The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given a 5-month extension to Mafab Communications for the rollout of its 5G service.
Mafab, a new player in the Nigerian telecommunications sector that won the 5G spectrum license alongside MTN in December last year, now has until January 2023 to launch 5G.
This was disclosed by Mafab Communications in a statement issued on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Director of Public Affairs, NCC, Mr. Reuben Mouka also confirmed the development as he noted that the extension was granted due to the delays in issuing Mafab’s unified operational licence, (USAL) and Numbering Plan, which did not happen until the end of July.
In the statement, the Chairman of Mafab Communications, Dr. Mushabu Bashir said: “We are fully committed to bringing the benefits of 5G services to Nigerians and deploying a network that will drive economic development with increased broadband capabilities nationwide. I do not doubt that the service will help deliver improvements in the fields of education, business, smart cities, and entertainment.
“The goal remains to launch before the five-month extension period and we will be sharing more information shortly,”
However, Mafab and MTN were expected to roll out the service effective from August 24, 2022. While MTN is forging ahead with its plans to deploy the service before the end of Q2 2022, Mafab has 5 more months to prepare.
It said the 5G technology is expected to offer Nigerians higher data speed, improved reliability, and availability. The benefits are far-reaching as the service will enable Nigerians to achieve more with broadband and increase the nation’s broadband penetration, quality of service, and capabilities.