The National Communications Authority has given approval for the
merger between Bharti Ghana Limited (Airtel) and Millicom Ghana Limited
(Tigo) to proceed subject to some conditions. This merger will result in
an entity which will be the second largest mobile network operations in
the country.
The merger, which was first announced in March this year, required
the regulator to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the application and
the regulatory ecosystem.
To ensure efficient and equitable distribution and access to the
spectrum, the merged entities will have to submit a network integration
plan to the Authority which will indicate how they intend to relinquish
portions of their total spectrum allocation. This, however, will be done
in phases on geographical area basis and over a period not exceeding
eighteen (18) months to avoid disruptions on the network.
On the issue of numbers, the merged entity shall retain all the
numbering resources held by the merging entities. The NCA has also
requested the merged entity to submit a plan to educate customers about
changes and related measures within 30 days from date of merger.
The merger approval is also conditioned with an option for Government participation.
Based on agreements which have been accepted by the merging entities
and the payment of relevant fees, a supplementary agreement to the
licences of the merging entities will be signed between the NCA and the
merging entities; the day of the signing of the agreement will be the
effective date of the merger. The merged entity will have a 3G Licence
valid until 25th January, 2024 while their 2G Licence will be valid
until 30th October, 2021.
The NCA wishes to assure all stakeholders, especially consumers, that
their various interests will be protected and that the Authority will
endeavor to maintain stability within the industry.
Source: National Communications Authority.
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