MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTN Nigeria) kicked off an open 5G pilot in the lead-up to its highly anticipated commercial launch. The company, which intends to launch 5G services in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri and Maiduguri, is testing the next-generation network infrastructure. Customers with certain enabled devices will be allowed to connect to and try out the new service where coverage is available.
To access the 5G network and enjoy its benefits, customers will need compatible devices, such as routers and mobile phones, which can be pre-ordered from designated MTN walk-in stores or online via the MTN Nigeria website and e-marketplace. The pre-ordered devices can be picked up or will be delivered to customers post the launch event, scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.
The advanced 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 as well as downloads that take seconds, instead of minutes.
The spectrum, issued to MTN Nigeria as one of the two successful winners of the 5G license bid, holds a promising future for technology in Nigeria, and is projected to contribute $2.2 trillion to the global economy by 2034, according to a 2020 GSMA Intelligence report, “The Mobile Economy.” The implementation of 5G will 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 this launch, leveraging the largest spectrum dedicated to 5G in Africa, Nigeria will join a handful of African countries that have rolled out the 5G network. Customers can visit the nearest MTN service center or visit the MTN Nigeria website to order 5G-enabled devices for home delivery.
