e& Debuts U6GHz 5G-Advanced Spectrum; Mafab Set to Sell 5G Assets to MTN Nigeria; Replus and Indus Towers Plan Telecom Battery Storage Expansion
The UAE operator e& became the first in the world to commercially deploy the U6GHz spectrum band for 5G-Advanced services, achieving peak speeds of 10 Gbps and demonstrating 50 Gbps single-cell capacity across a contiguous 350 MHz block. Mafab Communications is preparing to transfer its 5G spectrum holdings to MTN Nigeria, marking a significant consolidation in Nigeria's mobile market and raising regulatory concerns about competition and spectrum concentration. Replus Engitech signed an agreement with Indus Towers to supply 1.5 GWh of lithium-ion battery storage capacity to support telecom tower operations over the next two years.
e&'s commercial deployment of the U6GHz spectrum band represents a significant advancement in 5G-Advanced infrastructure, leveraging a contiguous 350 MHz block with advanced antenna technologies to deliver enterprise-grade wireless performance. The operator's field results—achieving 10 Gbps peak speeds and over 50 Gbps single-cell capacity—establish a benchmark for spectrum efficiency and demonstrate the viability of this frequency range for dense, high-capacity deployments in urban markets.
In Nigeria's telecom sector, Mafab's planned transfer of its 5G spectrum to MTN represents a consolidation that could reshape market dynamics. The transaction follows Mafab's entry into the market as an intended new competitor during the 2020 spectrum auction, but the exit now raises questions about spectrum utilization efficiency and the competitive landscape for smaller operators attempting to establish foothold in emerging markets.
These developments affect multiple stakeholder groups differently. Consumers and enterprises may benefit from improved 5G speeds and coverage through e&'s deployment and MTN's expanded capacity, though consolidation in Nigeria could reduce competitive pressure on pricing and service terms. Infrastructure investors and battery manufacturers like Replus gain new market opportunities through tower operators' energy-storage investments. However, regulators face challenges balancing network investment incentives against competitive concentration risks, particularly in markets where spectrum scarcity limits operator participation.