Telecom
MTN uses Unlicensed Spectrum to Launch Fibre Quality Connectivity in South Africa

MTN has launched its Supersonic AirFibre offering, which it says overcomes distance and a lack of infrastructure in urban, township and rural communities to bring fibre-quality connectivity to more households across the country.
“We are breaking down the traditional barriers to entry that have denied many access to a modern, connected life,” says Calvin Collett, managing director of MTN SA’s ISP – Supersonic. “From Soweto to Swellendam, we believe that every household deserves the speed and benefits of fibre-like connectivity, and through AirFibre, we believe we can achieve this.”
According to MTN, Supersonic AirFibre will bring high-speed, inexpensive and uncapped connectivity solutions to areas in which traditional fibre installations are not available.
Built on unlicensed spectrum, the company says the solution was designed, built and is maintained by MTN’s technology team to deliver a network quality that is in line with MTN’s standards, at affordable rates.
Due to the current major lack of available spectrum, MTN has located unlicensed spectrum – a readily available resource – and combined it with innovative technology now available to effectively leverage open spectrum.
This is something that was previously not possible or stable, says MTN.
Telecoms regulator the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) is set to auction the much-needed high-demand spectrum next month.
Operators have been waiting for this spectrum for over a decade in order for them to expand services like 5G, as well as to bring down mobile data prices. The fiscus will also get a boost from the planned auction.
However, the plans for the March auction are facing a threat as mobile operators – Telkom and MTN – have approached the courts to challenge ICASA on the process.
“Our Supersonic AirFibre offering is in line with our track record of optimising frequency bands. Previously, we have undertaken this approach through the allocation of repurposed bands for 2G mobile services (using GSM technology) as well as a new generation of mobile technologies, including third-generation (using UMTS) technology and fourth-generation (using LTE) technology,” says Collett.
MTN notes that among AirFibre’s advantages are that it can be speedily installed as no trenching is required, as is the case with traditional fibre. It adds that by subscribing to the service, customers will have access to the new technology that equals that of a full-fibre installation.
“With pricing set from a competitive R399 for 5Mbps Uncapped, AirFibre, which enables multiple users to connect through a single account using the WiFi router that comes as part of the package, is a boon for the ‘new normal’ where communities need to balance life in a pandemic. With schooling, entertainment and work all happening at home, AirFibre offers always-on reliable connectivity, an innovation that we hope will do its part to fuel our economy to bounce back to growth by bringing digital to all,” says Collett.
Supersonic AirFibre will be made available in areas where customers register their demand for the offering.
“This approach allows us to be flexible to our customers’ needs and gives us the freedom to deploy the solution in the areas that want and need it most,” Collett concludes.
Telecom
T2 Commits to Innovation, Resilience as Customer-centric Ethos Form New Focus

The rebranding of 9mobile to T2 is a key milestone within the company’s comprehensive four-phase recovery roadmap—Stabilisation, Modernisation, Transformation, and Growth—launched following the landmark 2023 acquisition of 9mobile by Lighthouse Telecoms, led by business leader and investor, Mr. Thomas Etuh.
Since the takeover, the company has made sweeping changes, including the constitution of a revitalized board, appointment of new executive leadership, and execution of a strategic infrastructure-sharing agreement with MTN Nigeria. This agreement, the first of its kind at scale in the country, has already led to the company significantly expanding its network coverage, capacity, and resilience nationwide.
Now entering the “Transformation” phase, the brand is embracing a new name, T2, and a new ambition: to lead in innovation, customer experience, and digital lifestyle enablement. The T2 identity reflects a forward-thinking, technology-driven, and customer-centric ethos designed to resonate with Nigeria’s increasingly digital and mobile-first population.
“This is not just a logo change, it’s a total evolution of who we are, why we exist, and how we deliver value,” said Obafemi Banigbe, Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile. “T2 represents our next chapter. It is a symbol of our renewed commitment to innovation, resilience, and a deepened focus on customer experience. We are building a brand that is ready to thrive in the digital economy.”
Thomas Etuh, Chairman, Emerging Markets Telecommunications Ltd, echoed similar sentiments, describing the occasion as one that is significant in many respects for the 9mobile brand, as it represents the start of a new phase of life, a fresh start, rebirth, change or transformation, growth, reawakening, and a new order.
“Today marks a new beginning for the 9mobile business. The march has been tedious. The journey has been exhausting. It was faith and love for country that prompted my foray into the acquisition of the 9mobile business. I knew it was a tough call,” Etuh said, and thanked stakeholders like the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and 9mobile customers for standing by the brand through all its trials and challenges, including multiple litigations.
“To our amazing customers, please accept my profound gratitude for believing in us. I know our challenges have impacted you in one way or the other. But there is a resilient spirit we share with you. We are rising together again. Together, with you, we are reclaiming all lost grounds,” Etuh said.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, commended T2 for its bold move and vision to invest in the Nigerian economy and counselled that the rebranding should go beyond a change of name.
“My message to T2 (formerly 9mobile) is simple – let this rebrand be more than a change of colours or new logo, but let it be a renewed commitment to innovation, to service excellence and to the millions of Nigerians whose lives and businesses depend on your network every single day. Our government will continue to work with ecosystem players like T2 who are bold enough to invest, agile enough to adapt and visionary enough to see that the future belongs to those who embrace change before it’s forced upon them,” he said.
Speaking in the same vein, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, affirmed the alignment between T2’s mission and the state’s digital goals.
“T2 has come at the right time. Its focus on digital innovation aligns seamlessly with the Lagos State Government’s vision for a robust digital economy that empowers citizens, businesses, and communities. We welcome partners like T2 who are committed to driving inclusive and transformative growth in our state,” she said.
The transition will be rolled out in deliberate phases, ensuring continuity and seamless service for existing customers while gradually introducing the market to the T2 narrative. At its core, T2 will focus on four key pillars: Speed, Smart Living, Digital Lifestyle, and Trust.
With customer expectations evolving rapidly and technology redefining the rules of engagement, the T2 brand aims to serve as a bridge between connectivity and culture, telecommunications and lifestyle, infrastructure and impact.
As the Nigerian telecoms sector moves into a new decade of transformation, T2 is poised to not just participate, but to lead.
Telecom
I see Crisis, Resignations @ MTN, Airtel, Others – Primate Ayodele

Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has released fresh prophecies regarding Nigeria’s telecommunication companies, including MTN, Airtel, and the newly reformed T2, formerly known as 9mobile.

Primate Elijah Ayodele
In a statement signed by Osho Oluwatosin, media aide to Primate Ayodele made it known that MTN will have challenges and run into a shortage.
He stated that he sees resignations from top officials in the company while warning of a potential network crisis that will affect the company negatively.
“MTN: They will have challenges that will disorganize them and make them run into a shortage. They will want to carry out expansion, but some of their major cables will be damaged, and I see some of their officials resigning due to unexpected things that will be happening. MTN needs to be careful not to see situations of customers leaving the company. They will have serious network issues in September that people will be complaining about bitterly.”
For Airtel, Primate Ayodele warned the company to be careful of the board crisis, while revealing that they will face marketing issues at the grassroots level.
“Airtel: they must be careful so there won’t be any board crisis. They will want to step up in many ways, but there will be problems in the grassroots. The company’s marketing will have lots of issues in communicating to people at the grassroots level. Airtel will also have terrible network problems in November.”
For T2, Primate Ayodele stated that the company will start on a good ground, but they will not be able to achieve what was set out to be achieved.
He urged the company to look into some issues spiritually as he foresees a struggle to meet up with other telecommunication companies.
“T2: The company will start on a good footing, but there will be a lot of things they will want to do but will face problems. The crisis of the company isn’t yet over, it will be up and down, and the organization will struggle to surpass other telecommunication company. The new devices the company will introduce will still have problems, it’s an issue to be looked to spiritually. The company is ready to improve, but attaining improvement will create problems.”
Furthermore, the cleric stated that there will be more telecommunication companies in the country, stating that there will be a form of recapitalization and a new procedure that will disqualify some of the telcos.
“Generally, there will be more telecommunication companies that will come to challenge the existing ones. I am seeing the government introducing new codes and a form of recapitalization that will disqualify some companies. I am seeing a telecommunication procedure that will also disqualify some telcom companies.”
Telecom
MTN Nigeria’s Mega Billion Promo Turns Airtime into Fortune for Thousands Amid Economic Strain

MTN Nigeria is offering a refreshing dose of optimism through its Mega Billion Promo—a nationwide campaign designed to reward customer loyalty with real cash prizes.
Launched on June 23, the 90-day promo aims to create 195 millionaires and distribute over ₦1 billion in cash via MTN’s MoMo Payment Service Bank.
So far, more than 1,500 subscribers have won a combined ₦290 million, including three jackpot winners and 20 recipients of ₦5 million each.
“In the last couple of years, it’s been a very tough time for Nigerians,” said Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer.
“This Mega Billion promo is one of the ways we’re showing appreciation and making life better for our customers.”
MTN subscribers aged 18 and above can participate by dialing *900#, using the MyMTN app, or texting ‘MEGA’ to 900.
Every ₦100 recharge earns one point toward daily and Saturday draws. Recharges can be made via bank apps, VTU, MoMo, or USSD channels.
Prizes range from ₦25,000 to ₦5 million on weekdays, with a ₦10 million top prize available during Saturday’s Mega Draw.
Customers can win multiple times, and all winnings are paid directly into the winner’s MoMo wallet, which can be activated by dialing *671#.
Independent partners manage the promo to ensure transparency and fairness. Daily draws are broadcast live on MTN’s Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube pages, and winners are contacted directly via the MTN Call Center on 300.
MTN describes the initiative as part of its ongoing effort to appreciate customers and strengthen relationships.
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