In a deliberate approach to strategically redefine the Niger (NCC).
In a joint press conference organized by the duo held at the L'Eola Hotel, Mobolaji Bank-Anthony, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, this three-year agreement allows the subscribers of 9 mobiles to roam without problems in the extensive network of Mtn Nigeria. As a result, it significantly extends 9mobile's coverage and improves service quality for its customers.
The association means a change towards a greater collaboration of the industry, aligning with the vision of the NCC for a more inclusive and efficient digital ecosystem.
Beyond infrastructure exchange, this agreement promotes greater operational efficiency, stronger connectivity and improved user experience. It also paves the way for a deeper collaboration between the two telecommunications companies, particularly through a proposed spectrum lease agreement.
According to this agreement, 9Mobile will lease its 900MHz (5MHZ) and 1800MHZ (15MHZ) to MTN for three years, which will further strengthen the network capacity and the quality of the MTN service.
“This association marks a bold resurgence for 9mobile,” said Obafemi Banigbe, CEO of 9mobile. “It allows us to meet the needs of our customers, particularly youth and business users, by providing a high quality service constantly as we display City by City in the coming weeks.”
Banigbe also recognized the leadership of Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice president of the NCC, for enabling this collaboration of the progressive industry, as well as Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, for advocating a telecommunications ecosystem of resources resources.
“In the current telecommunications environment, access is more strategic than property,” Banigbe explained. “Access to infrastructure has become more important than direct property. Instead of duplicating the networks, we are investing in commercially viable and sustainable access.
“The network infrastructure generally represents 70-75 percent of the costs of an operator, and savings in this area mean that we can reinvest in innovation and customer experience.
“In 9mobile, our mantra is simple: build infrastructure when necessary, share it when possible,” he concluded.
Dr. Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, described the agreement as a milestone for the sector. “This collaboration underlines our commitment to the innovation of the industry, the client's centlity and the support of the NCC target of a totally connected Nigeria,” Toriola said.
“It reflects our shared value philosophy, prioritizing associations that benefit the entire ecosystem.” Toriola also praised Dr. Tijani's efforts to promote significant collaboration as a key driver of digital access, service quality and inclusion nationwide.
This pioneering agreement establishes a new reference point for infrastructure exchange in Nigeria. It exemplifies how competitors can work together to address systemic challenges, reduce layoffs and collectively transform the industry, offering broader coverage, better service and faster access to emerging technologies for Nigerian consumers.
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