There are uncertainties over the ability of Mafab Communication Limited, to roll out services as MTN begins preparation to do so deploy 5G technology.
Note that Mafab is the second winner of the spectrum license to deploy the fifth generation (5G) technology in the country.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had slated August 24 as the timeline for the two carriers to roll out in line with the information memorandum (IM) of the license.
Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Prof Garba Danbatta, who gave the timeline in Lagos, had said the deployment of 5G would open a new vista of development opportunities.
Although MTN CEO, Karl Toriola, has assured of the preparedness of the company to roll out even ahead of the deadline, no such assurance has come from Mafab Communication Limited.
A source at the weekend said it is unlikely that the company would meet the deadline set by the NCC.
The source, who craved anonymity at the weekend, said: “There is nothing to show that the company will roll out services as directed by the Commission. Do they have a network already running, offering services that they intend to take advantage of? The answer is no. The telecom industry is the only industry I have known. You cannot build something on anything. Have you heard about their sealing deals with equipment vendors such as Huawei, ZTE, Nokia, and others? How many base transceiver stations do they have on the ground?’’
The source added: “They have August 24 to start rolling out services. Today is Monday, August 14. Have you seen their officials coming out in public to assure the company’s commitment to roll out services by IM attached to the license?”
