While African telecom networks have been slow at adopting 5G mobile technology, Airtel Nigeria purchased 100 MHz of spectrum in the 3500MHz band and 2x5MHz of 2600MHz from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for a gross consideration of $316.7m, payable in local currency. This additional spectrum will support the company’s investments in network expansion for mobile data and fixed wireless home broadband capability, including the 5G rollout, providing significant capacity to accommodate their continued strong data growth in the country and exceptional customer experience.
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Airtel Nigeria is Airtel Africa’s largest market, with significant growth potential. The company led the industry in providing affordable 4G services across the country following the deployment of a fully modernized network which facilitated a 4-fold increase in data traffic over the last three years. The penetration of data customers in Nigeria remains low, providing significant opportunities for future growth.
The acquisition of the 5G spectrum will underpin Airtel Nigeria’s growth strategy by enabling the launch of higher-speed connectivity to enhance customer service and accelerate digitalization for consumers, enterprises, and the public sector. The key benefits of 5G will include higher speeds, lower latency, significant network capacity, and an improved user experience. Furthermore, the deployment of 5G will accelerate the availability and efficiency of fixed wireless access products across the country, contributing towards Airtel Nigeria’s progress in meeting the National Broadband Plan targets. The acquisition of the 2600MHz spectrum will complement their position in the market to enhance network capacity and future-proof the telecom firm’s growth opportunity.
Segun Ogunsanya, CEO of Airtel Africa commented:
“Nigeria is a market with enormous potential for future growth in mobile services. Investment in new technologies and local infrastructure to enable this growth is a strategic priority for the Group. It will ensure we are able to provide reliable and affordable services to local communities across the country. 5G is critical to these ambitions, and we look forward to launching new services to drive further digitalization across the country, facilitate economic progress and transform lives across Nigeria.”n
