MTN Nigeria launches 5G network in Lagos, Targets Six More Cities

Telecom giant, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has announced the launch of fifth-generation technology, commonly called 5G on Sunday.

It was launched during an event that enabled guests to test the use of the technology. At the commercial launch event, guests were able to experience some of the use cases of 5G.

This follows a pilot launch of 5G by MTN in August, keeping with the Nigerian Communications Commission rollout guideline. In August, the firm announced a pilot launch of 5G and its plan to roll out services in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri, and Maiduguri.

With this commercial launch, 5G services are now available in these locations. In its half-year report, the firm revealed it had deployed 127 5G sites in preparation for its 5G launch. 5G is expected to be rolled out in phases, with full national coverage expected by 2025.

While MTN has now rolled out its 5G network, Mafab Communications Limited, the only other telecommunication firm with a 5G license is yet to rollout 5G. Recently, it said the NCC had granted it a five-month rollout extension because of delays in getting its Unified Access Service Licence and Numbering plan.

While speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, said, “Every major technological evolution changes the way we live, the way we connect; changes what is possible. GSM took phone calls on the road, 2G added texting to our experience (and created a whole new language), 3G brought the internet to our phones, and 4G made video widely available on mobiles.

“5G will change everything. It will allow us to connect, create, collaborate, and compete in ways we cannot imagine yet. Today we will show you a glimpse of the many possibilities 5G has in store. What is most important is what you and every Nigerian can create with it.”

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, noted, “Today, we are celebrating the outcome of the successful auction of the 5G spectrum, we are celebrating the commercial launch of 5G services in the country. This puts the country in the global 5G space and from today many of you will experience the super speed associated with 5G.”