The country's two leading mobile network operators, MTN Ghana and Telecel Ghana, are preparing to compete for 5G spectrum licences following the government's decision to end the exclusive rights previously granted to a state-backed wholesale infrastructure provider.

The move is expected to pave the way for a competitive rollout of fifth-generation mobile technology, with an auction for the licences anticipated to commence within the coming weeks.

Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, and the Group Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Group, Moh Damush, confirmed that their respective companies intend to participate in the bidding process, according to Bloomberg.

The planned auction follows a major policy shift by the government, which has withdrawn the exclusive concession previously awarded to Next Gen Infraco (NGIC), a special purpose vehicle established to deploy and operate the country's shared 5G infrastructure.

The exclusivity arrangement, which was originally expected to remain in force until 2034, had granted NGIC sole responsibility for wholesale 5G network deployment, with mobile network operators expected to purchase capacity from the infrastructure provider instead of building their own standalone 5G networks.

The government has now opted to liberalise the market, allowing licensed telecommunications operators to compete directly for spectrum rights in what industry observers say is a significant step towards accelerating digital transformation and expanding high-speed connectivity across the country.

The earlier framework had attracted international attention after Radisys Corporation, a technology company owned by Reliance Industries Limited, controlled by Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani, was selected to provide the core network infrastructure for the wholesale 5G platform.

The revised approach is expected to increase competition within Ghana's telecommunications industry while giving operators greater flexibility in investing in next-generation digital infrastructure.

The planned 5G auction also aligns with the government's broader objective of expanding digital services, improving broadband connectivity and supporting innovation across key sectors of the economy, including education, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services and agriculture.

The introduction of multiple licensed 5G operators could accelerate network deployment, improve service quality and stimulate investment in digital technologies, while creating opportunities for businesses and consumers to benefit from faster internet speeds, lower latency and enhanced connectivity.

MTN Ghana, the country's largest mobile network operator by subscriber base, and Telecel Ghana, which acquired Vodafone Ghana's operations, are expected to be among the strongest contenders in the auction, given their existing nationwide infrastructure and investment capacity.

The government's decision to replace an exclusive wholesale model with a competitive licensing regime marks a significant policy shift that could reshape Ghana's telecommunications landscape as the country prepares for the commercial expansion of 5G services.