Telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, on Wednesday said it set launch the next-generation network infrastructure (5G) services in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri, and Maiduguri, which will enable customers with certain compatible devices connect with and try out the new service where coverage is available.

The spectrum issued to MTN Nigeria as one of the two successful winners of the 5G license bid holds a promising future for technology in Nigeria, and is projected to contribute $2.2tr to the global economy by 2034, according to a 2020 GSMA Intelligence report The Mobile Economy.

The implementation of 5G, is expected to accelerate the actualization of the national targets in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, as well as other sectoral policies designed to enhance Nigeria’s digital transformation.

A statement by MTN Nigeria listed such devices as routers and mobile phones, which can be pre-ordered from designated MTN walk-in stores and online via the MTN Nigeria website and e-marketplace. Such pre-ordered devices can be picked up or will be delivered to customers post the launch event scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

The advanced technology, MTN Nigeria assured, will extend the reach and capacity of its data network across the country and enable much faster speeds and lower latency, giving customers near-instant access to the things they care about and downloads that take seconds, instead of minutes.

“Every major technological evolution redefines what is possible – changing the way we live and the way we connect. MTN Nigeria has been at the forefront of every leap in telecommunications: from GSM to 2G, 3G, and 4G,” Adia Sowho, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer explained.

Continuing, she said “5G has the potential to change everything. It will allow us to connect, create, collaborate, and compete in ways we’ve not even begun to imagine.”

He expressed appreciation of the unwavering support and leadership of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and the Nigerian Communications Commission in implementing the National Policy on 5G Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy, which has driven the implementation of 5G in the country.

“We’re honoured to be a part of this revolution and being the first to bring 5G to Nigeria we are truly excited about all the possibilities for the nation,” she added.

With this launch, the company said by leveraging the largest spectrum dedicated to 5G in Africa, Nigeria will join a handful of African countries that have rolled out the 5G network.