Airtel Launches 5G Network Service in 4 Nigerian Cities, To Challenge MTN for Subscribers as Mafab stays quiet

Airtel Launches 5G Network Service in 4 Nigerian Cities, To Challenge MTN for Subscribers as Mafab stays quiet

  • Airtel Nigeria has finally launched its 5G services, and subscribers in four Nigerian cities will now have a test of it
  • The launch of the service comes exactly six months after it paid over $300 million to the Nigerian Communications Commission
  • Airtel will now compete with MTN, the other 5G network provider in Nigeria, for subscribers, while Mafab remains silent after securing its own license for over one year

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Airtel Nigeria, one of Nigeria's biggest telecommunications networks, has officially launched its 5G network today, Monday, June 19, 2023.

The 5G technology represents the fifth generation in mobile network technology, succeeding the progression from 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks.

Airtel, MTN 5G
Airtel launches 5G network in five Nigerian cities Photo credit: Fernando Gutierrez-Juarez/picture alliance
Source: Getty Images

Airtel 5G launch

Airtel's launch comes exactly six months after it became the sole bidder and winner of the December 2022 auction for the 3.5GHz spectrum license conducted by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC).

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In a press release, Airtel announced that the initial four Nigerian cities for the launch will be Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, and Rivers.

With the launch, Airtel will now face competition from MTN, the only network provider currently offering 5G services in Nigeria, which was launched in September 2022.

Mafab Communications also secured the 5G license alongside MTN 18 months ago by outbidding Airtel in the first auction, but has yet to commence operations.

Airtel 5G promises

Airtel Nigeria's plan for deploying its 5G offering involves utilizing the 3.5GHz spectrum, which will deliver faster speeds and lower latency, thereby enhancing the user experience.

Furthermore, the network's capacity will be boosted by leveraging the 2600MHz spectrum.

The key features of the Airtel 5G Router include the ability to connect up to 64 devices simultaneously, catering to various connectivity needs.

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It offers lightning-fast 5G speeds, unlocking a new level of performance. Users can enjoy the benefits of 5G without needing to invest in a new 5G smartphone.

Additionally, the routers provide a 10GB sign-on bonus when users complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process.

Moreover, the router ensures network stability, guaranteeing a reliable and uninterrupted connection.

Top 20 highest salary-paying companies in Nigeria

Meanwhile, in another report, the list of the highest salary-paying companies in Nigeria has been revealed, with MTN and UBA included.

The list includes 20 companies from the oil and gas sector, including the financial industry.

The ranking was determined by considering both the number of staff employed and the total expenses incurred on staff salaries.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dave Ibemere avatar

Dave Ibemere (Senior Business Editor) Dave Ibemere is a senior business editor at Legit.ng. He is a financial journalist with over a decade of experience in print and online media. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. He is a member of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigation (AAOSI), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other media think tank groups. He previously worked with The Guardian, BusinessDay, and headed the business desk at Ripples Nigeria. Email: dave.ibemere@corp.legit.ng.