MTN Nigeria last month released a 5G pilot to test the next-generation network infrastructure despite the many myths that trailed the launch of the fifth-generation network, including causing COVID-19 and having an apocalyptic sign.
Meanwhile, 5G service simply offers data speed 100 times faster than 4G and lower latency (the delay between instruction for a data transfer and its actual transfer). This implies that the 5G network promises faster downloads, much lower lag time, and transmitting of data faster and accurately.
What’s more
At the commercial launch of MTN’s 5G network, the CEO of MTN Nigeria Plc, Karl Olukotun stated that the network would grant users access to 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.”
- According to mandatory regulations by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the 5G commercial launch by MTN Nigeria is coming three weeks after the pilot launch.
- Industries that would benefit from the network include the creative industry, ecommerce, FinTechs, and more.
- MTN Nigeria plans to launch the service in seven Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri and Maiduguri.
In case you missed it
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) scheduled August 24th for the launch of 5G service in Nigeria. While MTN Nigeria, one of the two telecommunications companies with license to operate the fifth generation in Nigeria, had earlier announced its readiness to launch the service, Mafab Communications, the second licensed company, has got a five-month extension till January 2023.
The big picture
Nigeria’s broadband internet connection users currently stands at 84.6 million (August, 2022). This also brings the broadband penetration in Africa’s most populous nation to 44.32% (August, 2022). And a milestone achieved in implementing the National Broadband Plan (NBP 2020-2025), a plan to bring 4G broadband penetration to 70% by 2025.