By Adenike Pedro
Airtel to Pump N500bn into 5G Rollout, Eyes Affordable Access for Nigerians
Airtel Nigeria is making its biggest 5G bet yet, doubling investment to over N500 billion by 2025 to cope with surging data use, particularly in urban centres like Lagos. CEO Dinesh Balsingh says the expansion will underpin critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and commerce, creating a more robust digital ecosystem.
While Nigeria’s 4G penetration stands at 50.8%, 5G adoption is lagging at just 3.07% as of June 2023—largely due to the high cost of devices. Airtel is moving to change that, working with manufacturers to make 5G-enabled smartphones more affordable. The goal, Balsingh notes, is not just faster speeds but nationwide access to the benefits of advanced connectivity.
SIM-NIN Rule Squeezes Mobile Subscriptions, But Data Use Hits New High
The number of active mobile subscriptions in Nigeria fell by 941,870 in June 2025, dropping from 172.67 million to 171.73 million, according to NCC data. The decline follows the government’s directive that all SIM cards be linked to verified National Identification Numbers (NINs), part of a broader strategy to improve digital identity management and curb insecurity.
While the policy is reshaping consumer behaviour and posing retention challenges for operators, it hasn’t dampened Nigerians’ appetite for data. Usage soared to 1.044 million terabytes in June, underscoring the country’s deepening reliance on mobile connectivity. For operators, the task ahead is to comply with tighter regulation while finding new ways to win and keep customers.
MTN South Africa Invests R220m to Bridge Eastern Cape’s Digital Divide
MTN South Africa is committing R220 million ($12.11 million) to expand and upgrade its network in the underserved Eastern Cape. Announced on July 31, the project aims to boost digital access for communities while unlocking opportunities for vendors, contractors, and tech providers.
The initiative will see collaboration with local and international suppliers to deploy infrastructure, energy systems, and network hardware. MTN General Manager Songezo Masiso says the investment will also generate jobs and stimulate local supply chains, positioning the province for economic and social gains through stronger connectivity.
9mobile Reinvents Itself as T2, Targeting Nigeria’s Young Digital Natives
In a bold rebrand, 9mobile has emerged as “T2,” pledging to become a digital-first lifestyle brand designed for Nigeria’s youthful, tech-driven population. CEO Obafemi Banigbe says the change is “not just cosmetic” but a pivot to a faster, leaner, and more innovative approach.
With consumer demand for speed, access, and creativity growing, T2 aims to fuse telecoms with digital lifestyle services, tapping into the aspirations of a new generation. The move reflects a wider industry shift toward integrated digital experiences beyond voice and data.
Telcos Unite to Tackle Fibre Sabotage with New Protection Fund
Nigeria’s telecoms operators are creating a Telecom Infrastructure Protection Trust Fund to finance the safeguarding of critical assets. The move comes as the industry faces over 1,100 fibre-optic cuts each week—disruptions the NCC warns are hurting service reliability and threatening national security.
The regulator is tightening standards for fibre deployment and tower construction to harden the network against attacks. With the fund, operators aim to strengthen their collective defences, ensuring Nigeria’s connectivity backbone remains secure.
Diesel Supply to 16,000 Telecom Sites Restored After Industry Mediation
A potential telecom blackout was averted over the weekend after diesel supply to 16,000 telecom sites resumed. The dispute between a NOGASA member and a tower company had briefly halted fuel deliveries, raising fears of service disruptions in Kaduna, Lagos, and Delta States.
ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo stressed that the issue was a commercial disagreement, not an industry debt crisis, and praised the quick resolution. Reliable diesel supply remains vital to keeping networks running in a country where many sites rely on generators.
MTN Mega Billion Promo to Create 195 Millionaires, Distribute ₦1bn in Cash
MTN Nigeria is rolling out its Mega Billion Promo, a 90-day campaign that will give away over ₦1 billion in cash via MoMo PSB and create 195 millionaires. Launched on June 23, the promo has already rewarded over 1,500 customers with ₦290 million, including three jackpot winners and 20 people who took home ₦5 million each.
CMO Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka says the initiative is designed to uplift Nigerians during tough economic times, turning loyal subscribers into millionaires and injecting optimism into communities nationwide.
