MTN Nigeria rolls out first 25Gbps microwave link in sub-Saharan Africa

MTN Nigeria has taken a step forward in its network upgrade plans after testing what it says is the first commercial 25Gbps full-duplex microwave link in sub-Saharan Africa, working with Huawei Nigeria.

The trial, carried out on the E-band (80 GHz) spectrum, points to how operators are seeking faster, more efficient ways to support 5G services in Nigeria. 

The move comes as demand for reliable, high-speed internet continues to rise in Africa’s largest telecom market.

More users are streaming video, using cloud services and relying on digital payments, putting added strain on existing infrastructure.

For operators, the challenge is to expand capacity without sharply increasing costs. 

Against this backdrop, MTN Nigeria said the test delivered speeds of 25Gbps using 1000MHz of spectrum.

The company noted the setup improves spectral efficiency by up to four times compared with traditional E-band systems, offering a practical option for boosting backhaul capacity where fiber is limited or expensive to deploy. 

Yahaya Ibrahim, the company’s chief technical officer, said the result reflects MTN’s focus on improving network quality as data demand grows.

He added that partnerships and continued investment in new technology are key to delivering better service and supporting future growth.

Meeting rising data demand 

The new link uses full-duplex technology, allowing data to move in both directions at the same time.

That differs from conventional systems, which switch between sending and receiving signals.

The approach helps reduce delays and makes better use of available spectrum. 

MTN said the technology could support up to 50Gbps per link under certain conditions, particularly as part of a broader 5G rollout.

This could help handle heavy data traffic in urban areas and business hubs where network congestion is more common.

Supporting 5G expansion 

Analysts say solutions like this are becoming more important as operators balance fiber rollout with wireless alternatives.

High-frequency microwave links, including millimeter-wave, are increasingly used to extend coverage quickly and at lower cost. 

For Nigeria, the test highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure and keep pace with rising connectivity needs.

As competition grows across Africa’s telecom sector, investments in faster and more efficient networks are likely to shape how operators serve customers and expand into new digital services.