Vodafone Group Plc (LON:VOD) has noted that its African subsidiary, Vodacom Group Limited, has today announced Vodafone Egypt’s participation in the multi-year investment programme of Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA). The programme encompasses spectrum in the 1,800MHz and 3,500MHz bands, and the renewal of the 2,600MHz band.
As a part of the initial phase of the programme Vodafone Egypt has secured 2 x 10MHz of 1,800MHz spectrum. The spectrum payment will be settled in four annual payments, commencing with US$100 million (€84 million1) in FY26. The spectrum will enable Vodafone Egypt to significantly enhance data connectivity through the additional capacity, which meets the growing demand for reliable, high quality voice and data services.
The next phase of the programme is expected to commence in FY28 and conclude by FY32 during which the MCIT and NTRA will release an allocation of 3,500MHz spectrum, and renew the existing 2,600MHz spectrum.
Vodafone Egypt has the following spectrum holdings before and after the acquisition announced today:
| Existing holding (year of expiry) | Purchased | Post-purchase (year of expiry) | |
| 900MHz | 2 x 12.5MHz (2039) | 2 x 12.5MHz (2039) | |
| 1,800MHz | 2 x 10MHz (2039) | 2 x 10MHz | 2 x 20MHz (2039) |
| 2,100MHz | 2 x 20MHz (2039) | 2 x 20MHz (2039) | |
| 2,600MHz | 1 x 40MHz (2032) | 1 x 40MHz (2032) |
Notes
As a result of the 1,800MHz spectrum acquisition announced today, Vodafone Group expects to recognise an additional intangible spectrum asset of approximately US$350 million (€294 million1).
1. All euro denominated figures are based on a US$:EUR exchange rate of US$1:0.84.
