9mobile and MTN to roll out national roaming by the end of July to boost connectivity

9mobile and MTN Nigeria have announced the nationwide rollout of a National Roaming agreement by the end of July 2025, following approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This pioneering partnership, the first of its kind in Nigeria and across West, Central, and East Africa, is poised to redefine connectivity for millions of subscribers, particularly in underserved areas, while promoting operational efficiency and digital inclusion across the country.

The National Roaming deal allows 9mobile subscribers to access MTN’s extensive network infrastructure for calls, SMS, and data services in regions where 9mobile’s coverage is limited or unavailable. For 9mobile, which has faced significant challenges in recent years, including a sharp decline in its subscriber base, this agreement offers a lifeline to enhance service reliability without the heavy financial burden of building new infrastructure.

Obafemi Banigbe, Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile, emphasised the strategic importance of the partnership during a joint press conference in Lagos on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

“We are currently testing the service in some regions to ensure seamless integration. We expect all tests to be completed by this weekend, paving the way for a nationwide rollout within July,” Banigbe stated.

He described the deal as a “commercial partnership focused on operational efficiency”, clarifying that it is neither a merger nor a coalition but a model of “co-opetition” that balances cooperation with competition.

Banigbe further noted that the agreement aligns with 9mobile’s strategy to “build where necessary and share where possible”.

By leveraging MTN’s infrastructure, 9mobile can expand its coverage at minimal cost, reducing capital expenditure and making the telecom sector more attractive to investors.

“With Nigeria’s population expected to reach 400 million in 20–25 years and 70% under 30, the market remains ripe for growth,” he added, highlighting the long-term potential of this collaboration.

Addressing 9mobile’s challenges

Once a fast-growing challenger in Nigeria’s telecom market, 9mobile has struggled with persistent network issues, debt, and ownership disputes, leading to a significant loss of subscribers.

According to data from the NCC, 9mobile’s active subscriber base plummeted from over 22 million at its peak in 2016 to just 2.97–3.4 million by April 2025, representing a market share of only 1.72–2.15%. In contrast, MTN Nigeria leads the industry with a robust subscriber base and extensive network coverage.

The roaming agreement is a critical component of 9mobile’s $3 billion recovery blueprint, which emphasises infrastructure sharing to lower capital costs amid high interest rates. By tapping into MTN’s network, 9mobile can improve service quality and reliability, addressing long-standing customer complaints about dropped calls and poor data connectivity. This move is expected to help 9mobile retain existing subscribers and potentially attract new ones, offering a competitive edge in a market dominated by MTN and Airtel.

MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest mobile network operator, views the partnership as a milestone in fostering industry collaboration and supporting the NCC’s vision of a fully connected Nigeria.

Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, represented by Chief Enterprise Business Officer Lynda Saint-Nwafor at the press conference, described the agreement as a pioneering example of “co-opetition”. “We are proud to move from pure rivalry to cooperation in efficiency, while still competing in service and innovation,” Saint-Nwafor said.

MTN also benefits from the deal, gaining access to 9mobile’s underutilised spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands. This additional spectrum will enhance MTN’s network capacity and service quality, particularly in addressing congestion in high-traffic areas.

The agreement, approved by the NCC for a three-year term, builds on a successful pilot conducted in Ondo State from August to October 2020, which tested roaming services in select local government areas.

The NCC’s approval of the National Roaming deal underscores its long-standing advocacy for infrastructure sharing to reduce duplication, lower operational costs, and accelerate rural connectivity. The regulator views such collaborations as a means to promote universal access to telecommunications without triggering price wars that could erode profit margins.

The agreement also sets a precedent for smaller operators struggling to compete with industry giants. With 9mobile’s market share at a historic low, the partnership could serve as a model for other telecom providers seeking to remain viable in a capital-intensive industry.