MTN Nigeria has confirmed it would be using the frequency of its recent acquisition and Nigerian CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access) company Visafone, to roll out LTE broadband.

Ferdi Moolman, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria confirmed the network really needs the frequency. "The Visafone transaction was very important to us because it will enable us achieve broader access to Nigerians. We need Visafone's frequency to roll out our LTE broadband in Nigeria.

Jim Ovia, founder of Visafone described the deal as a landmark one that would hasten ICT growth in Nigeria. "The advent of mobile telecommunication services into the country over a decade ago has impacted Nigeria positively and created a new industry powered by technology and innovation. Looking back, we have recorded progress and achievements that have positively impacted the growth of other sectors such as banking, e-commerce and entertainment. We recognise that the industry holds greater potential that can further catalyse Nigeria's economic growth generally."

Ovia added that the deal is a primary means through which Nigeria can achieve its 2018 30% broadband penetration target.

"The aggressive launch of 4G LTE services by the merged entity of MTN and Visafone will drive the broadband penetration in Nigeria to the targeted 30 per cent by 2018 as per the national broadband plan of the Federal Government and help meet the national broadband plan targets," he said.

MTN Customer Service Executive Aminat Oyagbola refuted media reports that the mobile operator has sacked more than 2,000 workers and said Visafone only had approximately 350 employees.

Ovia corroborated Oyagbola's statement adding that the company had not fired any staff but rather that some employees had left on their own accord, while others are being re-trained by MTN on 4G LTE.