MTN 5G Network is now available in 81 Lagos communities – Check out the full list

Just in case you missed the gist, on September 18, 2022, MTN’s headquarters witnessed the commercial launch of the 5G network in Lagos. MTN becomes the first telecom operator to launch the network in Nigeria’s commercial capital with over 20 million people and the largest mobile phone density. Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, said the national launch is still on the way. Abuja will be the next city to see a 5G launch.

MTN says the 5G Network is now available in 81 Lagos communities “These communities are lucky to be the first to move up the ladder. 5G has an increased capacity of up to 100 times faster than 4G, meaning faster connectivity, low latency, and greater bandwidth. This real-time capacity can be deployed for e-health, connected vehicles, and traffic systems, smart home appliances, advanced mobile cloud gaming, and workplace safety among others. These communities are shown in the image below.

But where does one get a 5G-enabled mobile device and an affordable one too? 

5G can mean a superior phone experience: one that enables high-quality gaming (with the possibility of real-time, multiplayer mobile gaming), the downloading of high-res movies within seconds (rather than minutes), and improved connectivity. 5G speed capabilities were amply displayed at the MTN launch with a 5G network completing a large file download in the space of two minutes which took a 4G network eight hours to complete.

5G-enabled device deployment in Africa generally has been hampered by the cost of the devices. The cost of the cheapest 5G device currently stands at around $350 (N150,000), which is not affordable for many Nigerians.  While some device manufacturers have committed to bringing costs down to around $150, experts like Craig Wilson, vice-president, of the global telecommunications industry at IBM, said the high cost of 5G phones remains a major impediment that will impact the launch of the network on a commercial scale because there are not enough mobile devices capable of receiving it.

However, we should expect more manufacturers to add more devices despite a global shortage of microchips and supply chain issues.  A new report by Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) said the global average cost of a smartphone went from 22 percent of the average monthly income in 2021 to 20 percent in 2022. In sub-Saharan Africa, the cost of smartphones went from 41.0 percent to 39.0 percent. A4AI says this is a marginal decrease, considering the importance smartphones play in the connectivity of people around the world and their role in securing meaningful connectivity and digital participation. Nonetheless, at over N150,000 per 5G-enabled device, only a few Nigerians would seize the opportunity.

More also, it's consoling to know that MTN is also increasing investment in the 4G network.“4G remains our bread and butter. As we speak, we are accelerating 4G because we are not taking our eyes off the 4G ball until it becomes ubiquitous across the country. We want to continue to lead in 4G everywhere in Nigeria.