The race for the launch of the fifth generation network in Nigeria has begun since 2019. One of the major setbacks has been the release of regulation of the new network technology by NCC. Now that NCC has given the green signal for 5G network, it seems MTN and Airtel will be among the first telecom operators to launch the network in Nigeria.
New reports have shown that MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria are taking the lead and might deploy the first commercial Fifth Generation network in Nigeria as early as January 2022.
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The “Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Prof. Umar Dambatta, disclosed this yesterday, as he threw more light on 5G Roadmap at the Nigeria e-Government Summit in Lagos.
While delivering his keynote at the forum, Danbatta confirmed that NCC had granted Airtel right to demonstrate its own 5G services, to determine how efficient it can be.
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Two years ago, MTN had the opportunity to carry out 5G network trials in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Calabar. According to Danbatta, the NCC is in the process of another noncommercial trial of the 5G network with Airtel.
He said: “Recently we granted approval to the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) and Non-Commercial 5G trials in the 3.5 and 26GHz bands to MTN Communications PLC, and now we are in the process of another noncommercial trial with Airtel.”
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According to Vanguard News, a reliable source from inside Airtel who didn’t want to be quoted said: “It’s true, we are set to commence 5G noncommercial trial across the country. The trials ought to have happened this September, but very soon we will commence.”
NCC has issued the Spectrum Trading Guidelines to enable Operators transfer, lease or share spectrum resources, only MTN and Airtel, have completed acquiring spectrum bands.
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Now that Airtel and MTN are in the front line, Glo and 9Mobile might follow suite soon. If things goes as planned, Nigerians might start using 5G network in some major cities as early as March of 2022. And by the end of 2022, the fifth generation network might be available in more areas.
This also means, more 5G smartphones will be launched in the country. The Fifth Generation network (5G network) is bringing more speed and better connectivity.
What do you think about this new update? Would you be among the first Nigerians to try out the 5G network come 2022? Use the comment section below.
