Ghana has awarded Telecel Ghana three spectrum lots in the 2.3 GHz band, clearing the telecommunications operator to strengthen its preparations for a commercial 5G rollout, according to MyJoyOnline and Bloomberg. The award follows the National Communications Authority’s competitive licensing process covering the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands. Telecel secured all three lots for which it applied, with the company describing the allocation as an important step towards expanding network capacity, improving service quality and supporting Ghana’s digital economy.
The award marks a significant shift in Ghana’s 5G strategy after the government removed the exclusivity provision previously granted to Next Gen Infraco, a wholesale network company backed through a partnership with Reliance Industries unit Radisys, associated with Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s business group. In July, the NCA amended Next Gen Infraco’s licence to remove its exclusive rights to operate as Ghana’s sole wholesale 5G infrastructure provider, saying a competitive market would better support investment, innovation, network resilience and wider access. The change opened the market to direct spectrum competition among operators including Telecel and MTN Ghana.
The development gives Telecel greater control over its own 5G network expansion as Ghana seeks to accelerate next generation connectivity. The NCA said three applicants, MTN Ghana, Telecel Ghana and Goal Telecommunications, qualified for the spectrum licensing process, while demand for the 3 GHz band exceeded available lots. MTN Ghana separately secured two lots in the 700 MHz band for a licence fee of $100.9 million. For Ghana, the broader licensing exercise represents a move towards a more competitive 5G market, with the government targeting wider population coverage and increased digital capacity for consumers and businesses.
