Airtel Nigeria launches 5G Network

Airtel, a popular telecommunications provider in Nigeria, is set to launch its 5G mobile network in the country as part of its efforts to enhance productivity.

This move aims to introduce competition in the Nigerian telecoms industry, attract new customers, and improve Airtel’s market share.

The introduction of Airtel’s 5G network aligns with the Nigerian authorities’ vision for digital transformation and their goals of accelerating broadband adoption.

According to recent data from the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Airtel currently holds 27.01 percent of the national mobile subscriber base.

By entering the 5G space, Airtel is expanding into the ultra-broadband segment, which has been primarily dominated by MTN since it launched the latest-generation technology in September 2022.

Additionally, Mafab Communications has been offering 5G services since January of the same year.

In January, Airtel announced its acquisition of a 5G spectrum and additional spectrum for its 4G network, representing a total investment of $316.7 million.

With this license acquisition, the number of 5G licences in Nigeria now stands at three.

In 2021, MTN Nigeria and Mafab Nigeria Communications Limited secured the two available 100 MHz TDD slots of the 3.5 GHz band.