MTN kicks off 5G pilot in Nigeria, targets commercial launch in seven cities

Yesterday, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc kicked off an open Fifth-Generation (5G) pilot in the lead-up to its highly anticipated commercial launch.

The company, which intends to launch 5G services in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri and Maiduguri, is testing the next-generation network infrastructure. Customers with certain enabled devices will be allowed to connect with and try out the new service where coverage is available.

To access the 5G network and enjoy its benefits, customers will need compatible devices, such as routers and mobile phones, which can be pre-ordered from designated MTN walk-in stores and online via the MTN Nigeria website and e-marketplace.

The pre-ordered devices can be picked up or will be delivered to customers post the launch event scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

The telecommunications firm, in a statement, yesterday, said the advanced technology promises to extend the reach and capacity of MTN Nigeria’s data network in Nigeria and enable much faster speeds and lower latency, giving customers near-instant access to the things they care about and downloads that take seconds, instead of minutes.

Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Adia Sowho, said: “Every major technological evolution redefines what is possible – changing the way we live and the way we connect. MTN Nigeria has been at the forefront of every leap in telecommunications – from GSM to 2G, 3G, and 4G; 5G has the potential to change everything. It will allow us to connect, create, collaborate, and compete in ways we’ve not even begun to imagine.

“We appreciate the unwavering support and leadership of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in implementing the National Policy on 5G Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy, which has driven the implementation of 5G in the country. We’re honored to be a part of this revolution and being the first to bring 5G to Nigeria, we are truly excited about all the possibilities for the nation.”

The spectrum issued to MTN Nigeria as one of the two successful winners of the 5G …

MTN subscribers lament service outage

Some MTN customers are currently experiencing service outage and are unable to connect with loved ones and business associates in parts of the country, The PUNCH has learnt.

Our correspondent gathered that the customers were unable to use the mobile network operator’s call, data and SMS services.

“Emergency calls only” showed on the screens of MTN users our correspondent spoke with as of the time of filing this report at 04:30pm on Saturday.

The users told our correspondent that they started experiencing the outage around 2:30pm on Saturday.

Some of the users, who also subscribed to other telecom service providers, have since switched over in the interim to link up with friends and family.

Some MTN users have also gone on social media to lament their frustration.

@kessyl tweeted, “MTN network completely off in Abuja…What is happening please?…