Will this phone work with Nigerian mobile networks?

We get enquiries all the time. People have concerns about network/phone compatibility, among other things. We got an enquiry from Kelly who wants to know whether a phone he or she is interested in will work with Nigerian mobile networks. Kelly’s enquiry:

Please I wanted to get the new OnePlus 5 from Amazon.. the international version. But a disclaimer got me scared… So I wanted to ask would it work with Nigerian mobile networks..?.. I took a screenshot of this.

A quick explanation: all mobile phones rely on wireless frequency bands for both voice and data. Think of frequencies as digital roads. There are many different frequencies in use for different services and by different networks. This is why it is important to confirm whether a phone is compatible with mobile networks in one’s location. Did I explain that well?

From what we can see in the screenshot, the OnePlus 5 version he wants supports:

1. WCDMA 1, 2, 5, 8
2. FDD-LTE 1, 3, 5, 7, 8

We can ignore everything else listed there. WCDMA refers to 3G/3.5G. FDD-LTE refers to the 4G technology deployed by Nigerian mobile networks. We notice that there is no mention of the GSM bands of the phone, but it is taken for granted that it supports the most widespread GSM frequencies – 900 MHz and 1800 MHz, which is used in Nigeria.

Nigerian Mobile Networks Frequency Checklist

Here is a comprehensive country-based frequency band checklist for Nigeria:

• Nigerian GSM mobile networks: 900 MHz. 1800 MHz
• Nigerian 3G (UMTS/WCDMA) mobile networks: 1(2100 MHz).
• Nigerian 4G (FDD-LTE) mobile networks: 1(2100 MHz). 3(1800 MHz). 7(2600 MHz). 8(900 MHz). 28(700 MHz)

From the above checklist, we can see that the OnePlus 5 model that Kelly wants supports all 3G mobile networks in Nigeria, because they all use WCDMA 1(2100), as well as four 4G mobile networks in Nigeria.

Regardless of what phone you want to buy, you can use the above list to determine whether it will work with Nigerian mobile networks. Just check the GSM, WCDMA and LTE bands listed there to verify.

The Major Mobile Operators in Nigeria

The four major mobile operators in Nigeria are MTN, Globacom, Airtel, and 9mobile.

If you have anything else you need me to clarify, please use the comments section and I will respond and update this article if necessary.

• Like our Facebook page: facebook.com/mobilitynigeria
• Follow @MobilityNigeria on Twitter to stay up-to-date when we publish new articles.
• Follow @MobilityNigeria on Instagram for fun stuff.

Author: Mister Mobility

Mister Mobility, a techie with a passion for storytelling. I have owned, used, and reviewed hundreds of mobile phones since 2001. I started Mobility in 2008.

Advert

Best Social Media Management Service For Small Businesses In Nigeria
We will create your content calendar, design graphics, and post daily, to keep your brand and products in front of the public and to grow your following on social media. Get started.