The Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) has announced the results of its tender for the allocation of new spectrum in the 800MHz and 2600MHz bands, launched in April 2022. In a press release confirming the outcome of the spectrum sale, ZICTA revealed it had raised a total of USD41.55 million in the sale process, with Airtel Zambia emerging as the biggest spender; the cellco offered a total of USD29.00 million for 20MHz in the 800MHz band and 50MHz in the 2600MHz band. Meanwhile, MTN Zambia bid USD12.55 million for 50MHz in the 2600MHz band. ZICTA noted, however, that a 40MHz block in the 2600MHz remained unsold.
Commenting on the matter, a statement from ZICTA said: ‘The licensing of the 20MHz spectrum in the 800MHz band and two lots of the 50MHz spectrum bands in the 2600MHz will provide improved quality of service on both voice and data services as well as facilitate the deployment of 5G services and expand network coverage by ensuring that services are taken to the underserved and unserved areas of the country’.