Airtel Launches 5G In Nigerian Cities With $700 Mn Investment

Airtel Nigeria has officially launched its 5G network, becoming the second provider to offer 5G services in the country. The launch comes six months after Airtel won the auction for the 3.5GHz spectrum license conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The initial rollout will cover four cities: Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, and Rivers. Airtel will now compete with MTN, the other 5G network provider in Nigeria, for subscribers. Notably, Mafab Communications secured a 5G license 18 months ago but has yet to begin operations.

Airtel’s 5G offering aims to deliver faster speeds and lower latency by utilizing the 3.5GHz spectrum. The network’s capacity will be further enhanced by leveraging the 2600MHz spectrum. 

The Airtel 5G Router supports simultaneous connection of up to 64 devices, offering lightning-fast speeds and unlocking a new level of performance. 

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Users can enjoy the benefits of 5G without needing a new 5G smartphone. The routers also provide a 10GB sign-on bonus upon completion of the Know Your Customer (KYC) process and ensure network stability for a reliable and uninterrupted connection.

In addition to the 5G launch, Airtel plans to invest $700 million annually in Nigeria. This investment is in line with the company’s ongoing commitment to the country, as it has been investing approximately $400 million per year for several years. 

Airtel aims to expand its broadband network across Nigeria, connecting more people to the Internet. The company has mentioned the need for streamlined right of way (RoW) charges, license fee waivers, and better subscriber reporting to overcome challenges in expanding broadband infrastructure. 

Airtel is targeting a growing opportunity in the broadband space for this region, with the market set to grow at 15% compounded annually and around 70 million households becoming accessible for broadband connectivity.