The minister of communications of Ghana, Ursula Owusu Ekuful, announced the issuing of a second 4G spectrum license in the country, via auction, by June 2018 by the National Communications Authority. The first license was granted to MTN in December 2015 after paying 67.5 million dollars for a fifteen-year license in 800 MHz spectrum band.
This offers a great opportunity for Vodafone to compete with MTN which holds a market share of 48%. In 2016, the operator claimed unable to afford the 4G spectrum license. "When we look at the percentage of people with 4G-enabled phones it's still around one percent of the Ghanaian population," said Vodafone Ghana CEO, Yolanda Zoleka Cuba. "Do we need 4G spectrum? Absolutely. But can we afford it? Unfortunately, not at this time," she added.
Gayheart Mensah, Director of External Affairs at Vodafone Ghana, confirmed that the company will apply in June only if the price is reduced. "Vodafone as a telecommunications operator is always interested in the spectrum. Having more spectrum gives Vodafone the opportunity to connect a lot more people, and provide a lot more services. Vodafone will continue to be interested in the spectrum to the extent that the price makes business sense."
