MTN Nigeria has become the first Nigerian network service provider to obtain a license to rollout 5G services in Nigeria we can exclusively confirm. This information was made known in a press statement signed by Uto Ukpanah, MTN Nigeria's company secretary on Tuesday, 14th of December 2021.
"MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. is pleased to announce that it was successful in its bid to acquire one of the two 100MHZ spectrum licenses in the 3.5GHz spectrum band auctioned by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC)," a statement from the company read.
"This is a significant step towards achieving the goals of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020-2s). Acquisition of the spectrum will enable the rollout of 5G services to MTN Nigeria's customers," the statement continued.
According to the statement, the cost of each of the 100MHz spectrum was put at $275.9 million by the NCC. After acquiring the license, MTN will now look to ramp up its infrastructure to start the rollout of 5G services.
Speaking on the successful bid and the imminent rollout of 5G by MTN Nigeria, the company’s CEO, Karl Toriola had this to say:
"5G is the future of network technology and offers incredible opportunities for new and enhanced services for our customers. Our successful bid presents an opportunity to be at the forefront of delivering these technological advancements to as many Nigerians as possible. The benefits of 5G are multi-faceted, and they hold the key to unlocking new avenues for the nation's growth and development.
"It is far more than high-speed internet or faster streaming-speeds; 5G has implications for improved service delivery across every sector. It has the potentials to transform our nation's economy and make a difference in the daily lives of every Nigerian. We thank the NCC for organising a transparent auction which will transport us into the "tomorrow" we desire."
According to sources close to the situation, the second 100MHZ spectrum license was acquired by MAFAB Communications; a relatively unknown network provider who beat giants Airtel to the second license.
Nigerians will hope that both companies will put structure in place to start offering 5G services soon to enable strides in the technology sector.
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