MTN Ghana is set to strengthen and accelerate its 5G expansion after receiving a notice from the National Communications Authority (NCA) for the award of additional spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3 GHz bands. Corrections Policy
The new spectrum is expected to increase network capacity, improve service quality and support the telecommunications company’s plans to expand high-speed 5G connectivity across Ghana.
According to MTN Ghana, the spectrum award covers two 20 MHz lots in the 700 MHz band and three 50 MHz lots in the 3 GHz band, giving the company a total of 40 MHz in the 700 MHz band and 150 MHz in the 3 GHz band. The licences will have a duration of 15 years.
The combined licence fees for the awarded spectrum amount to US$202 million. MTN Ghana is currently completing the formal requirements and payment obligations associated with the acquisition.
The company said the investment will allow it to deploy the newly awarded frequencies alongside its existing spectrum holdings.
This is expected to strengthen its network capacity while improving the quality and reliability of mobile broadband services for customers.
The 700 MHz spectrum is particularly significant for wider network coverage, while the 3 GHz band provides additional capacity that can support high-speed data services in areas with heavy traffic.
Together, the additional spectrum could help MTN Ghana respond to rising demand for mobile data and improve the overall performance of its 5G network.
The development follows the NCA’s 2026 process to assign new spectrum licences for mobile broadband services, including 5G.
The regulator opened applications for spectrum in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands in July as part of efforts to facilitate the expansion of next-generation connectivity in Ghana.
In September, the NCA announced that MTN Ghana, Telecel Ghana and Goal Telecommunications had qualified to proceed to the next stage of the licensing process. Editorial Standards
The regulator said the assessment involved eligibility and technical qualification reviews.
The NCA subsequently concluded the 700 MHz stage, with MTN Ghana emerging as the successful applicant after applying for two lots, the maximum number available to one applicant under the licensing rules. The two lots generated a licence fee of US$100.9 million.
The 3 GHz band was more competitive, with four lots applied for against three available. MTN Ghana ultimately received all three lots, giving it 150 MHz of spectrum in the band.
The additional capacity comes as Ghana’s telecommunications sector continues to experience growing demand for faster and more reliable internet services.
Mobile data has become increasingly important for businesses, digital payments, education, entertainment, remote work and access to online government services.
For MTN Ghana, expanding its 5G network is therefore not simply a technology upgrade but part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in Ghana’s rapidly developing digital economy.
The company has already announced significant investment plans for its Ghana operations.
In February, MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita announced plans to invest US$1.1 billion in Ghana over three years to strengthen infrastructure and improve service delivery.
MTN Ghana also disclosed plans to deploy at least 500 new network sites during 2026.
A source reported that the planned investment forms part of MTN’s wider effort to expand network infrastructure and improve connectivity across the country. Editorial Ethics & Independence
MTN Ghana’s latest spectrum acquisition could complement those infrastructure investments by providing additional capacity for the network sites being deployed.
The company has also maintained that spectrum investment is necessary to respond to increasing data consumption.
Its 2025 financial reporting indicated that it invested GH¢780.6 million in spectrum licences during the year as part of efforts to enhance network capacity.
The new spectrum is also expected to support MTN Ghana’s ambition to expand 5G mobility and improve home broadband connectivity.
The company said the frequencies will be deployed to strengthen service quality and enhance customer experience across Ghana.
For consumers, the practical impact will depend on how quickly the licences are formally issued, the pace of network deployment and the availability of compatible 5G devices.
Coverage and performance will also vary depending on location, network demand and infrastructure investment.
Beyond faster internet speeds, expanded 5G infrastructure could create opportunities for businesses and technology developers to introduce new digital services.
Higher-capacity networks can support applications requiring reliable connectivity, including cloud services, smart devices, industrial automation and advanced digital platforms.
The expansion could therefore contribute to Ghana’s broader digital transformation objectives if accompanied by affordable access, adequate coverage and continued investment in supporting infrastructure.
MTN Ghana said it will continue to provide updates as it advances the rollout of the newly awarded spectrum and high-speed 5G services.
The latest award marks a significant step in Ghana’s transition toward broader 5G availability and gives MTN Ghana additional network resources to meet the country’s growing demand for connectivity. Newscard
As deployment progresses, attention will now turn to how quickly the new spectrum translates into improved coverage, capacity and customer experience nationwide.