Stakeholders Identify Coverage, Cost, As Barriers To Accessing 5G Network

Stakeholders in the ICT space have attributed the low 5G subscriptions to poor coverage and cost of 5G enabled phones.

Despite the fact that three network operators, including Airtel, MTN, and Mafab have launched the 5G technology, 5G subscriptions in Nigeria were still at 0.83 per cent as of August this year (according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission).

To change the narrative, the director, marketing at Airtel Nigeria Ismail Olusegun Adeshina, at a virtual media brief, averred that Airtel, has partnered with MediaTek, a global leader in semiconductor industry, to drive technological advancements and improve 5G mobile connectivity across the nation.

Adeshina identified two major obstacles to 5G spread in Nigeria including coverage and cost, while explaining further that, “There are two constraints on 5G, one is about coverage, and two is about cost. Today, the average cost of a 5G device is still very expensive.”

To address these issues, the director disclosed that Airtel Nigeria has partnered with MediaTek, adding that, “The collaboration introduces MediaTek’s T750-powered Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), a groundbreaking technology that enhances internet connectivity. This advancement allows users to access high-speed 5G networks from the comfort of their homes, opening doors to remote work, gaming, online education, and entertainment streaming like never before. When you see devices coming out at very cheap prices, it is because there’s a lot of collaboration between Airtel and MediaTek.

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“Our commitment to innovation is evident through our early adoption of 5G technology.

We’re proactively investing in this technology to improve connectivity, to tackle coverage and cost challenges, and make 5G devices more accessible across Nigeria.”

Director for corporate sales and marketing at MediaTek, Middle East Africa, Rami Osman, highlighted MediaTek’s commitment towards expanding its footprint across the Smartphone and Smart Device ecosystem in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region.

“MediaTek is at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry, and we are proud to lead the way in key sectors like Smartphones, 5G Fixed Wireless Access, Wi-Fi, TV, and AI-IoT. In Nigeria, our collaboration with Airtel Nigeria, revolves around three core areas of focus. In connectivity, we are enhancing high-speed internet access with our advanced chipsets.

“In the Smartphone domain, we are committed to offering a wider range of premium and flagship devices while supporting the transition from feature phones to smartphones. In the realm of AI-IoT, we are exploring new possibilities and technologies. Thus, this will promote digital inclusion, revolutionise connectivity in Nigeria, and contribute to sustainable development goals,” said Osman.

He averred that the collaboration with Airtel Nigeria, aligns seamlessly with MediaTek MEA agenda, which is laying a robust foundation for the future of 5G technology. “As we move forward, we are excited to lead in technological progress within this continually evolving region,” he added.