A 5G open pilot has reportedly begun by MTN Nigeria in advance of a commercial rollout in seven cities.
Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri, Maiduguri, and Abuja are among the cities on the list.
Mafab and MTN Nigeria emerged as the two winning winners of the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum auction for the deployment of 5G technology in Nigeria in December 2021, following 11 rounds of bidding.
Customers will be able to connect to the new service using enabled devices in places where coverage is available, the telco behemoth said in a statement on Wednesday.
Customers can access and use the 5G network with compatible gadgets like routers and smartphones, the company said. It also said that pre-ordered sims are available from designated MTN walk-in stores as well as online via the MTN Nigeria website and eMarketplace.
Adia Sowho, chief marketing officer at MTN Nigeria, spoke about the pilot test and stated the business would increase the capacity and reach of its data network in addition to enabling significantly faster speeds and lower latency.
“Every major technological evolution redefines what is possible — changing the way we live and the way we connect. MTN Nigeria has been at the forefront of every leap in telecommunications: from GSM to 2G, 3G, 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,” she said.
“We appreciate the unwavering support and leadership of the honourable minister of communications and digital economy and the NCC in implementing the national policy on 5G networks for Nigeria’s digital economy, which has driven the implementation of 5G in the country.
“We arere 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.”
Mafab has meanwhile postponed the launch of 5G until December 2022 due to delays in getting the numbering plan.
