Following Mafab Communications’ rollout of 5G services in Abuja, fifth-generation technology penetration is expected to rise in Nigeria. This follows the Nigerian Communications Commission’s approval of a five-month extension for the company’s 5G rollout in August 2022.
With the firm’s launch, Nigeria now has two 5G service providers, with a third on the way. According to Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, the firm’s launch of 5G services will ensure that the country has the most extensive 5G coverage in Africa.
“In 2021, MTN Nigeria and Mafab won the two available lots of 100 MHz TDD slots in the 3.5 GHz band.
Both companies paid $273.6 million for their licenses.
Airtel was assigned one of the available lots of 100 MHz TDD Spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band for $273.60m after an NCC’s 5G auction failed to attract bidders in December 2022.