The internet plays a significant role regardless of what industry your business is in. With a good internet connection, you can perform tasks faster, save time, and boost productivity in your workplace. For this reason, incorporating the 5G network connection in your office is something worth considering.
Recently, MTN, a telco leader in Nigeria, announced that it had begun its pilot test of 5G. Following this announcement, the telco giant has established over 190 active 5G sites around the country. Although the move by MTN might be aimed at cementing its status as a major telco player in Nigeria, there’s no doubt that the introduction of 5G is laudable. This article highlights everything you need to know about 5G in Nigeria.
Table of Contents
What Is 5G?
5G is the 5th generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G. Although it runs on the same frequency currently used for your Wi-Fi network and smartphone, 5G provides faster connection speeds, ultra-low latency, and greater bandwidth. This implies that you can download anything, even large files, onto your phone in seconds and, at the same time, connect virtually to everyone and everything reliably and without lag.
Accessing 5G in Nigeria
The truth is that the rollout of 5G is still in progress in various states in Nigeria. As it stands, only seven states have active 5G internet connections. However, plans are underway for nationwide 5G coverage by 2025.
If you live in an active 5G connection area, you can only access the high-speed network with a compatible device. Sadly, many gadgets are incompatible. Thus, users still need to purchase a 5G-enabled device to access the new service.
The Exciting Opportunities and Benefits to Businesses and Consumers
With the promise of a fast and reliable internet connection, the country is on its way to becoming a regional leader in any industry. But what does it mean for the economy and the average Nigerian?
- Businesses
One of the benefits of 5G technology is that it has 100 times the speed of 4G technology. As such, it promises to deliver high-quality broadband to more Nigerians than ever before. Experts opine that businesses or corporations that leverage the features of the 5G network can widen their profit margins and grow significantly.
What’s more, companies can maximize the benefits of the 5G network by allowing their employees to work remotely. More interestingly, the 5G network will enable staff members to interact seamlessly with co-workers regardless of where they live. Video calls will no longer be spotty and pixelated. Communication will come across loud and clear. File transfers will no longer take minutes or even hours. Just picture the time savings and increased productivity!
- Freelancers
In addition to activating careers, products, and services, robust internet connectivity can reduce Nigeria’s unemployment rate and hasten digital adoption. For example, YouTubers, influencers, and freelancers, who make money online in Nigeria, can take advantage of the high-speed 5G network and boost their productivity. With a shared proxy and a fast internet connection, freelancers can access websites and services from other countries quickly and without restrictions.
- Gamers
Every gamer understands the annoyance of losing to an opponent because their computer couldn’t connect to the game server. The 5G network promises a seamless gaming experience anywhere and anytime. What’s more, lags while streaming content online are bound to be a thing of the past.
Final Thoughts
It is imperative to be at par with the current changes in a world where technology constantly evolves. The 5G network offers exciting opportunities and benefits to many individuals all over the world, and there are strong indications that support this assertion. More interestingly, plans are underway to develop a 6G network, whose benefits are even more remarkable. We can expect that sometime around 2030.
However, as we wait for the 6G network, we should fully embrace the benefits of 5G. Nigeria, one of the few African countries that have rolled out the 5G network, continues to reap big from this high-speed infrastructure. Any country that wishes to position itself as a regional tech and economic hub should embrace this innovation. Essentially, 5G will ensure we become a global community and, at the same time, achieve sustainability and development.
