New era for Ghana's 5G as MTN, Telecel prepare to compete for licences
MTN Ghana and Telecel Ghana are preparing to compete for 5G spectrum licences following the government's decision to end exclusive rights previously granted to a state-backed wholesale infrastructure provider. An auction for the licences is anticipated to commence within the coming weeks. Stephen Blewett, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, and Moh Damush, Group Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Group, confirmed their respective companies intend to participate in the bidding process.
The planned auction follows a major policy shift by the government, which has withdrawn the exclusive concession previously awarded to Next Gen Infraco (NGIC). NGIC was a special purpose vehicle established to deploy and operate the country's shared 5G infrastructure. The exclusivity arrangement was originally expected to remain in force until 2034 and had granted NGIC sole responsibility for wholesale 5G network deployment. The government has now opted to liberalise the market, allowing licensed telecommunications operators to compete directly for spectrum rights. Radisys Corporation, a technology company owned by Reliance Industries Limited, controlled by Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani, was selected to provide the core under the earlier framework.
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MTN Ghana and Telecel Ghana are preparing to bid for 5G spectrum licences after the government ended exclusive rights for a state-backed provider.
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