The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reported a substantial increase in 5G network subscriptions, reaching 2.7 million in March 2024, representing a 1.24% penetration rate. This growth indicates a rising adoption of 5G services in the country.
According to the NCC, 2G still dominates the market with 56.97% of all connections, while 3G and 4G hold 9.04% and 32.74% shares, respectively. The expansion of 5G services by major operators like MTN, Airtel, and Mafab Communications in select cities has contributed to this growth.
Industry experts attribute the increase to the ongoing deployment of 5G networks by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). MTN, Airtel, and Mafab Communications have invested heavily in expanding their 5G coverage, with MTN being the first to deploy 5G in September 2022, followed by Airtel in June 2023, and Mafab later in 2023.
However, the high cost of 5G-compatible smartphones remains a significant barrier to wider adoption. To address this, MNOs are working to broaden their reach and provide more affordable 5G devices. As emphasized by MTN’s Chief Technical Officer, Mohammed Rufai, maintaining older networks alongside newer ones is crucial for deepening 5G penetration due to device compatibility issues.
The growth in 5G subscriptions indicates a positive trend towards adopting next-generation technology in Nigeria. As the demand for faster and more reliable connectivity continues to rise, the need for a more extensive range of affordable 5G devices becomes increasingly important to fully leverage the potential of 5G in the country.