NCC Clears Air On MAFAB 5G Rollout
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a strong and resolute call to all Nigerians to dismiss any misleading information circulating on social media concerning MAFAB’s 5G rollout.
Dr. Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs at NCC, made an official statement on Thursday in Abuja, refuting claims that MAFAB Communications, one of the successful companies granted Fifth Generation (5G) licenses by the commission, was yet to launch its 5G services.
Dr. Muoka clarified that MAFAB Communications had indeed secured a 5G license nearly two years ago, as a result of the globally-acclaimed transparent 5G auction conducted by the commission on December 13, 2021. Following the auction, MAFAB fulfilled all the necessary conditions and made the required payment of $273.6 million in February 2022, and as a consequence, they formally received their 5G license on February 22, 2022.
To further emphasize MAFAB’s commitment to deploying 5G services, the company publicly inaugurated its cutting-edge services in Abuja on January 24, 2023. Subsequently, on January 26, 2023, the 5G services were launched in Lagos. The rollout was a significant milestone, and MAFAB had strategically targeted six major cities in Nigeria – Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, and Kaduna – to ensure widespread coverage and accessibility to the advanced technology.
With the deployment in these cities, MAFAB aimed to harness the immense potential of 5G technology, offering enhanced connectivity, faster data transfer speeds, and improved network reliability to empower businesses and individuals alike. The company’s mission was to provide Nigerians with transformative digital experiences, unlock new opportunities in various sectors, and pave the way for innovative advancements.
As part of its regulatory responsibilities, the NCC closely monitored the progress of MAFAB’s 5G rollout. The commission ensured that MAFAB adhered to the conditions set forth in their operating license, particularly concerning infrastructure deployment for optimal service offerings. The commission regularly kept the public and relevant stakeholders informed about the status of MAFAB’s infrastructure development, assuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of 5G technology in the country.
Through this extensive and meticulous monitoring process, NCC aimed to guarantee that Nigerians received the utmost benefit from the revolutionary 5G technology while maintaining safety and adherence to established standards and guidelines.
