On Tuesday January 24, Mafab Communications, commenced its 5G network service roll out by hosting media launch, logo unveiling and speed test in Abuja.
In other words, Mafab has prepared grounds for commercial launch after which the subscriber identity module (SIM Card) and the Customer premises equipment (CPE) popularly referred to ‘router’, would be made available in the first six cities.
In his speech at the occasion held at Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) on 24 January, 2023, Dr. Mushabu Bashir, Chairman/Founder, MAFAB Communications, that it was a long walk “to where we are today, and we owe it all to God especially, when it appeared difficult”.
“By this launch today (Tuesday), Nigeria through Mafab 5G has, therefore, added a new chapter in its journey towards a brighter and stronger future filled with hope and prospect.
“This launch of MAFAB 5G network is the beginning of immense opportunities for the country and it represents Nigeria’s capabilities and infinite possibilities”.
Putting things in proper perspective, Dr. Bashir said:
“What we are doing today (sic) 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 socioeconomic benefits to her citizens.
“And so I can declare that with the 5G infrastructure, Nigeria will surely be a head 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.
“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. It creates new, intelligent systems; and it can help to develop new advanced manufacturing models. I cannot forget to mention the prospect of increased job opportunities as a consequence of the value-chain benefits the technology will generate and offer. That is the dream we have all gathered here to launch today.
Mafab’s promise:
“As a company, MAFAB 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.
“As we launch our 5G services today, we are also unveiling our brand-new logo for the company which heralds the dawn of a new era of infinite possibilities which this technology offers.
“…the journey to this day would not have been possible without the Government and the Leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who deemed it fit to conduct a transparent and globally-acceptable standard in the auctioning of the 5G Spectrum band licences.
“We thank Mr. President for his unwavering commitment to see this policy to the end within the span of his administration.
“…permit me to also express my immense gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Digital Economy and Communications, Professor Isa Ali Pantami and the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Professor Umar Garba Danbatta for their support and encouragement especially the times the challenges looked insurmountable”, he said.
Prominent personalities invited to the launch include, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, Minister of State, Works and Housing, Hon. Umar El-Yakub, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, HRH Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero OFR and HRH, Emir of Bakura, Engr. Bello Muhammad Sani, members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the Board of Mafab Communications, the media, among others.