MTN Ghana (Scancom PLC) has secured new spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3 GHz bands at a combined cost of US$202 million, paving the way for the telecommunications operator to accelerate the expansion of 5G and mobile broadband services across the country.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has notified MTN Ghana of the award following its invitation to operators to apply for spectrum licences in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands for the provision of 5G and mobile broadband services.
Each spectrum licence will run for 15 years.
The award gives MTN Ghana two of the three available lots in the 700 MHz band, representing 2 x 20 MHz of spectrum, for a licence fee of US$100.9 million.
In the 3 GHz band, the company secured all three available lots, representing a combined 150 MHz block, at a cost of US$101.1 million.
Together, the two licences represent an investment of US$202 million in additional spectrum capacity as MTN Ghana moves to strengthen its network and expand high-speed connectivity.
The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, described the award as a major milestone in the company’s plans to build infrastructure capable of transforming Ghana’s digital landscape.
“This award marks an important milestone in our commitment to building the infrastructure that will transform Ghana’s digital landscape,” he said.
Mr Blewett said the 700 MHz spectrum would enable MTN Ghana to extend quality connectivity deeper into communities across the country, while the 3 GHz spectrum would provide the capacity required to deliver high-speed 5G services in areas where demand for data is greatest.
The combination of the two bands, he said, would allow the company to serve more customers, expand 5G mobility and provide reliable home internet to more households.
“Together, they allow us to serve more customers better, grow 5G mobility and bring reliable home internet to more Ghanaian households,” he said.
He thanked the NCA for the opportunity and said MTN Ghana looked forward to deploying the additional spectrum to improve services for customers.
Once the licences are formally issued, MTN Ghana plans to deploy the new spectrum alongside its existing holdings to increase network capacity, improve service quality and enhance customers’ experience across the country.
The 700 MHz band is expected to play an important role in extending coverage because of its ability to provide wider-area connectivity, particularly in communities where deeper network penetration is required.
The 3 GHz spectrum, meanwhile, is expected to provide additional capacity for high-speed 5G services in locations with significant demand for mobile data and broadband connectivity.
The new spectrum will also support MTN Ghana’s ambitions in the home broadband market, with the company seeking to expand reliable high-speed internet access to more households.
The development represents a significant expansion of MTN Ghana’s spectrum holdings as the company seeks to build out its 5G network and respond to growing demand for data and digital services.
MTN Ghana said it would continue to keep customers, shareholders and the wider market informed as it progresses with the rollout of the newly awarded spectrum and expands its high-speed 5G services.
The investment forms part of the company’s broader network expansion strategy aimed at increasing capacity, improving connectivity and supporting Ghana’s growing digital economy.
