Mafab Communications’ 5G rollout is being extended by five months by NCC – See details

By Adeleye Kunle

Mafab Communications Limited has received a five-month extension from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms industry regulator, with barely two days for MTN Nigeria Limited and Mafab Communications Limited to roll out 5G technology across Nigeria as mandated by the NCC, Track News reports.

In a statement yesterday, Mafab Communications, one of the two telecommunications firms that won the 5G Spectrum license in December 2021, said the NCC granted it a five-month extension for its roll out.

MTN and Mafab won the 3.5GHz Spectrum band for 5G license in December 2021, and the NCC gave both operators until August 24 to roll out 5G technology services across the country.

However, Mafab Communications stated that the NCC granted it a five-month extension to roll out.

Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, confirmed the development to Track News late last night, saying NCC decided to extend the rollout date for Mafab alone because the company does not have an operating license to roll out a 5G network.

“The 5G license includes a frequency license but not an operational license.” So Mafab only has a frequency licence and no operational licence, and it must apply for a telecom operational licence in order to roll out 5G and other telecom services.”

“The five-month extension will allow Mafab to complete its telecom operational license,” Muoka explained.

According to Track News, Mafab was given a five-month extension due to delays in receiving its unified operational license (USAL) and Numbering plan, which did not arrive until the end of July.

Dr. Mushabu Bashir, Chairman of Mafab, said in a statement, “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 across the country.” I have no doubt that the service will contribute to advancements in education, business, smart cities, and entertainment.

“The goal remains to launch before the five-month extension period, and more information will be shared in the near future.”

According to him, 5G will provide Nigerians with faster data speeds as well as improved reliability and availability.

The benefits are extensive, as the service will enable Nigerians to achieve more with broadband while also increasing the country’s broadband penetration, quality of service, and capabilities, according to Bashir.

Mafab Communications Limited is a telecommunications company that was founded on July 8, 2020, and has been licensed by the NCC to provide and operate local interconnect and international carrier services.