Recent data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) underscores the growing adoption of 5G technology in Nigeria, revealing that the country’s 5G subscriptions reached 2.3 million by the end of December 2023.
Despite this significant milestone, 5G subscriptions constitute approximately 1.04% of the nation’s overall active telephone service subscriptions, which stood at 224.7 million at the close of the year.
Among the key players propelling 5G deployment in Nigeria are major mobile network operators such as MTN, Airtel, and Mafab Communications. These operators have played pivotal roles in expanding 5G services across the nation. However, certain challenges, including the elevated costs of 5G-enabled devices, have contributed to a slower-than-anticipated adoption rate.
As of December 2023, the NCC reports that a substantial majority of telephone connections in Nigeria are still reliant on 2G technology, constituting 57.84% of all connections. This data suggests that despite the advancements in mobile networks, a significant portion of the population continues to use 2G for their telecommunications needs.
The breakdown further reveals that 9.80% of the nearly 225 million subscriptions are on 3G, a network generation that was launched in Nigeria back in 2007. 3G revolutionized telecommunications with the introduction of video calls and significantly enhanced data transfer capabilities, operating at speeds up to 2 Mbps with increased bandwidth compared to 2G networks.
While 4G subscriptions have witnessed a steady rise, reaching 31.33% as of December, challenges related to device compatibility are impeding the widespread adoption of 5G. The Chief Technical Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mohammed Rufai, highlighted this issue, stating that device compatibility remains a significant factor influencing the operators’ strategy, prompting them to maintain their 2G and 3G networks alongside investments in 4G and 5G.
In addition to device-related challenges, a recent report from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) sheds light on the global landscape, revealing that 5G coverage in Africa, as of December 2023, is the lowest worldwide at just 6%.
Noteworthy is the timeline of 5G launches in Nigeria, with MTN taking the lead by inaugurating the first 5G network in September 2022. Airtel followed suit with its launch in June 2023, while Mafab Communications, despite securing a 5G license concurrently with MTN, initiated its service later in 2023.
As these telecom giants continue their efforts to expand 5G services, challenges related to device costs and compatibility remain focal points, reflecting a broader global scenario where Africa lags behind in 5G coverage. Despite these hurdles, the telecom industry is poised for further evolution, navigating technological advancements and consumer demands.
