MTN revealed that it has activated over 700 sites across 13 cities since its launch in August 2021, indicating that the adoption of the Fifth Generation (5G) network is rapidly expanding.
MTN lists Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Owerri, Ibadan, Maiduguri, Abeokuta, Ife, Warri, Enugu, Ife, and Ifo as connected cities. MTN Nigeria’s Chief Technical Officer, Mohammed Rufai, told journalists yesterday that Nigerians are currently enjoying the benefits of 5G.
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Rufai defended Nigeria’s readiness for the technology, claiming that the capacity has always existed in terms of spectrum availability, fibre infrastructure, market, and technical know-how. He revealed that 5G would not only supplement the country’s broadband penetration target of 70% by 2025, but would also ensure that telecoms services expanded to remote areas.
With broadband penetration in the country at 48% and 92 million people using it, Rufai claims MTN has covered approximately 92% of Nigeria.
While some countries, including South Africa, are planning to shut down 2G and 3G networks, Rufai stated that this is not the case in Nigeria for the time being. He emphasised that the goal is to provide network services to all types of subscribers.
“Just because we’re moving to 5G doesn’t mean we can’t meet the needs of subscribers on other technologies.” We must also consider those who require lower-tech solutions. Even the 3G network can be used for other purposes in the future.
“For us in Nigeria, shutting down those technologies is not in the plan now. MTN Nigeria would take into account what subscribers need. We shall not leave anyone behind, even as we encourage people to move to higher technology. Of course, we know that a time would come when people on some of those networks will reduce, then we can take appropriate decisions on them,” he stated.
On deepening 5G adoption, Rufai said that while devices, particularly mobile ones, for the technology are still scarce, and smartphone prices are exorbitant, customers can still reap the benefits of the technology through fixed wireless infrastructure, citing 5G routers that people can purchase and connect to WiFi.
He revealed that MTN is currently working with some Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) on 5G devices.
While admitting that the issue of Right of Way (RoW), particularly for fibre expansion into states, has not been easy, the MTN CTO praised the Federal Government’s efforts, saying that more states are opening up and seeing the economic benefits of such a move.
“I think challenges around RoW are being addressed. Fibre deployment is key to ensuring 5G expands across the country,” he stated.
