The National Communications Authority (NCA) has awarded two lots of spectrum in the 700 MHz band to Scancom Plc, operators of MTN Ghana, for a total licence fee of US$100.9 million.
MTN Ghana emerged as the sole qualified and successful applicant for the 700 MHz spectrum after the NCA opened and ranked the Best Price Offers submitted by qualified applicants on Friday, September 11, 2026.
According to the NCA, the two lots awarded to MTN Ghana represent the maximum amount of spectrum that can be allocated to a single applicant under the Authority’s Request for Applications (RFA).
MTN Ghana Wins 700 MHz Spectrum
In a statement issued on September 11, the NCA confirmed that the licensing process for the 700 MHz band has been completed following MTN Ghana’s successful application.
The telecommunications company applied for two lots, which is the maximum number permitted for one applicant under the RFA.
The two lots attracted a combined licence fee of US$100.9 million, making MTN Ghana the successful applicant for the available 700 MHz spectrum.
The allocation forms part of the NCA’s broader programme to assign additional spectrum in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands to support mobile broadband services in Ghana, including the expansion of 5G technology.
The 700 MHz band is particularly important for mobile telecommunications because spectrum in this range can support wider coverage and improved connectivity, especially outside densely populated urban areas.
NCA Continues 5G Spectrum Allocation Process
While the licensing process for the 700 MHz band has been concluded, the NCA said the allocation of spectrum in the 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands is still ongoing.
The 2.3 GHz band has five available lots, with applications received for four of them.
The applicants include Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (Telecel Ghana) and GoIP Telecommunications Ltd.
The NCA described the 2.3 GHz band as under-subscribed and said it will proceed to the next stage of the process in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Request for Applications.
Strong Demand for 3 GHz Spectrum
Demand was stronger for the 3 GHz spectrum band, where three lots were made available but four applications were submitted.
The applications came from MTN Ghana and Telecel Ghana.
The NCA said the process for the 3 GHz band will continue in accordance with the applicable provisions of the RFA.
The Authority is expected to announce the final outcomes for both the 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz spectrum allocations after all outstanding stages of the licensing process have been completed.
Successful applicants for the remaining spectrum bands will be notified separately.
What the Spectrum Allocation Means for Ghana’s Telecom Sector
The latest spectrum allocation is expected to support the continued development of mobile broadband and 5G services in Ghana.
Additional spectrum can help telecommunications operators expand network capacity, improve connectivity and meet growing demand for mobile data services.
The NCA’s ongoing spectrum assignment process is therefore a significant development for Ghana’s digital economy, as reliable high-speed internet connectivity becomes increasingly important for businesses, education, financial services and other sectors.
MTN Ghana’s acquisition of two lots in the 700 MHz band for US$100.9 million marks another major investment in Ghana’s telecommunications sector.
The completion of the remaining licensing processes for the 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands will determine how additional spectrum resources are distributed among qualified operators and how they contribute to the expansion of 5G and mobile broadband services across Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com