Airtel Africa Acquires Spectrum In DRC For $42m
Airtel Africa Plc has announced the purchase of 58 MHz of the additional spectrum spread across 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz bands in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for $42 million to expand its 4G services.
Airtel on Monday said the licence for paired spectrum in the 2100 band comes up for renewal in September 2032.
“Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with a presence in 14 countries across Africa, today announces the purchase of 58 MHz of the additional spectrum spread across 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz bands, for a gross consideration of $42m. The licence for paired spectrum in the 2100 band comes up for renewal in September 2032. All the other licences continue until July 2036,” the statement reads.
According to Airtel, the new spectrum acquisition would enhance the company’s capacity to accommodate its continued strong data growth.
“This additional spectrum will support our 4G expansion in the market for both mobile data and fixed wireless home broadband capability, providing significant capacity to accommodate our continued strong data growth in the country.
“DRC is the largest country by area in our portfolio and our second largest market by population. This investment reflects our continued confidence in the tremendous opportunity inherent in the DRC, supporting the local communities and economies through furthering digital inclusion and connectivity.”
The new acquisition by Airtel is a further reflection of the telco’s drive toward improving its broadband base.
In March, Airtel Africa’s Kenyan subsidiary, Airtel Kenya Networks Limited, received approval for the replacement of its temporary licence with a ten-year frequency licence for 2×10 MHz of spectrum in the 2100 MHz band.
The telecom firm said the 2015-2025 operating and spectrum licence is at $20 million, while the 2015-2025 operating and spectrum licence was received at $10 million, amounting to $30 million.
“Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with a presence in 14 countries across Africa, today announced that its Kenya subsidiary, Airtel Kenya Networks Limited (‘Airtel Kenya’), has agreed on settlements with the Communications Authority of Kenya regarding its operating and spectrum licences, and received approval for the replacement of its temporary licence with a ten-year frequency licence for 2×10 MHz of spectrum in the 2100 MHz band, ” Airtel had stated.
Comments are closed.