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MTN Nigeria Sets New Benchmark in High-Speed Wireless Connectivity
MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Huawei, has successfully tested the first 25Gbps commercial full-duplex microwave link in Sub-Saharan Africa, marking a major leap in Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure and 5G readiness.
Full-Duplex Microwave: A Game-Changer for 5G Networks
The breakthrough leverages advanced Full-Duplex Radio Link technology, enabling simultaneous two-way data transmission on paired frequencies—unlike traditional microwave systems that transmit in one direction at a time.
Operating in the 70/80 GHz spectrum, the solution delivers ultra-high capacity, low latency, and carrier-grade performance, providing a powerful alternative to fibre for dense urban deployments and rapid 5G rollout.
Quadrupling Spectral Efficiency, Unlocking New Capacity
With a transmission rate of 25Gbps over 1000MHz, the test sets a new benchmark for microwave backhaul performance in the region. In full deployment, the technology supports up to 50Gbps using 2000MHz, enabled by:
- High-isolation integrated antenna structures
- Advanced spectrum efficiency techniques
- Intelligent interference prevention algorithms
This positions microwave as a critical enabler of next-generation mobile services, including video streaming, augmented reality (AR), and other low-latency applications.
MTN Nigeria: Driving Innovation and Network Evolution
According to Yahaya Ibrahim, Chief Technical Officer of MTN Nigeria, the achievement underscores the operator’s leadership in network innovation.
“We are proud to lead as the first mobile operator within the MTN Group and across Sub-Saharan Africa to pioneer the testing of this advanced microwave data transmission technology,” he said.
Accelerating Nigeria’s Digital Transformation
“By leveraging next-generation solutions and strengthening strategic partnerships, we are enhancing network quality, improving customer experience, and positioning ourselves for sustained growth in an increasingly connected world,” Olatunji added.
The successful test provides an additional pathway for delivering ultra-high-speed connectivity without immediate, large-scale reliance on fibre infrastructure. It is expected to:
- Reduce network congestion
- Improve service quality and reliability
- Support enterprise digitalisation and advanced consumer applications
As demand for data-intensive services continues to rise, the full-duplex microwave solution offers a scalable, cost-effective option for expanding 5G capacity nationwide.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Position as an ICT Infrastructure Leader
This milestone reinforces Nigeria’s growing reputation as a regional leader in advanced telecoms infrastructure. It highlights MTN Nigeria’s commitment to deploying cutting-edge technologies that support economic growth, innovation, and digital inclusion.
By unlocking unprecedented wireless backhaul capacity, the MTN–Huawei collaboration sets the stage for faster 5G deployment. The achievement set the pace for a more resilient digital ecosystem across the country.
