Mafab Communications, a Nigerian telco that secured its 5G licence in 2021, will launch its services by the end of Q1 2025, nearly three years after entering the market.
The company’s delayed entry sets the stage for its first commercial rollout, starting in Kano and Abuja.
Driving the news
- Mafab’s launch will include 102 operational 5G sites, requiring subscribers to purchase routers to access the network.
- The company has partnered with multiple vendors to expand its infrastructure in phases.
Flashback
- Mafab secured its 5G licence alongside MTN in 2021.
- MTN launched its 5G services eight months later, but Mafab faced delays due to limited telecom infrastructure and regulatory hurdles.
- Mafab didn’t receive its Unified Access Service Licence (UASL) and numbering plan until July 2022, prompting the company to request an extension from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
- A planned rollout in January 2023 was postponed after infrastructure gaps prevented service activation.
Between the lines
While Mafab worked to build its network, the Nigerian 5G market gained traction. MTN and Airtel have dominated, especially in Lagos, where most subscribers are concentrated. Mafab is still building its Lagos sites with no announced launch date.
What they’re saying
“As with many telecoms operators, foreign exchange (FX) fluctuations have been a major challenge, leading to increased rollout costs compared to the initial projections,” said Mafab COO Adedayo Onigbanjo.
By the numbers
- As of October 2024, 5G accounted for 2.33% of Nigeria’s internet subscribers.
- MTN leads the market with a 79% share.
- Airtel Africa follows with 20%.
Why it matters
Mafab’s Q1 2025 rollout could boost 5G adoption in Kano and Abuja, cities outside the Lagos hub. The company is betting on robust infrastructure—including Radio Access Networks (RAN) and intelligent systems—to connect IoT devices and smartphones.
What’s next
Mafab aims to expand its footprint beyond its initial launch cities. Its entry into the market could shake up Nigeria’s 5G landscape, but catching up to MTN and Airtel will require sustained investment and infrastructure development.
Source: TechCabal
