Connect with us

Telecom

MTN Expresses Readiness to Deploy 5G ahead of Timeline

Published

on

Kindly share this post

MTN Communications Nigeria (MTN Nigeria) Plc has said it was ready to roll out the fifth generation (5G) services ahead of the timeline contained in the Information Memorandum (IM) prepared by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the 3.5gigahertz (GHz) spectrum auction last year.

MTN Expresses Readiness to Deploy 5G ahead of Timeline

In line with the terms and conditions of the 5G licence, the licensees are expected to commence rollout of 5G services, effective from August 24, this year.

Mr. Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Communications Nigeria (MTN Nigeria) Plc, said: “We are ready. We won the licence through a transparent auction process and we congratulate the NCC on this.  We paid the full licence fee a month ahead of schedule. Within the information memorandum of the NCC issued, there was a timeline which indicated that we can launch in H2. We are prepared to launch on the day the IM allows us to do so and we will explore with the NCC if they allow…So we are ready, even before that timeline.”

Recall that MTN and Mafab Communication Ltd had won the two slots put on offer during the auction that had $197.4million as reserve price. As part of the auction process put in place by the Commission in the IM, the two winners and Airtel Networks Ltd had submitted bids with an initial bid deposit (IBD) of $19.74 million, representing 10 per cent of the Reserve Price of the 3.5GHz spectrum by the close of the bid submission date of November 29 last year.

MTN and Mafab were required to pay the balance of the bid price of $253.86 million on or before February 24, 2022. While MTN beat the deadline, Mafab paid at the expiration of the deadline.

The NCC had issued the final letters of awards of 5G spectrum and in line with the 5G auction’s Information Memorandum (IM), the two licensees are now expected to accelerate deployment of 5G network that will usher Nigeria into a more robust Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and a more digitised Nigerian economy among the comity of nations.

The 5G network, when deployed, will bring a lot of benefits and opportunities that will engender accelerated growth and smart living in the country. The technology is also expected to bring substantial network improvements, including higher connection speed, mobility and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities.

Following a transparent, diligent, fair and credible auction of 3.5GHz on December 13, last year, the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), chaired by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, had, on February 22, 2022, officially handed over the spectrum allocation for 5G deployment as well as Federal Government-approved National Policy on 5G to the Commission.

Subsequently, the Commission, on February 24, 2022, confirmed the full payment of $273.6 million each by the two spectrum winners, in addition to spectrum assignment fee paid by MTN, for the 5G spectrum licence.

The Commission is optimistic that effective implementation of the National Policy on 5G will accelerate the actualisation of the national targets in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, as well as other sectoral policies designed to enhance Nigeria’s digital transformation.

While the licensees are expected to meet the timetable regarding their 5G network rollout obligations, the NCC requires collective efforts and support of the private-sector and government toward transforming every aspect of the nation’s economy through 5G, which will herald greater transformation than what the nation witnessed with the 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G.

 

 

 

 

 


Kindly share this post

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

Telecom

MTN Nigeria to Lease Spectrum from T2 Mobile, Ends Agreement with Ntel

Published

on

Kindly share this post

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has secured regulatory approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to lease frequency spectrum from T2 Mobile Limited (formerly 9Mobile), marking a strategic shift in its network expansion plans.

Effective October 1, 2025, MTN will lease 5MHz in the 900MHz band and 15MHz in the 1800MHz band from T2 Mobile for a period of three years.

This move supports MTN’s national roaming agreement with T2, enabling shared infrastructure to manage growing network traffic and improve service delivery

According to MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola, the agreement aligns with the company’s Ambition 2025 strategy, which emphasizes cost-effective, sustainable growth, industry collaboration, and digital inclusion.

In a related development, MTN Nigeria has announced it will not renew its current spectrum lease with Natcom Development and Investment Ltd (Ntel). That lease—covering 5MHz in the 900MHz band and 10MHz in the 1800MHz band across 17 states—is set to expire on November 29, 2025.

MTN reaffirmed its commitment to investing in infrastructure and strategic partnerships to deliver high-quality, innovative telecom services across Nigeria.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

MTN Foundation Opens Applications for Phase 2 of SAIL Teachers’ Fellowship to Train 5,000 Nigerian Educators in Digital Skills

Published

on

Kindly share this post

MTN Foundation, in partnership with SAIL Innovation Lab and Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), has announced the commencement of the second phase of the MTN SAIL Teachers Fellowship Programme with a call for applications.

The initiative aims to equip 5,000 public school teachers across Nigeria with cutting-edge digital skills, innovative teaching methods, and leadership capacity to transform the learning experience in public schools.

The call for applications, open until 19th October 2025 is part of the MTN Foundation’s continued commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector and empowering educators with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

In addition, participants will gain access to the MTN Skills Academy, an online learning platform offering free, self-paced courses on coding, data analytics, digital marketing and other in-demand skills.

This ensures teachers can continue their professional development long after the training period, equipping them with the tools to prepare students for the opportunities of the digital economy.

Speaking on the launch of Phase 2, Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation, said: “Teachers are the backbone of our education system. By empowering them with digital competencies and innovative teaching methods, we are directly investing in the future of our youths.

This Fellowship Programme is designed to ensure that our educators are not just keeping pace with global best practices but are actively shaping the next generation of innovators and leaders.”

Participants in the programme will undergo intensive training on topics such as technology integration in the classroom, modern pedagogical techniques, digital tools, and personal leadership.

The training will be delivered by experienced facilitators and education experts to ensure a blend of practical knowledge and peer-driven learning.

The MTN SAIL Teachers Fellowship Programme, initiated in 2024, is a part of the Foundation’s broader mission to catalyse sustainable development initiatives that make measurable impact in the areas of education, health, and economic empowerment.

Since its inception, MTN Foundation has reached millions of Nigerians through various programmes, reaffirming its role as a catalyst for positive change.

Interested teachers can learn more and apply via https://bit.ly/STFP2025 as applications are expected to close on October 19, 2025.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Konga’s Category Month Campaign Drives Sales and Social Impact in Nigeria

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce group, has continued to record remarkable feedback from shoppers as its ongoing Category Month Campaign builds momentum. Since its kick-off in early September, the initiative has spotlighted key product categories each week, delivering unbeatable deals and heightened excitement across Nigeria’s digital retail space.

The campaign debuted with Home and Kitchen products in the first week of launch, offering households the chance to upgrade essentials at discounted prices.

This was followed by Electronics Week, which drew an overwhelming response from tech-savvy shoppers eager to secure top-quality gadgets at market-leading prices.

This week, attention has shifted to Beauty, Health and Personal Care, as well as Fashion, promising even more compelling offers for style enthusiasts and wellness-focused consumers.

According to industry observers, shoppers have embraced the campaign for clear reasons: convenience, affordability, and trust. By focusing on one category per week, Konga ensures a curated shopping experience where customers enjoy depth, variety, and verified quality across product lines. Strategic partnerships with global brands further guarantee authenticity, while Konga’s reliable logistics network continues to deliver purchases swiftly and securely.

In addition, Konga’s Category Month is strategically driving value for both buyers and sellers. For shoppers, it translates into savings and access to exclusive bundles. For merchants, it unlocks visibility to wider audiences and boosts sales volumes in a competitive marketplace.

Beyond the campaign, Konga has also reinforced its reputation as a socially responsible brand through the Computerise Nigeria Initiative, launched recently in partnership with Zinox and KongaCares.

The initiative aims to put one million laptops into the hands of young Nigerian students, bridging the digital divide and equipping the next generation for a knowledge-driven economy.

Konga is calling on well-meaning Nigerians, NGOs, religious institutions, and corporate bodies to support this noble effort, which has the potential to transform education and empower millions of youths across the country.

With Category Month and social impact initiatives like Computerise Nigeria, Konga is not only redefining retail in Nigeria but also cementing its role as a catalyst for digital inclusion and economic growth.

 

 

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending