Multinational Mobile telecommunications company MTN Nigeria has officially launched the 5G network commonly called the fifth-generation company in Nigeria.
This makes Nigeria the third country in Africa to launch the 5G network, after Kenya and South Africa.
The telecommunications company began the
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launch of its commercial 5G network in Lagos state, with plans to launch the network in six other cities which are; Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri, and Maiduguri.
According to MTN’s 2022 half-year report, 127 5G sites have been set up in preparation for the 5G launch. The company plans to have nationwide 5G coverage by 2025, subsequently rolling out this technology in phases.
During the launch of the 5G technology, CEO of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, while speaking disclosed that the company’s newly launched technology will change everything, by enabling effective collaboration among people.
Also stating that through its numerous possibilities, the technology promises to change communication forever.
In his words; “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 advanced 5G technology promises to extend the reach and capacity of MTN Nigeria’s data network in Nigeria and enable 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.
MTN however disclosed that for subscribers to enjoy the 5G network, they would need compatible devices, such as routers and mobile phones, which can be pre-ordered from designated MTN walk-in stores and online via the MTN Nigeria website and e-marketplace. The pre-ordered devices could be picked up or would be delivered to customers at designated locations.
MTN is the first telecom operator in Nigeria to launch the 5G technology, as the network has always shown readiness to offer subscribers the best of service.
The rollout of 5G technology was expected to accelerate the actualization of the national targets in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, as well as other sectoral policies designed to enhance Nigeria’s digital transformation.
With MTN’s launch of the 5G technology, Nigeria joins a handful of African countries that have rolled out the 5G network.