Airtel Nigeria has joined MTN Nigeria and Mafab as the telecom giant officially launched services riding on the fifth generation (5G) technology in Lagos, Ogun, Rivers and the FCT.
The launch brings to three the total number of operators offering services on the technology which promises to deliver super-fast data services and redefine services in other sectors of the economy including medicine, agric, and others.
MTN Nigeria pioneered the launch of the service which was followed by Mafab Communications.
Chief Commercial Officer at Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja, said 5G services will be available in four major cities of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Ogun and Rivers States, adding that services would be extended to other parts of the country subsequently.
Airtel Nigeria, acquired fourth-generation (4G) and fifth-generation (5G) spectrums from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for a cumulative price of $316.7 million in January 2023.
The telco purchased 100 MHz of spectrum in the 3500MHz band and 2x5MHz of 2600MHz from the NCC for a gross consideration of $316.7 million, “payable in local currency”.
Speaking on the acquisition, Segun Ogunsanya, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Airtel Africa, said Nigeria is a market with enormous potential for future growth in mobile services.
He said investment in new technologies and local infrastructure to enable “this growth is a strategic priority for the group and will ensure we are able to provide reliable and affordable services to local communities across the country”.
