9mobile is set to resume widespread service across the country by the end of July following a national roaming agreement with MTN Nigeria.
The agreement, which has received the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), was formally announced on Wednesday in Lagos.
Under the three-year agreement, 9mobile subscribers will be able to access MTN’s extensive radio access network across Nigeria, effectively extending 9mobile’s coverage to areas previously underserved. The arrangement is expected to take effect from next week, with a full national rollout scheduled before the end of the month.
Speaking at the press briefing, Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile, Mr Obafemi Banigbe, described the agreement as a commercial partnership aimed at returning 9mobile to a competitive position in the Nigerian telecommunications market.
“Remember, sometimes at the beginning of last year, we had the press briefing where we explained exactly what we’re doing in order for us to get 9mobile back into a competitive space in the market. We discussed the opportunities we have and told you that our mantra is to build our network where we must and then share infrastructure where we can,” he said.
Mr Banigbe explained that testing of the roaming service had commenced in some parts of the country, and full deployment would follow shortly based on the outcomes of those tests.
“At the moment, we have deployed a service testing in some regions, just to make sure that we are working correctly without any interruption,” he said. “We expect that all our tests will be completed over the weekend. So, we expect that within the month of July, we will be able to have a rollout across the country based on the outcome of the tests that we have done.”
According to him, subscribers will not be required to take any additional steps to access the roaming service.
“What the subscriber needs to do when we roll out nationwide is just switch on your phone,” he said. “If your number is active, meaning you have recharged within the last 90 days, you don’t need to re-register. If you haven’t recharged, you simply recharge, and you will be able to latch onto the 9mobile network just like before.”
Mr Banigbe reiterated that the billing system and customer identity would remain under the 9mobile brand, noting that the agreement was strictly commercial and mutually beneficial.
“It is a commercial partnership. It is a win-win for both parties. It is not a freeloader; both of us are paying for services we render for each other,” he said.
He also emphasised the significance of the agreement in promoting infrastructure efficiency and improving investor confidence in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
“We need to build sustainability. We need to ensure that capital is deployed judiciously in a way that can bring returns back to the investor,” he said.
“In line with the mandate of the current government, championed by the president and championed by the Honourable Minister of Communications, we want to make sure that Nigeria becomes a destination for foreign direct investment, especially in the technology sector.”
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr Karl Toriola, who was represented by the Chief Enterprise Business Officer of the company, Ms Lynda Saint-Nwafor, described the partnership as the first of its kind in West, East, and Central Africa.
“We have made the decision to collaborate in areas that drive efficiency, while competing on service, innovation, and customer experience,” he said.
Mr Toriola further noted that the agreement marked a shift in the dynamics of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
“This agreement represents a significant step in our commitment to driving industry collaboration, improving customer experience, and supporting the NCC’s vision of a fully connected Nigeria,” he said.
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