project director of Mobile Telecommunications of Nigeria,MTN, Engineer Abraham Orisadare who made a presentation on behalf of the Telecoms said an auction reserve price of $50 million is preferable by the Telcos.
Besides,he said staggered payment option should be accepted by the NCC in view of the prevailing economic situations in the country.
The balance he said should be paid over a 5year period taking into consideration the effect of Covid-19 on the industry and the economy.
The Telcos are also canvassing for the need to give a 20 -year duration for the renewal of licenses.
This, it argued is necessary to promote efficiency in the sector.
As for the NCC,it is however asking that each of the service providers should roll out in each if the six geo political zones of the country.
