Etisalat Nigeria has sued MTN Nigeria and Visafone Ltd., challenging MTN’s use of the 800megahertz (MHZ) spectrum following the latter’s acquisition of Visafone.

Etisalat said in a statement issued yesterday in Lagos: “You will recall that MTN Nigeria was declared dominant by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in 2013 and remains dominant in the wholesale leased line and retail voice markets.

“The use of the 800MHz spectrum to deploy broadband services ahead of its competitors, particularly those who prior to MTNs purchase of Visafone, held similar spectrum bands as MTN, will further entrench MTN’s dominance in the Nigerian telecommunications sector.” Etisalat said the legal action is in line with Section 86 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

It disclosed that it has at the same time engaged the NCC to understand the basis of its decision to approve the acquisition of Visafone by MTN.