Ericsson noted that MTN has initially launched its 5G offering in capital Lagos
Mobile operator MTN and Ericsson have launched 5G services in Nigeria, the vendor said in a release.
Ericsson noted that the deployment includes 5G radio access network and NonStandalone packet core, with the aim of accelerating the development and digitalization of key sectors such as education, healthcare and manufacturing.
The new launch will also enable consumers and enterprises in Nigeria “to provide 5G applications that will unlock the potential of the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence (AI), smart cities and immersive communication over augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for consumers.”
Mohammed Rufai, CTO at MTN Nigeria said: “5G will revolutionize the way we live and communicate across industries. With the speeds 5G offers, we will be able to experience the internet with low latency, which means no lag, making our virtual interactions more real. At MTN, we will continue to pursue the rollout of 5G technology to revolutionize internet access across the continent.”
Hossam Kandeel, VP of Ericsson for the Middle East and Africa, said: “5G connectivity is likely to pave the way for life-altering advancements and we are proud to be a part of Nigeria’s 5G digital transformation that has only just begun. With connectivity being the backbone of digitization, we are committed to delivering the best service to our partners at MTN Nigeria to support them in this thrilling journey.”
In the future, Ericsson said that MTN Nigeria’s 5G network will be driven by software-defined network capabilities where a combination of currently available AI techniques will allow a higher degree of practical autonomous operation.
The initial launch of 5G took place in capital, Lagos. According to local press reports, MTN and Ericsson also expects to launch 5G services in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri and Maiduguri.
According to the MTN Nigeria’s 2022 H1 report, the carrier had deployed 127 5G sites in preparation for the 5G launch. The African operator plans to have a nationwide 5G coverage by 2025.
In December of 2021, Nigerian carriers MTN and Mafab Communications had secured 3.5 GHz 5G spectrum licenses at an auction conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission. Both operators spent a total of $273.6 million for 100 megahertz of 3.5GHz spectrum during the auction.
Both operators were required to launch 5G services by August 2022. However, Mafab Communications recently obtained a five-month extension from the Nigerian government for the commercial launch of 5G in the country, according to local press reports.
