The re-allocation of the spectrum will enable Airtel to invest in the critical telecoms infrastructure necessary to enhance its voice and high-speed data services, as well as network quality and customer experience throughout the country.
The company explained that the renewed licence is an indication of confidence in Nigeria’s telecoms industry and will enable it to continue connecting and maintaining a reliable digital presence in the country’s unconnected and underserved areas, helping bridge the digital divide.
Speaking about the renewal, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, said the development was a great milestone for the business.
The spectrum renewal reaffirms our long-term investment in Nigeria, our biggest market, and provides the certainty we need to invest in our network expansion, service quality, and to foster digital inclusion for millions of Nigerians,” he said.
“The spectrum renewal reaffirms our long-term commitment to Nigeria, our largest market. It gives us the certainty required to continue investing in network expansion, improve service quality and accelerate digital inclusion for millions of Nigerians,” he said.
Taldar said Airtel is committed to continuing to invest in developing and expanding next-generation telecommunications infrastructure in the country to ensure greater broadband penetration and drive the digital economy forward.
He said the NCC and the Federal Government have continued to provide an environment conducive to investment, and he was committed to providing reliable and affordable connectivity that will serve the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
The licence renewal is expected to strengthen Airtel’s long-term investment strategy, enabling the operator to accelerate the rollout and enhancement of its 4G and 5G networks as demand for mobile broadband and digital services continues to rise across Nigeria.
According to industry experts, the reissue of the licence has helped alleviate regulatory uncertainty, enabling Airtel to make long-term investments with a sense of security and fostering the country’s goal of universal digital access.
The reinstatement of the NCC also coincides with the NCC’s overall goal of promoting efficient spectrum usage and encouraging continued private-sector investment in Nigeria’s fast-changing telecom service industry.
