As the telecommunications industry in Nigeria continues to migrate from old 3G networks to new and improved 4G and 5G networks, telecoms operators have increased the deployment of 4G and 5G technologies across the country.
Nigeria 4G to 5G upgrade, According to recently released industry data from the Nigerian Communications Commission, telecommunication companies have started shutting down parts of their existing 3G network infrastructure, freeing up more bandwidth and frequencies for modern technologies that will allow for fast internet and other advanced services.
For Nigerians who still use old SIM cards or phones, there is just one key question: do you need to switch to a new number?
Why Nigeria Is Shifting Out of 3G
As per the recent report of NCC with data provided by Ookla, the leading telecommunication operators such as MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria have minimized the use of the 900MHz 3G spectrum band.
They are instead investing in:
- Deployment of 4G LTE services using the 1800MHz and 2100MHz spectrum bands.
- 5G rollout via the n77 (3.5GHz) spectrum band.
The shift is already happening across the country.
By Q1 2026:
- 4G penetration rate has risen to 53.76%
- 2G use rate is at 36.74%
- 3G penetration has fallen to 5.30%
- The 5G penetration rate is rising rapidly
Some areas in Lagos and Abuja have been able to achieve 5G internet speeds of up to 250 Mbps.
Do you have to get another phone number?
No. People transitioning from 3G to 4G and 5G can keep their current phone number.
But you will need:
- New SIM card for 4G or 5G connection.
- A new smartphone that can access LTE and 5G.
Steps to Upgrade Your SIM to 4G and 5G?
Go to the Mobile Operator
You can visit any of these places:
- MTN outlet
- Airtel outlet
- Glo outlet
- 9mobile outlet
And ask them to change the SIM or 4G/5G without changing the phone number.
What do you need?
The following may be required:
- Your National Identity Number (NIN).
- Government-issued ID.
- Current SIM card.
Can Your SIM Card Work With 4G?
Many SIM cards have built-in 4G/LTE capability.
Airtel users can test their SIM by dialing:
- 1759*6#
Other network providers also provide testing codes via customer care platforms.
How to Test if Your Phone Supports 4G/5G
Android
Open:
Settings > Mobile networks > Preferred network type
If you find:
- LTE
- 4G
- 5G
Then you’re good to go!
iPhone
Access:
- Settings > Mobile data > Voice & Data
- If “5G Auto” or LTE displays, then your device is ready.
If your phone only provides 3G or 2G as the available network types, then it is recommended to get a new device.
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Other Reasons Behind the Change, Aside from Faster Internet Connectivity
The NCC notes that there are other reasons behind the change, such as greater digital inclusion and national development.
Faster internet connectivity can lead to:
- Internet learning
- Mobile money transfers
- Cloud services
- Video calls
- AI-based services
- Online commerce
The telecoms regulator maintains that nationwide rollouts of 4G and 5G have become vital for Nigeria’s digital economy.
A Growing Internet Presence in Nigeria
As the nation migrates out of 3G, its overall internet ecosystem continues to grow in international terms.
The Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria recently announced that China Mobile International has connected itself to the local internet peering platform – a process which should improve the speeds at which Nigerian internet traffic travels and decrease the reliance on routing infrastructure from overseas.
Experts feel that both improvements will significantly increase the competitiveness of Nigeria’s digital environment relative to other nations in Africa.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s transition away from 3G is quietly taking place.
However, while users will keep their current numbers, many will be forced to either switch out their SIM cards or buy new handsets as telecommunications providers cut back support for 3G services.
