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MTN Nigeria Communications PLC has successfully renewed and harmonised its 800 MHz spectrum licenses, securing its leadership position in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The move follows approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and reflects MTN’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and supporting the nation’s digital transformation agenda.
In a notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the public, MTN Nigeria revealed that its first 800MHz spectrum license (Channel 1) has been renewed for ten years, from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2034.
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The second license (Channel 2), initially set to expire on December 31, 2030, has been extended by four years to align with the new expiration date of December 31, 2034.
This harmonisation simplifies future renewal processes and ensures uninterrupted service delivery.
The 800 MHz spectrum band is critical for delivering efficient 4G services, especially in urban and underserved areas. Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, commented on the development:
“We are pleased with the successful renewal and harmonisation of our 800 MHz spectrum licenses, which lay a solid foundation for the ongoing delivery of 4G services to our customers. This enables us to continue to meet the demand for data and is integral to our broader strategy for enhancing connectivity.”
By securing long-term license tenure, MTN Nigeria is poised to sustain its infrastructure investments and enhance service quality to meet rising consumer demand for data-driven services.
The renewal reinforces MTN’s dominant market position. As of October 2024, MTN held 51.09% of Nigeria’s mobile market, outpacing competitors Airtel (34.61%), Globacom (12.15%), and 9mobile (2.15%). The company also led in internet subscriptions with 69.5 million users, followed by Airtel’s 45.7 million, Globacom’s 17.1 million, and 9mobile’s 2.1 million.
MTN Nigeria’s spectrum renewal aligns with its commitment to advancing broadband connectivity and supporting Nigeria’s digital economy. The company’s long-term vision is to enable seamless digital adoption, drive economic growth, and maintain a competitive edge in the telecommunications sector.
The harmonisation of license expiration dates reduces administrative complexities, enhances spectrum management, and positions MTN for sustained growth and innovation in the future.
As data consumption continues to rise in Nigeria, MTN’s proactive measures ensure it remains at the forefront of providing high-quality, reliable telecommunications services. This strategic milestone not only strengthens MTN’s market leadership but also underscores its role in shaping the digital future of Nigeria.
