MTN Nigeria has secured one of the two 100Mhz spectrum licences in the 3.5Ghz spectrum band auctioned by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In a statement released by the company, MTN described the latest development “as a significant step towards achieving the goals of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020-2025)” and enables the company to roll out 5G services to the local market.

According to MTN, 5G mobile network technology offers faster data speeds and lower latency. It allows several devices to be connected at one go and creates vast possibilities in innovation and transformation. It enables seamless communication and interconnectivity between smart devices, MTN added, and “has the potential to accelerate the digital transformation of industries.”

MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola said: “5G is the future of network technology and offers incredible possibilities for new and enhanced services for our customers. Our successful bid presents an opportunity to be at the forefront of delivering these technological advancements to as many Nigerians as possible. The benefits of 5G are multi-faceted and they hold the key to unlocking new avenues for the nation’s growth and development. It is far more than high-speed internet or faster-streaming speeds; 5G has implications for improved service delivery across every sector. It has the potential to transform our nation’s economy and make a difference to the daily lives of every Nigerian. We thank the NCC for organising a transparent auction which will transport us into the ‘tomorrow’ we desire.”

Towards the end of November this year, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, executive vice chairman and CEO of the NCC, confirmed that the focus of the telecommunications industry was on 5G rollout and development.

Mohammed Rufai, MTN Nigeria’s CTO, said: “We are excited about the opportunities that 5G represents, and eager to participate in the licensing process. The speed and latency that 5G technology avails users is very impressive, and opens up a wealth of possibilities to leverage the Internet of Things and digital services in general.”

Danbatta said the priority now is to fully prepare to facilitate 5G infrastructure and collaborate with the right partners.