MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (NGX: MTNN) on Wednesday, 24th August 2022, kicked off an open 5G pilot in the lead-up to its highly anticipated commercial launch. The Telecoms giant announced this via a corporate action release on the Nigerian Exchange Limited.
The company intends to launch 5G services in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri and Maiduguri. Customers with certain enabled devices will be allowed to connect and test the next-generation network infrastructure. The customers will try out the new service where coverage is available.
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The company says the advanced technology promised to extend the reach and capacity of it’s data network in Nigeria and enable much faster speeds and lower latency, giving customers near-instant access to the things they care about and downloads that take seconds, instead of minutes.
Speaking about the test and expected commercial launch, Adia Sowho, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria said;
“Every major technological evolution redefines what is possible – changing the way we live and the way we connect. MTNN has been at the forefront of every leap in telecommunications: from GSM to 2G, 35, and 4G. 5G has the potential to change everything. It will allow us to connect, create, collaborate, and compete in ways we’ve not even begun to imagine.
“We appreciate the unwavering support and leadership of the Honourable Minister of Communications Commission in implementing the National Policy on 5G Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy which has driven the implementation of 5G in the country. We’re honoured to be a part of this revolution and being the first to bring 5G to Nigeria we are truly excited about all the possibilities for the nation.”
With this launch, leveraging the largest spectrum dedicated to 5G in Africa, Nigeria will join a handful of African countries that have rolled out the 5G network.
In December, 2022, MTNN emerged as one of the winners of the 5G spectrum auction, along with MAFAB Communications Limited. MTNN acquired the 3.5GHz spectrum band at a price of US$273.6 million in an action organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Fifth generation (5G) mobile network technology offers faster data speeds and lower latency. It allows several devices o be connected at one go and creates vast possibilities in innovation and transformation.
5G will enable seamless communication and interconnectivity between smart devices, a process commonly called the internet of things. It has the potential to accelerate the digital transformation of industries.
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur
