Ghana's National Communications Authority clears Airtel-Tigo merger

New Delhi: Bharti Airtel on Tuesday said Ghana's communications regulator has approved the merger of Bharti Ghana Ltd and Millicom Ghana Ltd (Tigo), subject to certain conditions.

The approval from the regulatory body -- National Communications Authority -- will pave the way for creation of an entity that will be the second biggest mobile network operator in Ghana. The merger was announced in March this year.

"The National Communications Authority has given approval for the merger between Bharti Ghana (Airtel) and Millicom Ghana (Tigo) to proceed subject to some conditions," an Airtel release said.

The merged entity will have a 3G licence and 2G licence valid until January 2024 and October 2021, respectively. "The merger approval is also conditioned with an option for government participation," the statement said.

The merged company would have to submit a "network integration plan" outlining how they intend to relinquish, in phases, portion of their total spectrum allocation. The move is aimed at ensuring an equitable distribution and access to radiowaves.

"This, however, will be done in phases on geographical area basis and over a period not exceeding eighteen (18) months to avoid disruptions on the network," Airtel added.

All the numbering resources -- owned by the two companies -- will be held by the merged entity, which has also been asked by the regulator to submit a detailed customer awareness plan around the merger and related changes.