Mafab Communications, a Nigerian telecommunications company, is set to launch its 5G services by the end of Q1 2025, according to its Chief Operating Officer, Adebayo Onigbanjo. This marks a significant milestone for the company, which secured its 5G license in 2021 but faced delays in deploying its network due to infrastructure challenges.

The launch will initially cover 102 operational sites in Kano and Abuja, with subscribers required to purchase routers to connect to the network. Mafab is collaborating with multiple vendors to build out these sites in phases, aiming to provide broader 5G access to users.

Mafab's journey to launching its 5G services has been marked by challenges, including a lack of telecom infrastructure and delays in receiving its Unified Access Service License (UASL) and numbering plan. The company applied for an extension from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), pushing its rollout deadline to January 2023. Despite these setbacks, Mafab is now poised to enter the Nigerian 5G market, which has been growing since its commercial rollout in August 2022.

According to Onigbanjo, foreign exchange (FX) fluctuations have been a major challenge for the company, leading to increased rollout costs compared to initial projections. Despite these hurdles, Mafab remains committed to strengthening its infrastructure and expanding coverage in Kano and Abuja to support broader 5G access.

The Nigerian 5G market is currently led by MTN Nigeria, which commands a 79% market share, followed by Airtel Africa with around 20%. Mafab's entry into the market is expected to drive further adoption, particularly in cities outside Lagos and Abuja. The company's focus on building out a Radio Access Network (RAN), transport systems, and intelligent networks will enable users to connect their devices, including smartphones and IoT gadgets, to its core telecom network.

While Mafab still needs to launch its services in Lagos, the company's planned Q1 rollout is expected to increase competition in the Nigerian 5G market. As the market continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how Mafab's entry impacts the landscape and drives further innovation in the country's telecommunications sector.