MTN Ghana is set to introduce newly granted spectrum worth US$202 million as it works to boost network capacity and fast-track the nationwide expansion of its 5G services.
Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has informed Scancom PLC, trading as MTN Ghana, that it has been awarded licences in the 700 MHz and 3 GHz frequency bands for 5G and mobile broadband use. The licences carry a 15-year term.
As part of the allocation, MTN Ghana obtains two 20 MHz blocks in the 700 MHz band for US$100.9 million and 150 MHz in the 3 GHz band for US$101.1 million, resulting in a combined outlay of roughly US$202 million.
The operator confirmed it is completing the necessary administrative steps and settling the related payment requirements. These costs have already been included in the company’s equity free cash flow projections.
After the licences are formally issued, MTN Ghana intends to put the new spectrum into service together with the frequencies it already holds. The extra capacity is expected to reinforce network performance, raise service standards and deliver a better experience for customers throughout the country.
“Following the issuance of the spectrum licences, the Company will deploy the 5G spectrum in addition to its existing spectrum stock, to strengthen network capacity, enhance service quality, and improve customer experience across Ghana,” the company said in its statement.
The lower-frequency 700 MHz band is particularly useful for wider coverage and stronger signals inside buildings, while the mid-band 3 GHz spectrum will add substantial capacity for faster data connections. Combined, the new holdings are projected to drive growth in 5G mobile offerings and support MTN Ghana’s goal of expanding high-speed broadband to more homes.
This spectrum award aligns with Ghana’s wider effort to scale up 5G following recent regulatory reforms that increased competition in the sector. As the nation’s leading mobile operator, MTN Ghana has separately pledged more than US$1.1 billion over the next three years for network improvements, which include the construction of hundreds of additional cell sites.
Story by : Emmanuel Nettey
