Airtel launches 5G, reiterates commitment to improved user experience

Telecoms company, Airtel Nigeria has announced the launch of its 5G network meant to further enhance subscribers’ experience and provide improved connectivity.

Speaking at the launch witnessed by the media and other critical stakeholders in the nation’s ICT sector in Lagos, on Monday, the Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz, stated that the launch marked the first batch of the 5G network deployment in four Nigerian cities of Lagos, Ogun, Abuja and Rivers, before extending it to the other parts of the country, later in the year.

With the launch, the network joined the move to deploy 5G network in Nigeria, following the footsteps of MTN and Mafab Communications, which had earlier launched their own 5G networks.

The Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja, added that the telecom service provider intends to deploy the 5G technology by utilizing the 3.5GHZ spectrum, expected to provide faster speeds and lower latency, ultimately enhancing the user experience; while the 2600MHz spectrum will be leveraged to boost the network’s capacity.

“The introduction of the 5G network represents a significant milestone in the evolution of telecommunications in the country. We believe it will bring enhanced connectivity and improved user experiences to customers in the selected states, and as a result, enhancing the fortunes of the nation’s telecoms sector,” he added.

The network had in January 2023 acquired a 5G spectrum and additional spectrum for its 4G network for $316.7million from the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC).