MTN Ghana has been awarded new spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3 GHz bands by the National Communications Authority (NCA) at a combined licence cost of about US$202 million, as the country’s largest mobile operator prepares to expand 5G and mobile broadband services nationwide.
The award covers two 20 MHz lots in the 700 MHz band for US$100.9 million and 150 MHz in the 3 GHz band for US$101.1 million. Both licences run for 15 years.
MTN Ghana, which trades on the Ghana Stock Exchange as Scancom PLC, disclosed that the NCA had notified it of the award in a statement dated October 2, 2026. The news was widely reported on October 5 and 6.
The award comes as MTN marks 30 years of operations in Ghana and follows the NCA’s broader 5G licensing process, which opened spectrum in three bands: 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz.
MTN 5G spectrum award: US$202 million for two bands
The 700 MHz band is a low-band frequency valued for wide coverage, including in rural areas and inside buildings. The 3 GHz band is a mid-band frequency suited to high-capacity 5G in busy urban areas.
MTN secured two of the three 700 MHz lots on offer and all three lots available in the 3 GHz band, according to reports on the award.
- 700 MHz band: 2 x 20 MHz lots — US$100.9 million
- 3 GHz band: 150 MHz — US$101.1 million
- Total licence cost: about US$202 million
- Licence duration: 15 years
How the NCA 5G spectrum auction unfolded
The NCA opened the 700 MHz spectrum process on July 16, 2026, and announced MTN as the winner of the 700 MHz lots on September 13, 2026. MTN was the only qualified applicant for that band.
Because the NCA designated MTN as an operator with Significant Market Power (SMP) in 2020, a 40% premium was applied to its 700 MHz price, according to reports on the auction.
Demand differed across the other bands. The 2.3 GHz band was under-subscribed, with four applications for five lots, while the 3 GHz band was over-subscribed, with four applications for three lots.
Rival Telecel Ghana has already won three lots in the 2.3 GHz band. GhanaTrends earlier reported that Telecel plans to launch 5G in December 2026 after securing that spectrum.
What MTN says it will do with the new spectrum
MTN Ghana said it will deploy the new 5G spectrum alongside its existing spectrum holdings to strengthen network capacity, improve service quality and enhance customer experience across the country.
The company said it is finalising the formalities and payment obligations tied to the licences. It added that the spectrum payments have already been built into its equity free cash flow outlook.
MTN says the spectrum will help it meet growing demand for high-speed data, expand 5G mobile coverage and grow home broadband services.
Competition concerns over MTN’s market power
The award has renewed debate about competition in Ghana’s telecom market. When the NCA declared MTN an SMP operator in 2020, the company held about 58% of the voice market and 68% of the data market.
The NCA continues to apply measures under its SMP framework, including efforts to improve national roaming access for competing operators. Industry observers say the key test is whether the new spectrum leads to better services and stronger competition rather than deeper dominance.
What the MTN 5G spectrum means for customers
For subscribers, more spectrum generally means more network capacity. That can translate into faster data speeds and fewer slowdowns during busy periods.
The 700 MHz band can extend 5G and 4G coverage further from each mast, which may benefit customers outside major cities. The 3 GHz band adds capacity where data traffic is heaviest.
MTN has also linked the spectrum to home broadband, which could give more households and small businesses a wireless alternative to fixed-line internet.
No changes to data prices or bundle structures have been announced in connection with the award.
What happens next
MTN must complete payment and licensing formalities with the NCA before the spectrum is formally assigned. Once that is done, the company will begin integrating the new frequencies into its network.
The NCA is also expected to conclude the remaining parts of the 5G licensing process for other bands and applicants. Telecel’s planned December launch means Ghanaians could see wider 5G competition before the end of the year.
Full details on the spectrum licensing process are available from the National Communications Authority.
Key details at a glance
- MTN Ghana (Scancom PLC) has been awarded spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3 GHz bands.
- 700 MHz: two 20 MHz lots for US$100.9 million.
- 3 GHz: 150 MHz for US$101.1 million.
- Total cost is about US$202 million, with 15-year licences.
- MTN was the only qualified applicant for the 700 MHz band, and a 40% SMP premium applied.
- MTN is finalising payment and licensing formalities.
- The spectrum will support 5G mobile expansion and home broadband.
FAQs
How much did MTN Ghana pay for 5G spectrum?
MTN Ghana’s new spectrum costs about US$202 million: US$100.9 million for the 700 MHz band and US$101.1 million for the 3 GHz band.
How long is MTN Ghana’s new spectrum licence?
Both the 700 MHz and 3 GHz licences awarded by the NCA run for 15 years.
Will MTN 5G get faster in Ghana?
MTN says the new spectrum will boost network capacity, service quality and 5G coverage. Actual speed improvements will depend on how quickly the frequencies are deployed after licensing is finalised.
In summary, MTN Ghana’s roughly US$202 million spectrum award in the 700 MHz and 3 GHz bands sets up a major expansion of 5G and broadband in Ghana, even as regulators and rivals watch closely how it affects competition in a market MTN already leads.
