In line with developments in international licensing trends, requests by existing Licensed Network Operators to be provided with additional spectrum to meet expected increased demands for services and to support the evolution of 3G services, and following consultations with relevant stakeholders and external expert bodies, the Commission decided to offer 40 MHz of paired spectrum in the 2 GHz band for commercial allocation on a national basis in Nigeria. This spectrum is to be allocated in four equal blocks of 10 MHz paired spectrum.
The spectrum is offered by the Commission on a technology neutral basis. However, for roll-out of 3G (IMT-2000) services, the Commission intends to follow the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommendation setting aside spectrum in the 2 GHz band for these services.
On completion of the Auction process the Commission will issue a spectrum licence and, where appropriate, a Unified Access Service Licence. The tenure for the spectrum licence and UASL will be 15 years, subject to renewal.