Subscribers of T2 (formerly 9mobile) can now enjoy quality service by roaming on the MTN Nigeria network.
This has been made possible through the launch of the Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) platform by MTN Nigeria, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which allows its competitors to use its infrastructure, while retaining their own customer relationships and branding.
This is part of the strategies deployed by MTN Nigeria to deepen its role as an industry enabler and also increase its revenue, especially at a time when voice earnings are flattening.
The Nigerian telecom industry, valued at $10.8 billion, now reaches 169 million active phone lines and over 142 million internet subscribers. While competition remains intense, the trend toward infrastructure sharing is expected to lower barriers to entry for new service providers, increase service quality, and expand access in underserved areas.
“The Network-as-a-Service is a platform where Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) can roam within the NCC framework on MTN’s network.
“It makes the industry more efficient in the utilisation of scarce resources,” the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of MTN Nigeria, Mr Modupe Kadiri, said on Channels TV on Monday.
“As MTN, we are here to help the industry survive. It makes it much easier when you see other operators willing to come on and provide quality services to Nigerians, which we all deserve,” he added.
Mr Kadiri also announced the signing of its first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) agreement, with the virtual operator set to go live soon.
MVNOs lease network capacity from established mobile operators, enabling them to offer services without investing in costly infrastructure.
These initiatives align with NCC’s push for infrastructure sharing to boost sector efficiency and coverage. By providing network access to smaller players, MTN is positioning itself as a critical enabler of market expansion.
Industry analysts view the move as a strategic diversification for MTN, as shared network models offer new revenue streams and a hedge against market saturation.
MTN’s investments in NaaS and MVNO partnerships are part of its broader transformation strategy, which also includes cost optimisation, foreign exchange (FX) risk reduction, and targeted capital expenditure to strengthen network quality.