Ghana has invited companies to bid for fresh 5G spectrum licenses, stepping up efforts to accelerate ultra-fast broadband rollout and reversing an exclusive infrastructure deal backed by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani.
The National Communications Authority is accepting applications for spectrum in the 700 megahertz, 2.3 gigahertz, and 3 gigahertz bands, it said in a statement on its website. The licenses are split into lots with minimum prices ranging from $10 million for the 2.3 gigahertz band to $36 million for the 700 megahertz band.
The move aims to foster healthy market competition. Earlier this year, the West African nation stripped Accra-based Next Gen Infraco Ltd. (NGIC) of its exclusive rights to provide wholesale 5G services. NGIC had previously selected Radisys Corp., a unit of Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd., to provide network infrastructure for the nationwide rollout.
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Market leader MTN Group Ltd. and Telecel Group are already preparing to bid for the spectrum, which will be awarded for a 15-year tenure. Because of its dominant market position, MTN will face a 40% premium on its bid, according to the NCA.
The bidding process follows a strict timeline, with submission of applications ending on Aug. 6. Best price offers from bidders will be unveiled Aug. 20, followed by announcement of winners on Aug. 28, it said.
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