Lagos, June 19, 2023 – Airtel Nigeria officially launched its fifth generation (5G) technology services in Nigeria on Monday.
The launch brings the number of operators of 5G services in Nigeria to three.
MTN Nigeria pioneered the launch of the service and was followed by Mafab Communications.
Femi Oshinlaja, the Chief Commercial Officer at Airtel Nigeria, said 5G services would be available in four major cities of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Ogun and Rivers states.
He said the services would be extended to other parts of the country subsequently.
Airtel’s new step will undoubtedly intensify competition among industry players and attract new customers to bolster its market share.
Earlier this year, Airtel announced the acquisition of a 5G spectrum, along with additional spectrum for its 4G network which worth $316.7 million.
Airtel currently controls 27.01 percent of the national mobile subscriber base, while other competitors like 9mobile, Globacom, and MTN hold market shares of six percent, 27.28 percent and 39.70 percent, respectively.
By introducing 5G technology, Airtel aims to establish a foothold in the ultra-broadband segment which has so far been dominated by MTN.
MTN launched its 5G network in September 2022, while Mafab Communications has been offering 5G services since January this year. (GBN)
