…As Pantami, Danbatta highlight gains of network
Mafab Communications, one of the three firms that won the bid for the 5G 3.5GHz Spectrum licences, today (January 24, 2023) commenced the official roll out of its services for Nigerians.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, the chairman/founder of MAFAB Communications, Dr. Mushabu Bashir assured Nigerians that the company is fully committed to bringing the benefits of 5G technology to Nigeria and Nigerians through deploying its brand-new network to drive economic and business developments with increased broadband capabilities nationwide.
Describing the 5G technology as a new culture in a new year, Bashir said it is the beginning of immense opportunities for the country and it represents Nigeria’s capabilities and infinite possibilities.
“Putting things in proper perspective; what we are doing today will play a major role in advancing new solutions that will push Nigeria from not just being a consumer of technology but will put the country on the pedestal of playing an active role in advancing and implementing new technologies and also enable our country not just be a technology hub in Africa but the world at large.
“You may have heard it before, but it bears re-telling that the 5G network will usher into this country a wide array of business opportunities, wherein various business outfits will expand their frontiers with operational ease and speed, especially in the fields of education, medical sciences, engineering, security, financial services, SMEs, smart cities, transportation and entertainment amongst many. It will not benefit only urban areas but also meet our long-term goal of ensuring connectivity in rural areas and villages and enable them also enjoy benefits of this amazing technology.
“It is no secret that the countries that are able to provide their citizens with the latest network infrastructure which the 5G technology represents will also be the ones that thrive in the coming years. They will be the ones that will stay competitive and the ones who will lead in innovation in addition to bringing socio-economic benefits to her citizens and so I can declare the 5G infrastructure, Nigeria will surely be ahead of many other countries, especially in Africa. Indeed, with the 5G network, our future as a people and as a country is remarkably bright,” he added.
Earlier, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economic, Prof. Isa Pantami reiterated that the gross domestic product (GDP) of the nation has increased by 594 per cent following the laudable contribution of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.
“On October 17 & 18, 2022, a ministry performance review was organised by our principal President Muhammadu Buhari where all the ministries where evaluated by independent assessors in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Federation. The contribution to the economy from the base line given to me from when I came into office in August 2019 has increased revenue generation by the ICT sector by 594 per cent. This is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria. The quarterly generation by the ICT sector as at when I took over was around N51 billion but today it is around N408 billion and it is still increasing. With the deployment of the 5G, there are still many opportunities that will come onboard. The benefits of the 5G network deployment is beyond just quality of service,” Pantami said.
In his remarks, the executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta said the administration of President Muhammed Buhari has created a pro-investment and pro-innovation environment which has seen the emergence of Mafab Communications and, with its entrance into the Nigerian market, is set to make it more accessible
“The 5G technology is not just a mobile network but represents a new culture in a new era of connectivity where billions of devices exchange data and instill intelligence in our everyday life,” he said.
In his presentation while unveiling the company’s new logo, Mafab’s spokesperson, Adebayo Onigbanjo stated that: “As an operator born in the data age, Mafab will aim to serve our customers and the country by maximising the value of the digital technology.
“While 5G brings a lot of excitement about fast downloads, low latency and high speeds, our promise is ubiquitous data for Nigerians. Broadband is now an essential requirement and our data native network aims to deliver this to Nigerians.
“We believe in empowering Nigerians to take advantage of this new paradigm by working with the tech ecosystem, creators, small and medium-sized businesses and corporate enterprises to enable Nigeria maximise the data play,” he added.
Also, the event witnessed the unveiling of a brand-new logo for the company which it said heralds the dawn of a new era of infinite possibilities which the technology offers.
