NCC to decide on Visafone license in July

Moves by MTN Nigeria to acquire the license and frequencies Visafone, has been put on hold by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to enable the commission evaluate the pros and cons.

The commission would decide before mid-July on whether to allow MTN Nigeria to continue using the 800MHz spectrum it acquired along with Visafone licence or disallow it.

Following the acquisition of 100 per cent equity of Visafone by MTN in 2015, Visafone had applied to the regulatory agency for the transfer of its frequency and licence to MTN.

But Airtel and 9mobile, mobile network operators in the country, have opposed the transfer of an 800MHz from Visafone Communications to MTN Nigeria, claiming that transferring the spectrum to MTN could result in a monopoly.

Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, executive vice chairman of NCC, said the commission would make an informed decision on the issue, consistent with its mandate to create enabling environment for effective competition.

He stated this at a public inquiry on the transfer of licence and resources, including 800MHz spectrum from Visafone Communications Limited to MTN Nigeria

He stated that the commission’s s decision on the matter would also ensure the provision of qualitative and efficient telecommunications services throughout the country.