MTN Nigeria and 9mobile are reportedly in the final stages of negotiations for a potential deal.

Reports have surfaced indicating that MTN Nigeria, a subsidiary of the MTN Group based in South Africa, and 9mobile (formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria) are currently engaged in advanced discussions regarding a spectrum trade deal. This potential agreement aims to strengthen 9mobile, the fourth-largest telecommunications company in Nigeria, which has faced financial challenges following the departure of key investors Mubadala and Etisalat of the UAE.

The spectrum trade option had previously been explored during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari but encountered competition concerns, leading to a temporary suspension. The current talks are leveraging local telecom reforms as a means to overcome obstacles and finalize the deal.

Despite concerns about potential dominance by MTN, 9mobile, currently holding a 6.28% market share with 13.8 million customers, refutes the claims. MTN, boasting 85 million subscribers and a 38.5% market reach, has historically maintained a significant presence in Nigeria's telecom sector.

Adding complexity to the situation, MTN Nigeria has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the reported spectrum trade. If the acquisition of 9mobile's spectrum materializes, it could have a substantial impact on the telecommunications landscape in Nigeria. Interestingly, the National Communications Commission (NCC) has stated that it is not aware of the ongoing discussions between MTN Nigeria and 9mobile.

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time MTN has pursued the acquisition of a competing telecom operator in Nigeria. In 2015, the telecom giant successfully completed the acquisition of Visafone Communications Limited, involving the transfer of shareholdings and frequency spectrum—a strategic move to expand its network reach in the country.

Comments

This emerging mobile network aims to compete with MTN and Glo in Nigeria.

In recent years, Nigeria, as Africa's most populous country, has experienced significant growth in its mobile network industry. This expansion has been driven by increased mobile phone penetration and a rising demand for data services, leading to enhanced connectivity nationwide. According to figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the mobile network sector contributed a substantial ₦2.508 trillion to Nigeria's GDP in the first quarter of 2023. This marked a 4.3% increase compared to its 2022 performance, underscoring the sector's economic significance. In this dynamic landscape, a new entrant, BTEL, is poised to disrupt the market by challenging major players like MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile. As of April 2023, MTN holds the position of the largest mobile operator, boasting 88.6 million subscribers and a 39.70% market share, followed by Glo with 60.9 million subscribers (27.28% share), Airtel with 60.3 million subscribers (27.01% share), and 9mobile...

Airtel Voice Bundle Expiry: Unveiling the Reality Behind Voice Bundles Disappearing

Airtel’s voice bundles have been a preferred choice for budget-conscious users looking for affordable airtime to connect with friends and family on the Airtel network. Despite their popularity, concerns have arisen regarding premature bundle expiry, prompting questions about the fairness and transparency of Airtel’s billing practices. As a longtime Airtel user predating the rebranding from Zain, my loyalty and reliance on Airtel led me to investigate this issue. After conducting experiments over several months, I've uncovered the underlying cause – stay tuned for the details. Revealing the Truth: Airtel’s Midnight Expiry Policy After persistent efforts and frustration, I reached an Airtel representative who clarified the mystery behind premature expiries. Airtel’s voice bundles operate on a midnight expiry policy, indicating that any bundle activated after midnight will expire at midnight the following day. While this policy is technically mentioned in the terms and conditions, i...

"Guidelines for Gifting Data on Glo in Nigeria"

How to Gift Data on Glo If you're in a generous mood and looking to share your internet connection with someone special, gifting data on Glo is a hassle-free process. No need for a complicated procedure, just a quick understanding of Glo's data pricing and data sharing etiquette. To gift data on Glo, you can choose between using the USSD code or the Glo Café app. Dial the USSD code 12701[recipient’s phone number]# (e.g., 127010805XXXXXXX#) or use the Glo Café app with these steps: 1. Download and install the Glo Café app from your app store. 2. Open the app and log in with your Glo phone number and OTP. 3. On the home page, select the ‘Buy Data‘ option. 4. Choose the ‘Gifting Data’ option. 5. Enter the recipient’s phone number and select the desired data bundle. 6. Confirm the transaction and wait for the notification message. Understanding Glo's data pricing is crucial to avoid overcharging the recipient, and observing data sharing etiquette by obtaining the recipient’s ...

Networkfix

Search This Blog