Telecom provider, Airtel, has acquired a 58 megahertz spectrum to expand the reach of its fourth generation (4G) network services in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The frequency which was allocated to Airtel for $42 million will spread across 900, 1800, 2100, and 2600 MHz bands.
Airtel Africa, a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, is a telecommunication and mobile money services provider. Its network reaches cuts across 14 countries across Africa including Nigeria.
What is a Spectrum?
Spectrum refers to the invisible radio frequencies that wireless signals travel over. These signals are what helps us communicate with friends and connect to the internet.
What does it mean for the company?
After launching 4G LTE services over an unconfirmed band in December 2018, the additional spectrum will enable the telecom company to deliver better user experience.
According to MarketWatch, the company in a notice to the NGX today said the additional spectrum will support its 4G expansion in the market for both mobile data and fixed wireless home broadband capability, providing significant capacity to accommodate the continued strong data growth in the country.
How long will the license last?
The company says its licence spectrum in the 2100 band in DRC comes up for renewal in September 2032, while its other licences continue until July 2036.
What Airtel is saying:
Airtel Africa in the notice to the NGX said, “DRC is the largest country by area in our portfolio and our second largest market by population. This investment reflects our continued confidence in the tremendous opportunity inherent in the DRC, supporting the local communities and economies through furthering digital inclusion and connectivity.”
