Etisalat Sues to Block MTN's Use of CDMA Radio Spectrum

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Published on: 9th Feb 2016 by CN
Etisalat Nigeria has launched legal action to block rival network MTN from using 800Mhz spectrum that it gained access to when it bought the CDMA network operator, Visafone.
Etisalat Nigeria said that it was worried that MTN would gain increased dominance of the local market if its use of the radio spectrum was not blocked.
Etisalat said in a statement: "The use of the 800MHz spectrum to deploy broadband services ahead of its competitors, particularly those who, prior to MTNs purchase of Visafone, held similar spectrum bands as MTN, will further entrench MTN's dominance in the Nigerian telecommunications sector."
The company added that it has asked the telecoms regulator to review its approval of MTN's original acquisition of Visafone last month.
If ETISALATNG succeeds, it will put in jeopardy the recent deal between MTN and VISAFONE. It is doubtful how successful they can be giving the sloppy pace of the regulator who in the first place approves that deal. MTN now holds dual 800MHZ license one on CDMA and the other on GSM spectrum simultaneously. A deal that shouldn't have been approved in the first place.
MTN is still disputing the USD3.9 billion fine imposed on its by the regulator.

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