NCA Extends 5G Spectrum Application Deadline, Issues Clarifications to Prospective Bidders

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has extended the deadline for applications for Ghana’s highly anticipated 5G spectrum licences, giving prospective operators an additional three weeks to prepare bids while publishing a comprehensive set of clarifications intended to streamline the licensing process.

In a press release issued on Friday, the regulator announced that it had released its consolidated responses to written queries submitted by prospective applicants under the Request for Applications (RFA) for spectrum licences in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz mid-band frequencies, which are earmarked for the deployment of mobile broadband services, including fifth-generation (5G) networks.

According to the NCA, the consolidated document addresses questions raised during and after the pre-application briefing held on 27 July 2026, while also introducing amendments, corrections and additional clarifications following the Authority’s review of the licensing process.

The regulator said prospective applicants are expected to study the consolidated response alongside the original RFA and pay close attention to the revised timetable, amendments and procedural clarifications before submitting their applications.

A key outcome of the review is the extension of the application deadline from 6 August 2026 to 27 August 2026 at 5:00 p.m., with all subsequent milestones in the licensing timetable adjusted accordingly.

The extension is expected to provide telecom operators and other eligible bidders with more time to assess the revised licensing requirements, complete technical and financial documentation, and strengthen their proposals ahead of the competitive spectrum allocation process.

The licensing exercise is viewed as a major step in Ghana’s digital transformation agenda, as the allocation of the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands will provide the radio spectrum needed to support nationwide 5G deployment, faster mobile broadband services, lower network latency and expanded capacity for emerging digital applications.

By publishing the consolidated responses and revising the application schedule, the NCA aims to improve transparency, provide greater regulatory certainty and ensure that all prospective applicants have access to the same information before bids are evaluated.

The Authority indicated that the consolidated response document, including the revised timetable and amendments, is available on its official website for interested applicants.