• MTN Nigeria, Ericsson test triple-band MIMO, boost 4G speeds
• Trial shows 3.2x download, 4x upload speed improvement
• Technology streamlines 4G, readies network for future 5G rollout
  

MTN Nigeria and Sweden's Ericsson announced the successful completion of a field test for a new triple-band Massive MIMO radio, according to a press release issued on Monday, November 3, 2025.

The technology, designed to boost 4G network performance, achieved significant speed gains and improved congestion management on the network. The trial, conducted using the Ericsson AIR 3284 equipment, showed a 3.2-fold increase in download speed and a four-fold increase in upload speed compared to conventional systems.

"MTN Nigeria is committed to building the best network for our customers. By trialing the consolidation of our 4G mid-bands into a single, flexible solution, we have witnessed a reduction in complexity, optimization of operations, and a faster, more reliable experience – precisely when and where our customers need it," said Yahaya Ibrahim, Chief Technical Officer at MTN Nigeria.

This innovation addresses the ongoing challenge of improving mobile service quality amid rapid growth in internet traffic and urban density. For MTN Nigeria, the solution offers a fast path to optimizing existing 4G coverage while preparing for the arrival of 5G, all without significantly increasing infrastructure. If the test results are confirmed, large-scale deployment could mark a significant step forward for mobile broadband acceleration in Nigeria.

MTN Nigeria is the market leader in local telecommunications. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the company held a 52.12% market share with 90.3 million active SIM cards as of the third quarter of 2025. It is followed by Airtel, with 58.5 million active SIM cards (33.74%); Globacom, with 21.4 million (12.34%); and T2, with 3.1 million (1.8%).

Adoni Conrad Quenum