Telecom
Delivering on the National Broadband Plan by 2025

Network sharing as an option to drive pervasive broadband in Nigeria
By: Eniola Campbell
Broadband has long been seen as an enabler of new business processes and product innovation that can boost job creation and raise economic growth and productivity.

Eniola Campbell, Country Senior Officer and CBT Head for Nigeria at Nokia
According to the ITU, a 10% increase in mobile broadband penetration in Africa would lead to a 2.5% increase in GDP per capita.
And while Covid-19 has increased the pace at which organisations and countries digitalize, there are still many obstacles in the way of reaching pervasive broadband on the African continent.
Nigeria has the largest number of internet users on the continent, sitting at 104.4 million users in January 2021 according to Datareportal, bringing internet penetration to 50%, but local operators still face several challenges in broadband rollout.
These include prohibitive right of way charges for fiber deployment in parts of the country, unreliable power supply and the cost of running diesel generators to power sites, multiple taxation by national and sub-national governments and insecurity in many parts of the country.
Last year, the Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami, launched Nigeria’s 2020-2025 National Broadband Plan, an ambitious plan to deliver data download speeds of a minimum of 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas. As part of the plan at least 90% of the population will have coverage by 2025 at no more than N390 per 1GB of data.
The policy is expected to eliminate some of the impediments identified to broadband penetration. Nokia believes the increase in broadband will have a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy, especially as broadband enables digital transformation of business operations, which, in turn will bring operational efficiency and release value to businesses.
While this is a step in the right direction, it means that network operators must also consider various options in their network rollout strategies to enable them to roll out infrastructure within the timelines of the policy.
Nigeria can encourage the proliferation of network boosting initiatives to enhance coverage, capacity and ultimately improved end-user voice and data experience for telecoms subscribers.
Solutions like massive MIMO based on Active Antenna, for example, will help boost network coverage and capacity, while ensuring OPEX is also minimized as space and power will be effectively reduced by these advanced site solutions. This will be a win-win situation as telcos will experience increased revenue while delivering high quality of service (QoS) to their end users.
Nokia believes that network sharing could be an option for mobile operators as they continue to face pressure to cut the cost per bit of delivering mobile data and improve their own operational efficiencies, while reducing the cost of delivering mobile broadband.
Where it is not deemed anti-competitive in the local market, it enables operators to opt to co-operate and share network resources.
This is often done by setting up a separate joint venture entity to allow rivals to work together, or it can be managed by bringing in a neutral third party to deploy and operate the shared network in a managed services deal.
There are three different sharing models available to network operators. Passive sharing is the sharing of physical sites and passive elements such as towers and power supplies. Active Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing takes it a step further, requiring joint decision-making on investments and operations, while roaming-based sharing sees the customers of one operator seamlessly roam in a host operator’s network to plug gaps in coverage.
Due to the harsh competitive nature of the telecommunications industry, maintaining and operating a shared network can be a sensitive area for operators.
This can be overcome through a managed services approach to reduce friction and ensure that commercially sensitive data does not need to be shared.
Nokia has a proven history of providing solutions for greenfield sharing and outsourcing for sharing established networks providing governance and operational models to suit all the outlined scenarios.
Combining shared networks with managed services gives operators the best chance of realizing the maximum benefits possible.
As a leading managed services provider Nokia uses standardization, automation, and a proven operations model to deliver best-in-class services. A managed services approach will also reduce costs by outsourcing some operations, enabling the operators to exploit economies of scale that few operators could otherwise achieve.
Eniola Campbell is Country Senior Officer and CBT Head for Nigeria at Nokia
Telecom
Vitel Wireless Lures Subscribers with “Data that Never Expires” Campaign

Vitel Wireless, pioneer Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has launched an audacious “data that never expires” campaign designed to address consumer pain points in the market.

Kenneth Nwabueze, Chairman and CEO of Vitel Wireless
Fast-depleting data is a major issue for mobile users, particularly in Nigeria, with numerous complaints against network providers alleging that data plans exhaust prematurely.
But Vitel Wireless said it is now addressing the situation after extensive engagement with Nigerian consumers, particularly young people and small businesses.
Kenneth Neabueze, chairman of Vitel Wireless, said “What we’re saying to Nigerians is this, you buy the data, and you keep the data for as long as you want. There’s no more. You bought 2GB for two days, and it expires. If you buy that data under our scheme, it stays with you forever,” he said.
He added that the model promotes transparency and cost efficiency. “So it’s saving us money, it’s giving us transparency, and it’s giving us the ability to have control over how we spend and use our data,” he stated.
He noted that the concept was inspired by research into the everyday challenges Nigerians face.
“We talked to students who would tell us that in the middle of doing a project, they would be told that the data had expired, and we asked, ‘ How do we innovate?” We have analysed it, and we know, given the current economic conditions in Nigeria, you should buy the data with discounts of almost 40 per cent, and that’s why we are transparent”
The company has also unveiled a suite of products and services aimed at redefining connectivity, including its flagship Vitel Xphone.
The company explained that its services are available via both physical SIMs and eSIMs, with the 0712 number offering global use.
According to the firm, users can retain existing mobile numbers or migrate seamlessly, while enjoying nationwide coverage across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with full GSM services including voice, SMS, USSD, and mobile data.
Chudi Nwabueze, chief operating officer of Vitel Wireless, described the firm as a technology telecom focused on innovation beyond traditional voice and data services.
“We’re coming in with a lot of innovation to activate applications and create tools that people can use in their businesses, homes, and daily lives,” he said.
He added that eSIM technology allows users to operate multiple lines on compatible devices, while introducing a range of digital solutions aimed at enhancing communication, safety, and business operations, anchored by its flagship Xphone.
Hence, the platform combines GSM and VoIP technologies to deliver seamless voice, video, and messaging services, along with cost-saving benefits and nationwide connectivity.
It is complemented by the Oga App, which enables real-time staff monitoring, automated payroll, and performance tracking to improve organisational efficiency.
Similarly, the network also rolled out SecureMe and Asset Tracker to address security and asset management needs.
While SecureMe provides GPS tracking and emergency alerts for personal and workplace safety, Asset Tracker helps businesses monitor and manage physical assets in real time.
Vitel Wireless noted that on pricing, challenged consumers to compare daily data costs across operators, while adding that the network offers discounts for higher volumes without imposing expiry limits.
Also speaking, Chinenye Adebayo, relationship partnership manager, outlined opportunities for Nigerians to join the company’s distribution network by visiting the website and becoming a mobile agent or sun-agents in any state.
The company noted that its offerings, including Close User Group (CUG) services and high-speed wireless network, are designed to provide integrated digital solutions for individuals and enterprises, as it seeks to position itself as a disruptive force in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
Telecom
Nigeria, Ghana Trigger Stunning 45 Percent Surge in MTN Dividends

MTN Group delivered impressive financial and operational achievements for 2025, boosted by strong performances in MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana, as well as solid earnings from MTN South Africa.

The three core markets of Africa’s largest mobile provider enhanced profitability, free cash flow, and shareholder dividends by 45%.
IT Web Africa reported that Ralph Mupita, group CEO and president, MTN, highlighted that the telecoms giant’s robust commercial momentum across key markets capped the final year of its Ambition 2025 strategy, while laying the foundation for a new long-term growth phase under Ambition 2030.
“The Group’s overall performance in 2025 was excellent. In the final year of our Ambition 2025 strategy, we were proud to have exceeded the 300 million customers milestone,” he said.
MTN revealed that it now serves more than 307 million voice subscribers, 172 million data users, and 70 million Mobile Money customers across 16 African markets, reflecting the continent’s growing demand for digital connectivity and financial services.
The operator credited its results to disciplined commercial execution and sustained investment in network infrastructure, with R38 billion spent during the year to expand capacity, improve coverage and enhance service quality.
The group reported that data traffic surged 27%, while average monthly data consumption per user climbed to 12.5GB, up from 10.8GB a year earlier, reflecting Africa’s fast-growing appetite for digital services.
Financially, the performance was driven by MTN’s largest markets.
In constant currency terms, MTN Nigeria grew service revenue by 54.9%, while MTN Ghana increased service revenue by 35.9%.
Meanwhile, MTN South Africa recorded 2% growth, demonstrating operational resilience in one of the continent’s most mature and competitive telecom markets.
MTN Group service revenue rose nearly a quarter to R218 billion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation climbed to R98.5 billion, supported by R3.6 billion in expense efficiencies.
Mupita stressed that the strong results translated into robust free cash flow and improved return generation, allowing the board to declare a dividend of 500 cents per share, up from 345 cents the previous year.
“This comfortably exceeds the minimum dividend of 370 cents we had previously guided,” he said.
The group also announced a R6 billion share buyback programme as part of an enhanced shareholder remuneration framework aimed at delivering stronger long-term returns.
Alongside its results, MTN unveiled Ambition 2030, a strategy centred on three platforms, connectivity, fintech and digital infrastructure, as it seeks to capture the next wave of growth driven by data adoption and financial inclusion across Africa.
“We are hugely excited about Africa’s potential. We are well positioned to leverage our scale, footprint and brand leadership to capture the significant structural growth opportunities identified,” said Mupita.
Source: IT Web Africa
Telecom
ATCIS Urges FG to Ensure Safety of Consumers Data

Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) non-profit consumer rights group dedicated to protecting the rights, interests, and welfare of telecommunications subscribers, has urged the Federal Government to ensure safety of telecom consumers’ data hosted by government agencies.

Dr Sina Bilesanmi, president of the body stated this World Consumers Day in Lagos.
He alleged that said subscribers” data are being jeopardised by some of its agencies.
Bilesanmi urged government to ensure that every subscriber in Nigeria can use digital service without fear of physical, financial, or data-related harm.
The ACTIS president said safety in the telecommunication sector extends beyond physical hardware to include data privacy and protection from cyber fraud.
“We call for stricter enforcement by the Standard organization of Nigeria (SON) to eliminate substandard mobile devices and Cable Tv equipment that pose fire or electric hazards.
“We also want safe services from telecoms that are transparent – free from hidden charges and misleading advertisements”, he said.
He urged subscribers to utilize platforms like ACTIS as well as NCC and even FCCPC web portal when they encounter service failures.
He also tasked FG on hosting Nigerian Data Privacy in the country.
He said: “We ask for more robust surveillance and swifter penalties for entities that violate consumer safety standards. We admonish the subscribers to be aware and speak out, a vigilant consumer is a protected consumer.”
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