LAGOS, Dec. 28 (AGCNewsNet) – MTN Nigeria Communications PLC (MTN Nigeria) has renewed its spectrum lease agreement with Natcom Development and Investment Limited (NTEL), extending a strategic partnership aimed at improving connectivity across Nigeria, the company said on Thursday.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the renewal, which includes a two-year lease extension effective May 1, 2025, for NTEL’s 5 MHz Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) in the 900 MHz band and 10 MHz FDD in the 1800 MHz band, continuing coverage in 19 states.

For the remaining 17 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the NCC approved a one-year lease expansion, starting January 1, 2025.

"We are pleased with the renewal of the spectrum lease agreement with NTEL, which now includes coverages for all states, including the FCT," said MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola.

Toriola emphasized that the agreement strengthens MTN’s ability to improve 3G and 4G user experiences, expanding network coverage and capacity to meet the growing demand for data services.

The original lease agreement, initiated in May 2023, allowed MTN Nigeria to utilize two key spectrums—a 5 MHz FDD and a 10 MHz FDD—boosting connectivity in 19 states. The deal, valued at N4.25 billion, covered taxes, regulatory fees, and ancillary costs for a two-year period.

In September 2023, MTN Nigeria expanded its network portfolio with NCC approval to acquire a 2.6 GHz spectrum, enhancing service delivery and capacity.

The lease renewal underscores MTN Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to improve service delivery in Nigeria's telecommunications sector.

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