Nigeria plans to start auctioning spectrum for next generation 5G network this year

Nigeria is gearing up to auction 5G spectrum in the fourth quarter of this year, following successful trials in selected locations within the country. Olusola Teniola, President of Africa Digital Economy Forum, recently spoke with CNBC Africa to shed light on how this development will shape Nigeria's telecommunications landscape. With the National Assembly providing clearance for 5G deployment and trials already conducted in 2019 and 2021, the stage is set for the auctioning of spectrum in 2021. Teniola emphasized the importance of 5G technology in Nigeria, given the nation's status as the fastest-growing mobile telecommunication market in Africa. He highlighted the potential for enhanced mobile broadband and enterprise applications as key focus areas for 5G deployment. Teniola also underscored the need for a balance between affordable handset availability and network investments, considering Nigeria's emerging infrastructure landscape.