LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE Of NAIJA)- MTN Nigeria has turned on the 5G spectrum in Nigeria with 20,000 subscribers, kicking off an open 5G pilot in the lead-up to its highly anticipated commercial launch.
The company, which intends to launch 5G services in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri, and Maiduguri, is testing the next-generation network infrastructure.
The telecoms giant also said potential users can pre-order a home broadband device to experience internet “downloads in seconds, not minutes.”
“2G brought us SMS and picture messaging,” MTN CFO Modupe Kadiri said in a post. “3G was about mobile internet access. 4G made streaming and sharing a part of everyday life. 5G delivers the future and it’s here – higher internet speeds, downloads without delay, near-instant connection when streaming, using apps, loading websites, playing games, or connecting to smart home devices.
“So today we started another phase in our journey to Brighten the lives of our esteemed subscribers. Yes today we turned on the 5G spectrum and kicked off our 5G pilot. 20,000 customers with enabled devices can now try out our next-generation network where coverage is available. So seeing 5G on your phone? It means you’re part of the pilot. Welcome to the wonder of 5G!”
Adia Sowho, chief marketing officer, MTN Nigeria, was quoted as saying, “Every major technological evolution redefines what is possible – changing the way we live and the way we connect. MTN Nigeria has been at the forefront of every leap in telecommunications: from GSM to 2G, 3G, and 4G. 5G has the potential to change everything. It will allow us to connect, create, collaborate, and compete in ways we’ve not even begun to imagine.
She expressed MTN’s appreciation for the unwavering support and leadership of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy as well as the Nigerian Communications Commission in implementing the national policy on 5G networks for Nigeria’s digital economy, “which has driven the implementation of 5G in the country. We’re honoured to be a part of this revolution and being the first to bring 5G to Nigeria we are truly excited about all the possibilities for the nation.”
