With the launch of the fifth generation (5G) network in Nigeria first by MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communication Limited, LUCAS AJANAKU explores the opportunities the technology has to offer and as Airtel Nigeria laces up its spike shoes to join the race.
After a long wait, the 5G network was finally launched in the country in August, last year in line with the information memorandum (IM) prepared by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) preparatory to the auction of the two lots of 100megahertz (Mhz) frequencies in the 3.5Gigahertz (GHz) spectrum (C-Band) dedicated for the deployment of the network in 2021.

5G is the new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 5G enables a new network that can connect virtually everyone and everything, including machines, objects, and devices. Over time, 5G technology will improve the way we live and work.

Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity at NCC, Bako Wakil, said there are different angles to define a 5G network. He said it is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks that enable a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together.

According to him, it is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, at ultra-low latency, with more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users.