Business News of Thursday, 10 September 2026

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

NCA clears MTN, Telecel, Goal Telecom for next stage of 5G spectrum licensing

Three firms enter Stage 3 of licensing for 700MHz, 2.3GHz and 3GHz bands Three firms enter Stage 3 of licensing for 700MHz, 2.3GHz and 3GHz bands

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has advanced three companies to the next stage of Ghana’s ongoing 5G spectrum licensing process, with one of the four applicants failing to meet the required criteria.

Scancom Plc, operator of MTN Ghana, Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, operator of Telecel Ghana, and Goal Telecommunications Ltd have successfully passed the qualification stage.

According to the NCA, four applications were submitted before the August 27, 2026, 5 p.m. deadline. The applications were subsequently subjected to an eligibility review and technical assessment to determine whether they met the requirements for the next phase.

In a statement issued on September 9, 2026, the regulator identified Infrava Ltd as the sole applicant that did not qualify.

Government links 5G expansion to digital jobs and innovation

The NCA said all four applicants had been formally notified of the outcome, adding that reasons had also been provided where necessary.

The three successful applicants will now enter Stage 3 of the licensing process, which covers spectrum in the 700MHz, 2.3GHz and 3GHz bands.

The regulator further indicated that the Envelope B submission belonging to Infrava Ltd would remain unopened following its disqualification.

The NCA will separately communicate to the three qualified companies the date, time and venue for the opening and ranking of their Best Price Offers.

The latest decision brings the qualification phase of the NCA’s Request for Applications for the spectrum licences to an end.

The next stage is expected to determine which of the qualified companies will be awarded spectrum in the designated frequency bands to support the rollout and expansion of advanced mobile communication services across Ghana.



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