9mobile finally Secures NCC Approval for National Roaming with MTN to Boost Network Coverage

After almost 5 years, 9mobile has finally received regulatory approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to roll out national roaming services with MTN Nigeria. The commercial deployment is scheduled to begin in June 2025.

The national roaming agreement will allow 9mobile subscribers to use MTN’s robust network infrastructure in areas where 9mobile’s coverage is weak or unavailable. This means 9mobile users will enjoy uninterrupted voice, SMS, and data services using MTN’s wider coverage across Nigeria.

A Strategic Lifeline for 9mobile

9mobile’s subscriber base has been declining steadily from a 6.6% market share in 2020 to just 1.72% by April 2025. The company, which once held the third position among Nigeria’s telecom operators, has struggled to keep pace with dominant players like MTN and Airtel.

This new roaming agreement is seen as a lifeline for the operator. Unlike in 2020 when a similar pilot initiative was launched but didn’t progress to full deployment, this time the commercial rollout is expected to begin immediately and at scale.

Mutual Benefits for 9mobile and MTN

The partnership is strategically beneficial for both companies. While 9mobile enhances its reach without investing in new infrastructure, MTN gains limited access to some of 9mobile’s underused spectrum in the 900MHz, 1800MHz, and 2100MHz bands.

These spectrum bands offer unique advantages:

• 900MHz – Suitable for long-range and rural coverage.
• 1800MHz and 2100MHz – Ideal for boosting capacity in urban and high-density areas.

With this spectrum-sharing arrangement, MTN can further strengthen its already solid network performance, especially in congested areas.

Telecom Market Shifts: A New Opportunity

Nigeria’s telecom market has increasingly leaned toward a duopoly, with MTN and Airtel together commanding over 86% of total subscriptions. Meanwhile, Globacom has also experienced a dip in subscriber numbers.

This presents a golden opportunity for 9mobile to reposition itself and possibly reclaim its spot as the third-largest mobile network operator in Nigeria.

NCC’s Push for Infrastructure Sharing

The roaming deal is in line with NCC’s broader agenda to encourage infrastructure sharing and optimize existing resources within the industry. This policy is designed to drive down costs, improve service delivery, and promote healthy competition in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

However, regulatory checks are expected to be put in place to ensure the agreement remains fair and does not tip the competitive balance in MTN’s favor.

Our Thought

With this national roaming agreement, 9mobile is betting on expanded coverage and improved user experience to win back Nigerian subscribers. If executed well, this move could signal a fresh start for the telecom operator and reintroduce more competition into the sector.

All eyes will now be on the rollout in June—and whether 9mobile can effectively turn the corner in its fight for survival.