MTN
Nigeria’s subsidiary, Visafone, has commenced the test-run of its fourth
generation long term evolution (4G LTE) internet technology service for
smartphone users.
MTN said in a statement on Thursday that the roll-out of the 4G
LTE services would help provide superior high-speed internet services in major cities
to empower Nigerians with the latest mobile broadband technology. MTN
executive, Amina Oyagbola, said the company was determined to deepen broadband penetration
in the country. “Our recent license acquisition further demonstrates our faith
in the future of Nigeria, we believe in supporting the positive transformation
of Nigeria and we have demonstrated this belief through the level of our investment
since 2001, which currently stands at approximately $16 billion.”
General
Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Richard Iweanoge, said the specifics
of the test-run and subsequent launch of the 4G LTE technology would be
launched with the sole objective of providing Nigerians with “the best, fastest
and most competitive ICT services for all stakeholders”. He said MTN Nigeria
was pleased to set the pace and breaking new boundaries with the test run, which
would be available for now for only Visafone customers, currently provisioned
on the 800 MHz band. “When we roll-out fully, especially with our 2.6GHz
spectrum, the launch will help to enhance customer experience for our over 60
million subscribers, while ensuring greater coverage, access, affordability and
ultimately a smart lifestyle for everyone,” he said. He said the 4G LTE
roll-out was a demonstration of the company’s commitment to accelerate the achievement
of the country’s targeted broadband penetration by 2018.
