The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) gave 5G license winner Mafab Communications a five-month deadline extension to deploy its 5G services, reported Agence Ecofin.
The original deadline was set for tomorrow (August 24) but the regulator agreed on Sunday (August 21) to delay the telecoms wholesaler’s deadline.
Mafab bagged airwaves in Nigeria’s recent spectrum auction alongside MTN Group. Mafab acquired 100MHz in the 3.5GHz band for US$273.6 million. Spectrum licenses were awarded to both companies in May with the deadline set in August.
NCC director of public affairs Reuben Muoka explained Mafab acquired a frequency licence but not a full operating licence, the latter is needed to be able to deploy 5G services.
Due to not having a full licence Mafab is unable to launch services by the deadline set last year when the auction concluded. The company is reportedly targeting a launch in January.
