Nigeria’s 5G subscriptions base hit 500,000- NCC set to increase network availability

September 19, 2023 Samson Ayodeji

Despite being new in Nigeria, the adoption of 5G is accelerating. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), led by Umar Dambatta, said that the nation had attained the landmark of 500,000 5G network subscriptions. At a recent media event, Dambatta revealed this information.

Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs, recently issued a statement that reiterated the NCC’s commitment to expanding access to the 5G network, building on this accomplishment. Compared to the well-known 3G and 4G, 5G offers a faster network, fewer lags, and more advantages. As of now, only MTN, Airtel, and MAFAB have successfully introduced 5G services.

The unveiling of MAFAB and its network accessibility last month sparked discussions on social media. Despite announcing the introduction of its services, there isn’t as much anticipation and fanfare as there is for MTN and Airtel on social media and in the streets. The existence of its 5G network has thus generated a lot of discussion. The NCC stated that MAFAB had started 5G activities in order to defend the business.

Dambatta added that Nigeria had seen an increase in internet penetration over the past few decades. According to the NCC’s broadband access graph, the country had a 47.01% penetration rate as of July 2023. The fact that the aforementioned amount is the same as what was recorded in June is interesting to note. Between June and July, there were the same amount of broadband subscriptions (89,730,341).

Why expanding Nigeria’s access to broadband should be a top priority, especially 5G

Nigeria has a bold plan for achieving broadband penetration. It aims to increase the existing access rate from 47.01% to 70% by 2025. Additionally, it aims to reach a large coverage status for at least 90% of the population of the country. If successful, this project will unquestionably encourage socioeconomic growth in addition to other things.

The Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, unsurprisingly, asked international leaders to work together to achieve global connection.

“We must create a digital future that is open to all, reasonably priced, sustainable, secure, and people-centered. No one should be cut off from connectivity, and there shouldn’t be any digital deserts in the globe, according to Carlos Slim, the Commission’s co-chairman.

According to Statista, 864 million Africans do not have access to the internet. The majority of these people reside in rural areas, which telcos have historically underserved. Areas with low penetration demand additional attention as governments and carriers step up efforts to close the digital divide.

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Samson Ayodeji

I am literally obsessed with technology. I love writing about the latest news in technology in different markets, segments and sectors across the world.

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