- MTN leases spectrum from T2 to boost roaming and capacity.
- MVNO rollout may take 5–7 years in Nigeria.
- Airtel launches SmartConnect 5G ODU router.
- MTN hosts Fintech Summit on Africa’s digital finance future.
MTN Nigeria Secures Approval to Lease Spectrum from T2 Mobile
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has obtained regulatory approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to lease spectrum from T2 Mobile Limited (formerly 9Mobile). Effective October 1, 2025, the agreement covers 5 MHz of Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) in the 900 MHz band and 15 MHz of FDD in the 1800 MHz band for a period of three years.
The spectrum lease underpins MTN’s national roaming agreement with T2, enabling it to accommodate additional traffic from T2 customers accessing MTN’s network. By pairing spectrum leasing with roaming, MTN is reinforcing its strategy of collaboration, infrastructure sharing, and digital inclusion.
MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, described the deal as a major step in the company’s Ambition 2025 strategy, stressing that it will boost service quality and connectivity nationwide while strengthening network capacity to meet growing demand.
MVNO Integration in Nigeria Could Take 5–7 Years, Experts Warn
The rollout of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria is expected to take five to seven years before making a significant impact, according to industry experts. Despite the NCC issuing over 40 MVNO licences since 2023, adoption has been slow, with infrastructure deficits and commercial challenges hindering progress.
MVNOs rely on leasing capacity from established operators such as MTN and Airtel, but many face difficulty negotiating viable wholesale agreements. This, coupled with limited infrastructure, has intensified competition for already constrained network resources.
Speaking at a recent forum, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighted the global growth potential of MVNOs and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to building an enabling environment. Stakeholders argue that resolving wholesale pricing issues and expanding infrastructure will be key to unlocking competition and consumer benefits such as lower prices, wider choice, and improved service offerings.
Airtel Nigeria Launches SmartConnect 5G Outdoor Router
Airtel Nigeria has unveiled its SmartConnect 5G Outdoor Unit (ODU) Router, a broadband device designed to deliver high-speed, stable, and affordable internet access. The outdoor-mounted router captures stronger signals, ensuring more reliable connectivity in both urban and peri-urban areas.
Key features include:
• Nationwide Coverage: Seamless access to Airtel’s 5G network, with automatic fallback to 4G LTE where 5G is unavailable.
• Multi-User Capability: Supports up to 64 connected devices, suitable for homes and small businesses.
• Power Backup: Provides five to six hours of connectivity during power outages.
• Parental Controls: Built-in features to manage access and enhance online safety.
“Our mission has always been to democratize access to technology,” said Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh. “SmartConnect eliminates barriers of cost and complexity, making high-speed internet accessible to households and small enterprises alike.”
The launch underscores Airtel’s ambition to expand digital access and empower more Nigerians to participate in the digital economy.
MTN Group Fintech Summit 2025: Charting Africa’s Digital Financial Future
MTN Group Fintech, Africa’s largest digital financial services platform, has concluded its inaugural Fintech Summit in Johannesburg. The three-day event brought together more than 350 delegates — including regulators, policymakers, innovators, and business leaders — to discuss the future of digital finance on the continent.
Under the theme “Take-Off”, discussions centred on mobile money’s role in driving financial inclusion, empowering SMEs, and enabling digital ecosystems to fuel economic growth. Delegates explored solutions to expand access for Africa’s unbanked population and ways to build interoperable platforms that enhance customer experience and financial independence.
The summit highlighted mobile money’s transformative potential in improving financial access for millions of Africans. It also reaffirmed MTN Group Fintech’s commitment to fostering sustainable digital financial systems that will strengthen economies and create new opportunities across the continent.
