The Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) has invited applications for its planned sale of 5G spectrum, which it hopes to complete by mid-August. Spectrum is being offered in the 700MHz, 800MHz, 2.3GHz, 2.6GHz, 3.3GHz, 3.5GHz, 5GHz and E-band (71GHz-76GHz, 81GHz-86GHz) ranges. The sale is open to both National Telecom Operator (NTO) licensees and Regional Public Infrastructure Provider (RPIP) licensees. NTO’s can apply for national or regional allocations.

The application requires a bank guarantee of USD1 million for the 700MHz and 800MHz sales, and USD500,000 for the other bands. Applicants must present a clear five-year rollout plan and agree to cover 90% of the licensed territory by the end of the fifth year. An average downlink data rate of 25Mbps must be achieved in greater Kampala, with 15Mbps rates guaranteed in other regional centres.

TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that Uganda’s two main cellcos, MTN and Airtel, have both said they are ready to offer commercial 5G services as soon as spectrum is awarded.