Mafab gets 5-month extension for 5G network rollout

One of the two telecommunications firms that won Nigeria’s 5G Spectrum licences in December 2021, Mafab Communications, has been issued a five-month extension for its rollout by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In line with the conditions of the 5G licence, the licencees, Mafab and MTN Nigeria, were expected to commence rollout of 5G services effective from August 24, 2022.

However, Mafab, in a statement, said it has been issued a five-month extension following the delays in receiving its unified operational licence (USAL) and numbering plan, which did not happen until the end of July.

“We are fully committed to bringing the benefits of 5G services to Nigerians and deploying a network that will drive economic development with increased broadband capabilities nationwide. I have no doubt that the service will help deliver improvements in the fields of education, business, smart cities and entertainment,” Mushabu Bashir, chairman, Mafab Communications Limited, said.

“The goal remains to launch before the 5-month extension period and we will be sharing more information in the near future,” he added.

The statement said the benefits of 5G are far-reaching as the service will enable Nigerians to achieve more with broadband and increase the nation’s broadband penetration, quality of service and capabilities. It will also offer Nigerians higher data speed, improved reliability and availability.

Mafab Communications Limited is a telecommunications company incorporated on July 8, 2020, and licensed by the NCC to provide and operate Local Interconnect and International carrier services.