MTN Nigeria Communications Limited has rolled out broadband mobile services, deploying 2.6GHz frequency that it recently acquired from the Nigerian Communications Commission at a cost of $84m.
At the inauguration of the service in Abuja, the Chief Operating Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Muhammed Siddiqui, said the 4G mobile broadband services would be available for the initial period in parts of Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, with a promise to extend the service to other cities very soon.
Our correspondent learnt that the nationwide rollout of the broadband data services would be in the month of November.
Siddiqui said with the roll out of the service, it was now possible for the country to realise its target of achieving 30 per cent broadband Internet penetration by the year 2018.
He said, “This is the era that will deepen broadband penetration across the country, ensure improved customer experience, and accelerate industry growth, as well as jumpstart the institution of a connected society.
“With this launch, MTN makes a bold, definitive statement about our support for the long-term vision of the Federal Government in line with the National Broadband Plan. This represents a great opportunity to improve Nigeria’s broadband standing, to grow Nigeria’s economy and to ensure greater coverage, access, affordability and ultimately a smart lifestyle for every Nigerian.
“With the launch of our 4G Long-Term Evolution service, we are now uniquely positioned to offer a seamless mobile Internet experience across multiple technologies for all our customers. This will also improve lives by boosting the speed of business transactions, education, healthcare delivery and so much more.”
The Human Resources/Corporate Services Executive at MTN, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, said the new service would redefine Nigeria’s Internet space and trigger a 4G LTE revolution.
She said, “The reality is that the 4G LTE will enable us to provide distinct improvements in browsing speed, quality and experience on our network. It is built specifically to handle mobile Internet and data more efficiently, allowing greater speed and more reliable mobile connectivity.
“With the service, smartphone and tablet users in Nigeria will be able to connect to a much faster mobile broadband service, with download speeds 10 times those available on the 3G networks.”
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Communications, Senator Gilbert Nnaji, who represented the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, said the new service was in harmony with the vision of the Senate to ensure that businesses leverage technology to cut cost.
He urged the service provider to ensure nationwide coverage within the shortest possible time.
Source: Punch
