Mafab and MTN have launched 5G in Nigeria, marking the beginning of the next generation of ultra-fast mobile networks across the country. For the first time, Nigerians can benefit from the lightning speeds afforded by 5G, making it possible to stream content without buffering and navigate large webpages with ease. The journey to 5G wasn’t an easy one for Nigeria, however. In 2021, after engagements with stakeholders earlier that year, The Nigerian Communications Commission announced plans for the auction of 5G licences before Mafab and MTN were able to launch their networks in six cities – Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Benin City and Kano. Prior to this development, Nigerians had relied on 4G mobile networks which came after 3G in 2005. 4G LTE network jolted streaming services into the limelight as well as provided faster internet speed than ever before but 3G had brought stability previously. With 214 mobile operators launching commercial services globally by September 2022 according to Ericsson estimates and over one billion subscriptions later that same year – a stark contrast to Nigeria’s 43 million 4g connections compared to 34 million 3gs at present – 5Gs was becoming inevitable if not imminent in Nigeria.
Despite this low adoption rate due largely infrastructural challenges such as low broadband penetration cost data unaffordability smartphones etc., experts believe that uptake of 5Gs will be very fast given its attendant benefits in disrupting various sectors including security education health etc.. For example, many public health centres are expected to start using telemedicine – allowing medical practitioners daisy chain consultations by connecting centers even across international borders through video conferencing. Education is also set to leap ahead several decades with virtual classrooms providing life-like learning experiences with live interactions between students and teachers alike over video feeds powered by 5Gs blazing speeds. In addition cyber security is expected to get a significant boost with greater encryption capabilities due to higher bandwidths offered by 5Gs network connections.
It is clear that Nigerian telecoms are poised make their mark in the global space with this revolutionary leap forward into the future that is enabled by accessing lightning fast mobile connections powered by 5Gs technology . With its virtually limitless possibilities in making life more easier whether it be communication or daily activities such as transportation payment systems or navigation devices etc… The world sits at awe at what these benefits may bring in terms of performance advancements discoveries and productivity beyond limits!