Nigeria’s drive toward widespread fifth-generation (5G) connectivity may be facing an unexpected hurdle: the apparent scarcity of 5G-enabled SIM cards at customer service centres, potentially slowing adoption among subscribers upgrading to compatible smartphones.
An investigation by our reporters found that some telecom operators are unable to immediately provide customers requesting 5G SIM cards, even as they continue to promote their expanding 5G networks.
At one telecom customer service centre visited recently, two separate customers walked in within 30 minutes specifically requesting 5G SIM cards. Both were told the cards were unavailable.
One of the customers, visibly disappointed, told the customer service representative that he had just purchased a new 5G smartphone and wanted to begin using the network immediately.
Rather than offering a timeline for when new 5G SIMs would arrive, the attendant simply advised him that his existing 4G SIM card would work perfectly well on the device.
When our reporter sought clarification on whether there was a shortage of 5G SIM cards, staff members declined to give a direct answer, offering only vague responses and insisting that customers could continue using their existing SIM cards.
The encounter raises questions about whether telecom operators are experiencing supply constraints or whether many outlets simply have limited stocks of newer USIM cards that support advanced network features.
Industry experts note that not every subscriber needs a new SIM card to access 5G services.
Most modern 4G USIM cards are already compatible with 5G networks, provided the customer has a 5G-enabled smartphone, resides within a 5G coverage area, and has an appropriate tariff plan.
However, many older SIM cards issued years ago may not support the latest network technologies, prompting customers to seek replacements.
This has also led to confusion among subscribers, many of whom assume a dedicated “5G SIM” is mandatory before they can enjoy the faster network.
The shortage, if widespread, comes at a time when demand for 5G-capable devices is rising.
Smartphone manufacturers have significantly reduced the prices of entry-level 5G phones over the past two years, making them more affordable for Nigerian consumers.
Telecommunications operators have equally expanded 5G coverage to more cities while investing heavily in infrastructure after collectively spending more than $820 million on spectrum licences.
Yet adoption remains relatively modest.
Industry data indicate that only about four per cent of Nigeria’s mobile subscribers currently use 5G services despite rapid network expansion.
Beyond SIM availability, network coverage remains a significant barrier.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) disclosed earlier this year that roughly half of Nigerians who own 5G-enabled smartphones still cannot access 5G services because the technology has not reached the areas where they live or work.
This means that even subscribers with compatible devices and SIM cards may continue relying on 4G networks.
Consumer advocates say telecom operators should communicate more clearly about SIM compatibility to reduce confusion.
Where existing 4G USIM cards already support 5G, operators should educate customers accordingly. Conversely, where older SIM cards require replacement, adequate stock should be available at service centres to avoid frustrating customers eager to migrate.
The experience encountered during our investigation suggests that customer demand for 5G-related services is increasing, but the supply chain and customer communication may not yet be keeping pace.
As Nigeria continues its transition to next-generation mobile connectivity, ensuring that subscribers can easily obtain compatible SIM cards, where needed, could become just as important as expanding network coverage itself.
