- TSSF Forum explores MVNO prospects in Nigeria
- MTN targets ₦5trn revenue by 2025
- AI data centres planned across Africa
- U.S. foils telecom threat network
TSSF Forum Spotlights MVNO Opportunities and Roadblocks in Nigeria
The sixth Telecoms Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF) in Lagos brought together operators, regulators, and stakeholders to chart the future of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria. Held under the theme “Unlocking Nigeria’s MVNO Potential: Status, Trends, Investment, and Future Prospects,” the forum examined the sector’s prospects and persistent hurdles.
Speaking at the event, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida—represented by Director of Licensing and Authorization, Mr. Usman Mamman—said MVNOs can transform the market with niche services that expand digital access and stimulate competition. He noted that while over 1,000 MVNOs operate globally, with Europe alone hosting more than 500, Nigeria licensed 46 in 2023.
Maida acknowledged challenges around commercial negotiations but pledged NCC’s support to strengthen network capacity and foster MNO–MVNO partnerships. He urged collaboration to replicate global best practices and unlock growth opportunities that will benefit subscribers and the broader economy.
MTN Nigeria Eyes ₦5 Trillion Revenue Milestone
MTN Nigeria is on course to surpass ₦5 trillion in revenue by the end of 2025, with half-year earnings already hitting ₦2.38 trillion—up 54.5% from 2024. Data services are driving this surge, contributing ₦1.22 trillion, or 52% of turnover, compared to just 18.7% six years ago.
With 89.2 million subscribers and a 52% market share, MTN maintains clear dominance over Airtel (34%), Globacom (12%), and 9mobile (2%). Diversified revenues across consumer, enterprise, and wholesale segments further solidify its market leadership as rising data demand reshapes Nigeria’s telecom economy.
MTN Group Pushes AI Data Centre Expansion in Africa
MTN Group is in advanced talks with U.S. and European partners to co-develop AI data centres across Africa. Its new division, Genova, has already launched a $240 million facility in Nigeria.
CEO Ralph Mupita told Bloomberg that the project aims to bring computing power closer to African businesses and governments while also serving global cloud providers like Microsoft. With Africa home to 18% of the world’s population but only 1–2% of global data centre capacity, the move targets reduced costs, better performance, and stronger data sovereignty.
Secret Service Foils Telecom Threat Network in New York
The U.S. Secret Service has dismantled a clandestine setup of 300 servers and 10,000 SIM cards capable of disrupting cell towers across the New York tri-state area. The discovery came during investigations into threatening calls made to White House and Secret Service officials earlier this year.
Authorities say the network no longer poses a danger, but they warn that similar operations may be active elsewhere. Alongside the telecom equipment, investigators seized firearms, narcotics, and other illicit items—underscoring the risks such covert systems pose to communications security and public safety.
