MTN CEO: 5G Is Coming, But 4G Still Reigns Supreme

In an insightful address at the MTN House in Accra on April 2, 2025, Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana, shared critical thoughts on the future of mobile networks, particularly the rollout of 5G technology.

As the telecom industry continues to evolve rapidly, Blewett provided a grounded perspective on how new network generations will impact everyday consumers, urging patience and a realistic approach toward adopting 5G.

With 5G already making headlines globally, many have begun to question its immediate relevance to consumers in Ghana.

Blewett acknowledged the excitement surrounding 5G but emphasized that, while it represents an incremental improvement in network performance, the leap from 4G to 5G may not be as dramatic as past transitions, such as the jump from 2G to EDGE.

“People get hung up on the numbers,” Blewett remarked, referencing the fast pace of advancements in mobile networks. “Right now, people are already talking about 5.5G, and then we’ll have 6G.

It’s all coming, but the real question is: how much of a difference will it make to consumers?”

He explained that 5G technology operates within various radio frequency spectrums, each serving a different purpose.

As a result, the tangible benefits for most consumers may not be immediately apparent.

According to Blewett, while 5G promises faster speeds and better connectivity, for many, the current 4G experience will remain more than adequate for the foreseeable future.

For those considering upgrading to 5G devices, Blewett reassured customers that they need not rush.

“The price of 5G devices is still high, and it will take time for them to become affordable,” he said. “A good 4G experience is still more than enough for most people.”

With MTN continuing to invest in 5G infrastructure, Blewett made it clear that the company’s strategy remains balanced, ensuring 4G users continue to enjoy reliable, high-quality service while laying the groundwork for a gradual transition to 5G.

Looking to the future, Blewett acknowledged challenges around spectrum limitations but reassured customers that the evolution of mobile networks would continue, even if the improvements became less noticeable over time.

“There’s nothing to fear with 5G,” he concluded. “It has a role to play, but for now, 4G is still king.”