MTN kicks off 5G pilot, to roll out in Ibadan, Lagos, five other cities

Akinwande Soji-Ojo

MTN Nigeria has revealed that it has kicked off an open 5G pilot ahead of the commercial launch in seven cities.

The cities include Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri, Maiduguri and Abuja.

In December 2021, after 11 rounds of bidding, Mafab and MTN Nigeria emerged as the two successful winners of the 3.5gigahertz (GHz) spectrum auction for the deployment of 5G technology in Nigeria.

In a statement on Thursday, the telcoms giant said customers will be able to connect to the new service with enabled devices in areas where coverage is available. 

According to the statement, customers can access and enjoy the 5G network with compatible devices such as routers and mobile phones, adding that it can be pre-ordered sims from designated MTN walk-in stores and online via the MTN Nigeria website and e-marketplace.

Speaking on the pilot test, Chief Marketing Kfficer, MTN Nigeria, Adia Sowho, said the company will extend the reach and capacity of its data network and enable much 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.

“We appreciate the unwavering support and leadership of the honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and 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 are 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,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mafab has extended its 5G rollout till December 2022, over the delay in receiving the numbering plan.