Nigeria’s digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and the arrival of 5G technology is reshaping how cities connect, communicate, and grow. A significant milestone in this transformation is MTN Nigeria’s recent rollout of its 5G network in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State. This development marks a pivotal moment for the region, signaling new opportunities for businesses, education, healthcare, and urban development. In this article, we will explore the journey of MTN’s 5G network across Nigeria, why Calabar is a strategic choice for expansion, the highlights of MTN’s community-focused Go Make A Difference (Go M.A.D) campaign, the tangible benefits of 5G for the people of Calabar and Cross River State, the challenges accompanying the rollout, and the future prospects that this technology heralds for the region.
MTN’s 5G Journey in Nigeria
MTN Nigeria officially launched the country’s first commercially available 5G network in September 2022. This launch covered key metropolitan areas including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri, and Maiduguri, aiming to position Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s digital future. The network promised speeds and connectivity on par with global standards, providing users with internet experiences that support bandwidth-intensive applications and services.
The scale of this rollout was impressive. By early 2023, MTN’s 5G network reached approximately 11% of Nigeria’s population. Considering the country’s extensive geography and infrastructural challenges, this coverage was a significant achievement. MTN invested over $120 million into building the infrastructure necessary to support 5G—installing new base stations, expanding fiber optic networks, and upgrading existing systems to handle higher data loads.
Technologically, MTN Nigeria leads West and Central Africa with its 5G capabilities. Reports indicate that the median download speed on MTN’s 5G network is approximately 95.62 Mbps, making it the fastest internet provider in the region. Such speeds facilitate not just smooth video streaming and browsing but also enable advanced uses such as cloud computing, virtual reality, and Internet of Things (IoT) deployments.
MTN’s 5G rollout strategy has focused on phased growth, initially targeting high-density urban centers with strong commercial activity and tech adoption. This approach ensures that the network delivers reliable and accessible service. The recent extension to Calabar reflects a logical progression to secondary cities exhibiting economic potential and digital readiness.
In summary, MTN’s 5G journey in Nigeria is characterized by large-scale investment, a focus on major urban markets, and a commitment to establishing a durable digital infrastructure. This foundation is now enabling MTN to bring 5G to new regions such as Cross River State.
Calabar: A Strategic Choice for 5G Expansion
Calabar’s selection as a 5G rollout city is a product of deliberate strategic considerations rather than happenstance. It holds a unique position as an early adopter and testing ground for MTN’s 5G ambitions in Nigeria. In 2019, MTN conducted one of its initial 5G demonstrations in Calabar, showcasing the technology’s speed and potential well before formal regulatory approval was granted. This early exposure helped build local expertise and public awareness regarding 5G’s benefits.
Government support has been a crucial factor in Calabar’s readiness for 5G. The state government, under Governor Ben Ayade, has been publicly supportive of digital innovation initiatives. The Governor’s endorsement of MTN’s 5G trials and his vision of transforming Calabar into a “smart city” have fostered an enabling environment for technology investments. This political backing smoothens regulatory processes and encourages collaboration between MTN and local authorities.
From an infrastructure standpoint, Calabar had already benefited from MTN’s previous investments in fiber optic cables and broadband connectivity, which formed a solid foundation for the introduction of 5G. This pre-existing infrastructure reduces the complexities and costs associated with rolling out new high-speed networks.
Economically and socially, Calabar is a vibrant city with a diverse mix of commercial activities, tourism, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. These sectors are poised to leverage the faster speeds and low latency of 5G for digital transformation. Businesses can streamline operations and expand markets; schools can adopt advanced e-learning technologies; healthcare providers can implement telemedicine solutions; and local government can develop smart city initiatives.
Additionally, Calabar’s geographical location in Nigeria’s South-South region positions it as a strategic gateway to neighboring states and countries, potentially amplifying the reach and impact of enhanced connectivity.
Taken together, Calabar’s early adoption history, government support, existing infrastructure, socio-economic profile, and strategic geography make it an ideal choice for MTN’s 5G expansion.
The Go M.A.D Campaign in Calabar
To mark the 5G rollout, MTN organized the Go Make A Difference (Go M.A.D) campaign in Calabar on February 28, 2025. This event was more than a typical product launch—it was a community-driven initiative aimed at demonstrating the practical impact of 5G technology on everyday life.
The campaign gathered entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, government representatives, and ordinary users to experience 5G-enabled innovations firsthand. It highlighted how 5G connectivity empowers individuals and businesses to improve productivity and service delivery. For example, artisans showed how they could sell crafts online with near-instant uploads, startups demonstrated cloud-based management systems, and students accessed live online courses seamlessly.
Small businesses also showcased how 5G enables integrated payment systems and real-time inventory management, reducing errors and speeding transactions. Healthcare providers emphasized how telemedicine could overcome local access challenges by facilitating remote consultations and diagnostics without lag.
An important aspect of the campaign was digital empowerment. MTN ran training sessions on utilizing digital tools for business growth, education, and communication, ensuring that the technology was accessible, understandable, and practical for the community.
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees noted significant improvements in internet speed and reliability compared to older networks. This grassroots enthusiasm is crucial because technology’s impact ultimately depends on adoption and integration into daily activities.
Overall, the Go M.A.D campaign signaled MTN’s intent to not just provide infrastructure but to empower communities in Calabar to harness 5G’s full potential.
Benefits of 5G for Calabar and Cross River State
The arrival of MTN’s 5G network in Calabar carries broad and tangible benefits across multiple sectors that will impact the region’s development.
Economic Growth
5G’s ultra-fast internet speeds and low latency provide a platform for new business models, including digital marketplaces, fintech innovations, and remote work hubs. For local entrepreneurs, 5G reduces barriers to accessing global markets, offering opportunities for exports and cross-border collaborations. The enhanced connectivity also encourages investment in tech startups, which can fuel job creation and diversify the economy.
Education and Research
Calabar hosts several tertiary institutions and research centers that stand to gain immensely from 5G. The network enables virtual classrooms with real-time interaction, augmented reality experiences for complex subjects, and instant access to global academic resources. This technological leap could help bridge educational gaps and nurture a highly skilled workforce prepared for the digital economy.
Healthcare
Healthcare delivery can be revolutionized by 5G through telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and rapid data transfer for diagnostics. Rural areas and underserved communities in Cross River can benefit from specialist consultations without needing to travel long distances. This access improves healthcare outcomes and reduces system strain.
Smart City Development
5G is foundational for smart city applications, including intelligent traffic management, energy-efficient lighting, public safety monitoring, and waste management. Calabar’s ambition to modernize urban infrastructure aligns perfectly with 5G’s capabilities, enhancing livability and environmental sustainability.
Enhanced Consumer Experience
For everyday users, 5G means smoother video streaming, faster downloads, and superior online gaming. It also supports new entertainment formats such as virtual reality and augmented reality, making digital content more immersive and engaging.
Challenges Accompanying the 5G Rollout
Despite the promise of 5G, several challenges must be addressed to ensure a successful and inclusive rollout in Calabar and the wider Cross River State.
Infrastructure and Coverage
5G requires a dense network of base stations and fiber optic cables to deliver consistent performance. Some parts of Cross River State, especially rural and hard-to-reach areas, may lack this infrastructure, delaying universal access. Expanding coverage equitably remains a logistical and financial challenge.
Device Affordability
Accessing 5G services requires compatible smartphones and devices, which may be costly for many consumers. Bridging this affordability gap is essential to prevent digital exclusion and ensure that the benefits of 5G reach all socio-economic groups.
Digital Literacy
For individuals and businesses to leverage 5G effectively, they must understand its capabilities and applications. MTN’s digital empowerment initiatives are crucial here, but sustained education efforts are needed to foster widespread digital literacy.
Cybersecurity Risks
With greater connectivity comes heightened vulnerability to cyber threats. Protecting user data, preventing fraud, and ensuring secure communication channels are ongoing challenges that require robust policies and technologies.
Regulatory Environment
Continued collaboration between MTN, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and local governments is vital to maintain regulatory clarity and address issues such as spectrum allocation and infrastructure rights of way.
Future Prospects for MTN’s 5G Expansion in Cross River State
Looking forward, MTN’s 5G rollout in Calabar represents the first phase of a broader strategy to expand advanced connectivity throughout Cross River State and the South-South region.
Expansion Beyond Calabar
Following Calabar, MTN plans to extend 5G coverage to other growing urban and semi-urban centers such as Ugep, Ikom, and Ogoja. This phased expansion aims to bring high-speed internet to more communities, stimulating economic activity and improving quality of life across the state.
Digital Economy Enablement
5G will accelerate the growth of Cross River’s digital economy. With better connectivity, e-commerce, digital payments, remote work, and tech startups will thrive. This development could attract local and international investors seeking new opportunities in Africa’s emerging markets.
Smart Agriculture and IoT
Cross River’s agricultural sector stands to benefit significantly. 5G enables the deployment of smart agriculture tools such as IoT sensors, drones, and data analytics for precision farming. These technologies can optimize irrigation, monitor crop health, and manage supply chains efficiently, improving yields and reducing waste.
Education and Research Innovation
Educational and research institutions in Cross River can leverage 5G for virtual labs, augmented reality learning, and instant data sharing. This could position Calabar as a regional education and innovation hub, attracting talent and fostering advanced skills development.
Public-Private Partnerships and Policy Support
Sustained 5G growth will depend on collaboration between MTN, government agencies, and private sector partners. Policies that encourage infrastructure investment, promote digital literacy, and protect consumer interests will be critical. Community engagement will ensure that rollout meets local needs and fosters inclusion.
Challenges to Monitor
As expansion continues, issues such as cybersecurity, infrastructure upgrades, and affordability will need ongoing attention to avoid digital exclusion and maintain trust.
MTN’s 5G rollout is thus a foundation for sustainable digital transformation in Cross River State, unlocking new social and economic possibilities.
MTN’s 5G Rollout in Calabar: A Transformative Development
MTN’s 5G rollout in Calabar is more than a technology upgrade—it is a transformative development with the potential to redefine connectivity, business, education, healthcare, and urban living in Cross River State.
With significant investment, government backing, and community engagement, MTN is positioning Calabar and its environs as leaders in Nigeria’s digital revolution. The Go M.A.D campaign underscored that 5G is about empowerment—helping people and businesses do more, learn better, and connect faster.
Challenges such as device affordability, infrastructure demands, and digital literacy remain but are manageable with continued collaboration and transparent communication.
The future looks promising. As MTN expands 5G further into Cross River and the South-South region, the benefits will multiply—fueling a dynamic digital economy, enabling smart agriculture, enhancing education, and supporting a modern, inclusive society.
For residents and businesses in Calabar and Cross River State, 5G is not just a new technology—it’s an opportunity to participate fully in Nigeria’s digital future. The potential is vast, and the journey has only just begun.
