2.3GHz Spectrum: MD Attributes Win to Divine Providence

The Managing Director of VDT Communications, Mr. Biodun Omoniyi has attributed the recent win of 2.3G spectrum auction to divine providence and also expressed gratitude to NCC and Globacom. According to him, “Our victory was by divine providence. We are also grateful to NCC for its integrity, transparency, and observation of fair rules in the bidding process and for promoting a healthy communication industry. We also thank Globacom as our big brother in the industry for giving us a chance and supporting the growth of younger players in the industry”.

VDT Communications Limited is the leading member of the Bitflux Communications consortium, which also has Bitcom Systems Limited and Superflux International Limited as members. As widely reported in the media, Bitflux Communications Limited emerged the winner of the keenly contested 2.3G spectrum bid at Transcorps Hilton Abuja on February 19, 2014.

It was a long journey to emerge the winner of the bid. Initially about 20 operators in the Nigeria telecom industry including MTN, Airtel Nigeria, Zinox Telecommunications, Etisalat, Mobitel and Spectranet showed interest in the bid. The initial good news came on Friday, February 14, when the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced Bitflux Communications Ltd and Globacom as the only bidders that were able to scale the pre-qualification hurdle including the payment of non-refundable USD 2.3 million bid deposit, but this came with a mix feeling when we considered our chances of having to bid against Globacom, the second National operator with huge financial strength. Yet we summoned the courage to participate in the auction. With the minimum reserved price pegged at USD 23 million, Bitflux emerged the higher bidder and winner at USD23.251million.

The winners of the bid, Bitflux Communications, a consortium of VDT, Bitcom and Superflux comprise young enterprising Nigerian professionals who have made a mark of excellence in the industry and represent the hope of the ICT industry and Nigeria when the prospects of a well-managed broadband landscape is considered.

For instance, VDT Communications Ltd is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company and winner of several awards including “Bulk Internet Provider 2011 & 2012” and "Wireless Backhaul Provider 2009 & 2010", provides digital leased circuit, metro wireless network and corporate Internet services. VDT operates one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in the country. The company's Network infrastructure design is structured towards providing a broad range of end-to-end efficient and reliable IP-based (data and voice communications) services across West Africa while building a long term, trusted partnership with its clients.

BITCOM Systems Nigeria Limited is a system integrator, Value-Added Reseller and installation service provider for a wide array of microwave, and broadband radio telecommunications products. Bitcom brings its many years of experience and insight to bear on the provision of premium seamless integration of myriad of multi-vendor and multi-purpose applications.

Superflux is an indigenous conglomerate that has investments in the biggest securities printing outfit in Africa. It also provides secure and communication print solutions to a wide range of clients. Its Key print supplies include: bank Cheques, Dividend warrants, Certificates, Tickets etc. Superflux is seeking to be the leading facilitator and backbone for secure transaction, documentation, processing and communication, guaranteeing world-class process integrity.

The sale of the spectrum is guided by the need of the Federal Government to facilitate deeper broadband penetration in Nigeria from the current 6% to 30% by2017. With this winning, members of the consortium are well positioned to deliver high capacity bulk broadband Internet service, wholesale wireless access and bandwidth thus enabling retail Internet service providers (ISPs) and other users to provide services to their subscribers in tandem with the National Broadband Plan.