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2.3GHz spectrum auction timetable subject to change – NCC

By BusinessNews Staff on January 3, 2014

The released timetable for the 2.3GHz spectrum auction may change if condition warrants it, the Nigerian communications Commission has said.

This was contained in the Information Memorandum released by the NCC to guide would-be investors and other stakeholders in the auction.

The IM read in parts, “The timetable is subject to change. Interested parties are, therefore, advised to visit the Commission’s website on a regular basis to ensure they have the latest information. The attention of all applicants taking part in all or part of this process is drawn to the important notice included in this document.”

The NCC had said the process would comprise an ascending clock auction to be held in Abuja during the week commencing February 17, 2014.

In accordance with the full instructions laid out in the IM, applicants are expected to submit a completed application, including appropriate template documentation and confirmation of transfer of the Intention-to-Bid Deposit by 17.00 hours on February 7, 2014.

The IM further stated, “All documentation relating to the process, including Public Notice already published concerning the process will be made available through the Commission’s website. Additional questions or requests for further information should be submitted by email.

“Any questions relating to this IM should be submitted as soon as possible and in any case before 15.00 hours Nigerian time on J a n u a r y 1 0, 2 0 1 4 . The Commission expects to publish all responses, where appropriate, by 17.00 hours Nigerian time by January 17, 2014 on its website. This will ensure that information can be made available in an equitable fashion to all applicants.”

The NCC had in the last quarter of 2013 decided to award the one slot of 30 MHz nationally available in the 2.3 GHz band for the delivery of broadband wireless access service at the wholesale level to provide Internet Service Providers and other users with the requisite bandwidth to service their subscribers.

This wholesale broadband provider will have the required spectrum to expand wireless broadband access across the country to ISPs and other retail telecoms licensees for the provision of high speed wireless Internet access services.

The NCC said the spectrum was offered on a technology neutral basis; and for roll-out of services, it intended to follow the International Telecommunication Union recommendation setting aside spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band for the provision of wireless broadband services.

[Punch]

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