Airtel Nigeria has confirmed that it will launch commercial 5G services today (19th June 2023).
Customers can use a 5G-compatible router to access fixed services, or a 5G-ready handset or tablet to access mobile services. Once they have activated a device on the Airtel 5G network, customers will be gifted a one-off bonus of 10GB data. The service will initially be available in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt, but is set to expand in the near future.
In December 2022, Airtel was the only operator to bid on spectrum in the NCC (Nigerian Communications Commission)’s second auction of 3.5GHz airwaves, winning 100MHz in the band. The following month, it won a further 2x10MHz in the 2600MHz band.
Airtel is reportedly planning to use the 3.5GHz spectrum to deploy its 5G offering, noting that the frequency would enable its network to deliver higher speeds with lower latency, augmenting user experience. Meanwhile, the 2600MHz spectrum will be used to boost the capacity of its network.