27 January 2023
Mafab Communications launches 5G in Nigeria
Mafab Communications has officially launched its 5G mobile network services in Nigeria, joining MTN in the ultra-broadband segment.
The company plans to start rolling out its services in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Kaduna before expanding to other cities across the country.
“5G technology is not just a mobile network, but represents a new culture, in a new era of connectivity where billions of devices exchange data and infuse intelligence into our daily lives. It creates new intelligent systems; and it can help develop new models of advanced manufacturing,” said Musbahu Bashir, president and founder of Mafab Communications.
Mafab Communications is the holder of a 5G license which it acquired in December 2021 during the first auction of telecom frequency spectrum for 5G organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The company had secured 100MHz in the 3.5GHz band for $273.6 million, as had MTN. However, Mafab Communications was unable to launch its activities within the time limit set by the regulator due to the lack of a Unified Operational License (UASL). An additional period of five months was granted to better prepare.
The launch of 5G by Mafab Communications should introduce more competition into the ultra-broadband segment of the Nigerian telecom market. This should guarantee consumers quality services at reduced costs in a context marked by growing demand for high-speed internet services and the emergence of new digital consumption patterns.
