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Faster mobile internet could be on its way to more Ghanaians. MTN Ghana has secured new spectrum from the National Communications Authority (NCA) in a deal worth US$202 million, which it says will power the next phase of its 5G rollout.
Ameyaw Debrah and Citi Newsroom both reported the award on Monday, October 5, 2026. The Ghana Report and Businessday also carried the news.
According to Ameyaw Debrah, MTN Ghana acquired:
The licences run for 15 years. Citi Newsroom reports that MTN is finalising its payment obligations and has included the cost in its outlook for free cash flow.
The two bands do different jobs. Low-frequency spectrum such as 700 MHz travels long distances and passes through walls more easily, making it valuable for wide coverage, including in rural areas and inside buildings. Higher-frequency spectrum such as 3 GHz carries much more data but over shorter distances, making it ideal for fast speeds in busy urban areas.
Having both gives an operator a strong combination: broad reach from the lower band and high capacity from the upper band.
MTN Ghana says it will add the new spectrum to its existing holdings to strengthen network capacity, improve service quality and deliver a better customer experience across Ghana. The company plans to grow its 5G mobile services, expand home broadband, and meet rising demand for data from households and businesses.
CEO Stephen Blewett described the award as a key step. "This award marks an important milestone in our commitment to building the infrastructure that will transform Ghana's digital landscape," he said, as quoted by Ameyaw Debrah.
He added: "Together, they allow us to serve more customers better, grow 5G mobility and bring reliable home internet to more Ghanaian households."
Ghana's 5G rollout has been gradual. The country launched 5G services in recent years, initially in limited areas, and the government has pursued a shared-infrastructure approach intended to speed up coverage. Competition is also growing, with other operators, including Telecel, pushing their own 5G plans.
Spectrum is one of the most important resources for any mobile operator. Without enough of it, networks become congested and speeds drop, especially as more people stream video, work online and use data-heavy apps.
For MTN customers, the most visible benefits are likely to be faster and more reliable data in areas where 5G is deployed, and more options for home internet through wireless broadband. Over time, wider coverage from the 700 MHz band could also help improve connectivity outside the main cities.
The key questions now are how quickly the new spectrum is switched on, which areas get it first, and what 5G devices and data plans will cost. Many Ghanaians still use 4G or older phones, so access to affordable 5G handsets will also shape how many people benefit.
The NCA manages Ghana's radio spectrum, a limited national resource, and sells or assigns it to operators through licensing processes. Spectrum fees are a significant source of government revenue, and how spectrum is allocated also shapes competition in the market, which affects prices and quality for customers.
At US$202 million, the deal is one of the most significant telecom investments in Ghana this year. It comes as MTN Ghana marks 30 years of operating in the country, an anniversary it has been celebrating with customer events across Ghana.
Talk Talk will follow the rollout and share updates as MTN announces where its expanded 5G services will go live.
