Empirical data analysis of the key performance indicators (download speed, upload speed and latency) of commercial 5G services in Nigeria

Abstract

The advent of fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks has introduced transformative changes to mobile broadband technology, offering ultra-high data rates, significantly reduced latency, and enhanced network reliability. While 5G has been widely deployed across various regions globally, the practical performance of its commercial deployment often diverges from theoretical expectations due to infrastructural, environmental, and technological constraints. This study presents an empirical performance analysis of commercial 5G services deployed in Nigeria. Field measurements were conducted across three locations (Lagos, Benin and Port Harcourt) using the Ookla Speedtest application to collect key performance indicators (KPIs) such as download speed, upload speed, and latency from three major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) designated as X, Y and Z. The results were compared to both 4G performance metrics and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)-specified benchmarks of 20 Gbps download speed and 1 ms latency for ideal 5G networks. Findings reveal that 5G services in Nigeria demonstrate a notable improvement over 4G in terms of speed and latency. X 5G receive the average download speed of 660.65 Mbps in Port Harcourt and low latency of 14.59 ms in Lagos as the best performance among the MNOs. However, the measured download speeds and latency fall significantly short of ITU’s ideal targets, with observed values being largely dependent on location. Performance limitations were attributed to infrastructural deficits such as insufficient base station density and the use of mid-band frequencies rather than mmWave bands. Additionally, the study underscores the disparities in service quality among different MNOs and highlights the impact of deployment strategies such as Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture, which relies on existing 4G infrastructure. This research contributes valuable insights into the current state of 5G deployment in Nigeria and provides evidence-based recommendations for optimizing network performance. The findings are crucial for stakeholders, including policymakers, network operators, and technology planners, seeking to enhance connectivity, bridge the digital divide, and support Nigeria’s digital transformation through strategic investment in next-generation mobile infrastructure.