Ghana advances 5G plans with spectrum licensing briefing

Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has taken another step towards the rollout of 5G services by holding a pre-application briefing for prospective bidders interested in acquiring spectrum licences in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz mid-band frequencies.

The meeting, held at the NCA Tower, formed part of the regulator’s Request for Applications (RFA) process and gave prospective applicants an opportunity to seek clarification on the licensing framework before submitting bids.

According to the NCA, discussions covered the selection and award process, eligibility criteria, available spectrum, rollout obligations and significant market power (SMP) considerations.

Speaking at the event, NCA Director General Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko said the regulator was making the spectrum available as early as possible to accelerate the deployment of 5G services across Ghana.

He added that the authority was committed to improving connectivity and digital services for consumers, noting growing demand for faster internet speeds and more reliable communications.

Fianko also stressed that successful applicants would be required to meet rollout obligations and deployment timelines set out in the licence conditions to ensure the timely nationwide introduction of 5G services.

The briefing was attended by representatives from mobile network operators (MNOs), internet service providers (ISPs), mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and broadband wireless access (BWA) providers.

The NCA said the briefing forms part of its efforts to ensure a transparent, fair and competitive licensing process while supporting broadband expansion and Ghana’s wider digital transformation agenda.