MTN Nigeria Communications Limited launched its 5G network across 190 sites in the country on Wednesday, August 24, after winning the 3.5GHz spectrum license for 5G network rollout in December of last year and receiving the 5G spectrum license in May of this year.
MTN Nigeria Communications Limited and Mafab Communications Limited were granted till August by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to start rolling out their 5G networks on a commercial basis throughout the nation.
Mafab Communications Limited, however, seems to be absent from the rollout plan due to its delays in receiving its UASL and Numbering plan
Dr Mushabu Bashir, Chairman of Mafab Communications Limited, said
“We are fully committed to bringing the benefits of 5G services to Nigerians and deploying a network that will drive economic development with increased broadband capabilities nationwide. I do not doubt that the service will help deliver improvements in the fields of education, business, smart cities and entertainment,”
The 3.5GHz Spectrum band for 5G license was awarded to MTN and Mafab in December 2021 after an open bidding process.
The NCC gave both operators until August 24 to roll out 5G technology services across the nation. However, NCC has announced an extension of 5 months to Mafab for its rollout.
With MTN’s 5G network rollout, Nigeria has now formally joined South Africa and Kenya. South Africa launched its 5G network in March through MTN and Vodacom. Through Safaricom, Kenya began the rollout in April.
