5G Users on the Rise: Tracking Progress and Challenges in Nigeria

As Nigeria stands at the precipice of a technological renaissance, the advent of the Fifth-Generation (5G) network has emerged as a beacon, illuminating the nation’s path toward a more connected and innovative future. Approaching the one-year mark since its commercial launch, the 5G network is not just a technological evolution but a catalyst for transformative shifts in the realm of communication services.

In a groundbreaking move, MTN Nigeria pioneered the commercial launch of Nigeria’s first 5G network on August 25, 2022. This watershed moment heralded a new era of mobile communication, characterized by accelerated speeds, reduced latency, and expanded capacity. Joining the fray, MAFAB operating as Mcom and Airtel Nigeria added their chapters to the narrative, shaping the unfolding story of 5G adoption in Nigeria.

While MTN took the lead, MAFAB’s 5G endeavors in early 2023 remain shrouded in mystery, leaving industry observers intrigued. Airtel Nigeria, on the contrary, solidified the 5G presence in mid-2023, casting its technological net across Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, and Rivers.

As of May 2023, 5G adoption in Nigeria stood at a modest 0.12% of the total subscriber base. The subsequent months witnessed a gradual uptick, reaching 0.14% in June and experiencing a slight dip to 0.13% in July. However, a remarkable surge occurred in August 2023, catapulting 5G users to 0.83%, equivalent to a staggering 1.8 million subscribers. The sudden spike of 284,700 new users in a single month prompts a deeper exploration into the driving forces behind this unprecedented growth.

To partake in the 5G revolution, users need a 5G-enabled smartphone or router paired with a compatible SIM card. Notably, existing 4G SIM cards on MTN and Airtel networks seamlessly transition to 5G compliance, eliminating the need for a SIM card swap. However, users with 2G or 3G SIM cards must undergo the transition to a 4G SIM for access to 5G services.

Despite the strides in 5G adoption, the mobile technology landscape in Nigeria reveals a dichotomy. 2G remains the dominant force, claiming 60% of mobile subscribers, closely followed by 4G at 28%, while 3G lingers at 11%. The challenge lies in steering the majority of 2G users directly towards 4G, bypassing the 3G intermediary.

Efforts to fast-track the migration from 2G to 4G face affordability challenges. The introduction of affordable KaiOS phones, as witnessed in India, emerges as a viable solution. However, the limited availability of budget-friendly phones in Nigeria necessitates a push to subsidize costs and introduce 4G devices within the ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 range.

As the nation awaits more affordable 5G smartphones, the trajectory of 5G adoption is anticipated to ascend. Presently, the absence of 5G devices priced below ₦100,000 poses a hurdle to mass adoption. Industry players must address this gap to ensure the democratization of 5G benefits across a broader spectrum of the population.

As Nigeria propels into the 5G era, the journey involves confronting challenges related to affordability and accessibility. Strides in 5G deployment are laudable, yet the need to address the prevalence of outdated mobile technologies remains. The path forward requires a strategic approach to bridge the digital divide, making advanced technologies accessible to all. As the narrative unfolds, Nigeria is poised to emerge as a more connected, technologically empowered nation, shaping its destiny in the evolving landscape of global innovation.