NCA clears MTN, Telecel and Goal Telecom for next stage of 5G spectrum licensing

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has cleared Scancom Plc (MTN Ghana), Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (Telecel Ghana) and Goal Telecommunications Ltd to proceed to the next stage of Ghana’s 5G spectrum licensing process.

The three companies emerged as the qualified applicants after the NCA assessed four applications submitted for spectrum licences in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands.

Infrava Ltd was the only applicant that failed to qualify and will not proceed to the next stage of the selection process.

“The National Communications Authority (NCA) has completed the qualification stage of the Request for Applications for spectrum licences in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands. Of the four applications received by the submission deadline of 5:00 p.m. on 27th August 2026, three Applicants have qualified to proceed to the next stage of the selection process,” the NCA said in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 9.

The assessment covered an Eligibility Review and Technical Qualification Assessment under Envelope A, which contained the technical and qualification submissions.

The NCA said all four applicants had been informed of the outcome of the assessment, with reasons provided where applicable.

The three successful applicants will now proceed to Stage 3 of the selection process, while the Envelope B submitted by Infrava Ltd, containing its Best Price Offer, will not be opened.

“Only the Qualified Applicants will proceed to Stage 3 of the selection process. Accordingly, the Envelope B submitted by the Non-qualified Applicant will not be opened,” the Authority said.

The development comes as the government targets the commencement of 5G deployment before the end of 2026.

Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George said during his appearance at the Government Accountability Series on September 7 that the NCA was expected to complete the spectrum assignment before the end of the year, with the technology expected to deliver faster data speeds, ultra-low latency and greater device connectivity.