The Impact of 5g Technology on Customer’s Patronage in Mtn Telecommunications in the University of Ilorin

In the face of intense competition within Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, the adoption of 5G technology is seen as a critical advancement aimed at boosting customer patronage. However, despite its promises of high-speed connectivity, reduced latency, and broader service capabilities, customer uptake of MTN’s 5G services remains relatively limited. This study aimed at the impact of 5G technology on customer patronage of MTN telecommunication. The study was guided by four objectives: to examine the influence of network speed on customer patronage of MTN telecommunication; determine the extent to which network coverage affects customer patronage; analyze how device compatibility shapes customer patronage; and determine the effect of service reliability on customer patronage. A descriptive survey design was adopted, targeting undergraduates at the University of Ilorin. Using multistage sampling techniques (snowball, convenience sampling, and engagement with MTN retailers), data was collected from 395 respondents and analyzed using SPSS with regression analysis. Findings revealed statistically significant relationships across all variables. Network speed (R = .979, β = .980, p = .000), network coverage (R = .968, β = .889, p = .000), device compatibility (R = .952, β = .918, p = .000), and service reliability (R = .979, β = .976, p = .000) each significantly influenced customer patronage of MTN telecommunication’s 5G services. The study concludes that improvements in speed, coverage, device compatibility, and service reliability all have a significant impact on MTN 5G patronage. The study recommends that MTN should invest more on 5G speed, expand coverage to underserved areas, promote 5G-compatible devices, and ensure consistent service reliability to improve customer satisfaction, retention, and loyalty in a competitive telecommunication market.