Bharti Ghana (Airtel) and Millicom Ghana have received the approval of National Communications Authority for their merger — subject to some conditions.

This merger, announced in March this year, will result in an entity which will be the second largest mobile network operations in Ghana.

The merged entity will have a 3G license valid until January, 2024 while their 2G license will be valid until October, 2021.

The merged entities will have to submit a network integration plan to the Authority indicating how they intend to relinquish portions of their total spectrum allocation. This, however, will be done in phases on geographical area basis and over a period not exceeding 18 months to avoid disruptions on the network.

The merged entity shall retain all the numbering resources held by the merging entities. The NCA has also requested the merged entity to submit a plan to educate customers about changes and related measures within 30 days from date of merger.

The merger approval is also conditioned with an option for Government participation.

NCA and the merging entities will sign a supplementary agreement to the licences of the merging entities.