TechPression

Tag: African Telecom

  • Nigerian telecom subscriptions hit 169.3 million in January 2025

    Nigerian telecom subscriptions hit 169.3 million in January 2025

    Active mobile subscriptions in Nigeria increased from 164.9 million in December 2024 to 169.3 million in January 2025, according to a Tuesday report by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

    Mobile subscriptions from major providers, MTN and Airtel, which grew their subscriber bases during the study period, were the main drivers of the development.

    Read also: MTN Nigeria’s subscriber base grows despite NIN-SIM Mandate, reaches 80.9 million in 2024

    Recovery from NIN-SIM linkage implementation policy 

    The data indicates that the telecom industry is still recovering from a previous setback, when the NCC banned SIMs that were not linked to users National Identification Number(NIN)

    in February 2024.

    NCC’s implementation of the NIN-SIM linkage policy incurred massive losses for the telecom industry.

    MTN cut off 4.2 million lines as a result, and Airtel reported 4.9 million pending NIN verifications.

    This led to a substantial decline in active mobile subscriptions, which fell from 218.4 million in January 2024 to 169.3 million in January 2025, with September 2024 seeing the lowest number at 154.9 million.

    In addition, the increase in active subscriptions raised Nigeria’s teledensity—a metric that counts the number of active phone connections per 100 residents—from 76.08 percent in December 2024 to 78.10 percent.

    Breakdown of the mobile subscriptions

    MTN increased its market share to 51.7 percent by gaining 2.9 million new customers in January 2025, bringing its total number of consumers to 87.5 million, up from 84.6 million in December 2024.

    With the addition of new customers, Airtel’s base grew from 56.6 million to 57.6 million, raising its market share to 34.1 percent.

    After losing users in early 2024 as a result of regulatory examinations, Globacom showed indications of rebounding, increasing its subscriber base from 20.1 million in December 2024 to 20.5 million in January 2025.

    But for three months in a row, 9mobile’s subscriber base remained stagnant at 3.2 million, continuing its declining trajectory.

    The operator’s 2016 dominance, when it had 23.4 million users and a 15.7 percent market share, stands in stark contrast to its current numbers.

    Porting statistics 

    According to the outgoing porting breakdown, Due to 6,716 subscribers moving to competing networks, 9mobile lost the most users overall.

    Airtel reported 399 outbound portings, Globacom lost 405 users, and MTN lost 1,188 consumers.

    However, Globacom saw 736 new customers, Airtel added 2,414 porting consumers, and MTN added 5,551 new customers from other networks.

    The fact that 9mobile only added seven new porting customers in January 2025 highlights the company’s difficulties in the market.

    Read also: MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola: Does he really earn N8.5 million daily?

    Nigeria’s internet usage 

    In January 2025, Nigeria’s internet usage surpassed one million terabytes, hitting 1,000,930.60 TB, up from 973,455.35 TB in December 2024.

    With elements like social media, e-commerce, remote work, and video streaming all playing a part, the growth underscores a rising dependence on digital services.

    Nigeria had a rise in 5G adoption from 2.46% in December 2024 to 2.54% in January 2025. Even while the growth is still slow, it shows that people are becoming more and more interested in faster internet, especially in cities where 5G networks are being installed. 5G adoption is on the rise, which is consistent with the continuous growth of telecom infrastructure.

    Nevertheless, even with the rise, 5G still only makes up a small portion of all mobile connectivity, suggesting that further adoption will be contingent upon additional network development and the affordability of devices compatible with 5G.

  • Nigeria to construct 7000 telecom towers in rural areas to bridge digital gap

    Nigeria to construct 7000 telecom towers in rural areas to bridge digital gap

    The Nigerian government on Thursday announced plans to invest in the construction of 7,000 telecom towers throughout the nation’s rural areas as part of efforts to bridge the digital gap.

    Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, made the announcement at a meeting with State House correspondents in Abuja on Thursday.

    The minister explained that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the construction of 7,000 additional towers tol support the nation’s current 90,000-kilometre fiber-optic cable deployment.

    Read also: Ethio Telecom introduces cloud-based core banking solution to simplify business operations

    Nigerian government’s commitment to bridge digital gap 

    Minister Tijani said that the government is dedicated to ensuring Nigerians living in underprivileged areas have “meaningful access” to high-quality telecommunication services.

    The minister further said that the administration’s larger objective of enhancing economic possibilities and digital inclusion for all residents is in line with the rural infrastructure investment.

    He said, “The priority for this government is meaningful access. We don’t want our people to just have access to telecommunication services; we want it to be of high quality.”

    “That is why the NCC has been working thoroughly to ensure that we shift the focus not just to quality of service, but to quality of experience,” he emphasised.

    50% telecom tariff hike 

    Speaking on the approved pricing hike for telecom operators, Minister Tijani stated that the approval was a difficult but necessary decision to balance the interests of the investors, stakeholders enterprises, and citizens.

    He stressed that the telecom industry, which has so far employed close to half a million Nigerians, must be protected by the government.

    “We have to ensure that when telecom companies invest, we can keep them afloat. This is a sector that employs close to half a million people in this country, including the value chain,” the minister explained.

    Read also: Telecom, financial services lead as Nigeria’s GDP growth rate hits 3.84% in Q4 2024

    Difficult decision between telecom sector’s sustainability and customers’ affordability 

    According to him, the government had to carefully balance the need to maintain telecom businesses’ viability with the need to guarantee that Nigerians would always have access to reasonably priced, high-quality services.

    “It was quite a difficult decision, balancing the need to allow these businesses to be sustainable and stay afloat, but at the same time ensuring that every citizen can have access to telecommunication services,” the minister added.

  • African Telecom CEOs urge policy changes for digital growth

    African Telecom CEOs urge policy changes for digital growth

    CEOs from six prominent African mobile service providers have issued a joint statement at the MWC Kigali 2023 event, addressing the importance of government policy reforms in Africa to support digital growth.

    The group, representing leading operators in the region, emphasised the need for new policies that promote the positive and inclusive impacts of mobile technology, with a focus on addressing investment and usage gaps.

    Read also: Alterra gets Dangote backing to invest in Africa’s telecommunications

    Championing Tax Reform

    The CEOs called for comprehensive tax reform, citing the GSMA Mobile Tax Policy and Digital Development report’s revelation that taxes and fees currently account for 30% of industry revenues. They emphasised that tax rationalisation and targeted fiscal policy reforms can enhance affordability for consumers and incentivize operator investments.

    One key recommendation is the removal of taxes on low-cost smartphones, as well as sector-specific taxes. By implementing these reforms, they believe it will stimulate economic growth and advance digital development in the region. The CEOs highlighted the industry’s current contribution of $170 billion (8.1% of GDP) to the sub-Saharan region. The sector has committed to investing an additional $75 billion, expecting to boost sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP by $210 billion by 2030.

    Regulatory Support and Climate Action

    In addition to tax reforms, the CEOs urged governments to provide regulatory support for implementing the UN Broadband Commission’s recommendations for bridging broadband connectivity gaps. They also called for climate action policies to enhance access to renewable electricity for corporate buyers.

    While the mobile industry plays a vital role in Africa’s development, the CEOs stressed the need for ongoing political support. They emphasised the importance of establishing the right market structures and conditions to avoid unnecessary fragmentation, along with policies that facilitate the investment environment necessary for the industry’s success. The CEOs are confident that with the right policy reforms, the mobile sector in Africa can continue to drive growth and digital development across the continent.

    The mobile sector in Africa has been a significant catalyst for socio-economic development, particularly in regions where infrastructure and traditional telecommunications services may be lacking. With over 1.1 billion mobile subscribers on the continent, mobile technology has provided essential services, including access to banking, healthcare, education, and e-commerce, even in remote and underserved areas.

    However, the CEOs noted that despite the industry’s substantial contributions, it continues to face challenges, especially in terms of taxation. High taxes and fees, which account for a significant portion of industry revenues, can hamper affordability for consumers and act as a disincentive for further investments. By reforming fiscal policies, the sector can provide more accessible and affordable mobile services, encouraging broader adoption and stimulating economic growth.

    Removing taxes on low-cost smartphones is one of the key proposals set forth by the CEOs. By making smartphones more affordable, it opens the doors to digital inclusion, enabling more individuals to access essential services, educational resources, and job opportunities. Additionally, sector-specific taxes, which can create financial burdens for operators, were also highlighted as a barrier to growth. Removing these barriers can unlock the full potential of the mobile industry in Africa.

    The mobile industry plays a pivotal role in Africa’s economy, contributing $170 billion (8.1% of GDP) to the sub-Saharan region. It has also committed to investing an additional $75 billion, with the expectation of boosting sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP by $210 billion by 2030. These investments have the potential to create new industries, jobs, and opportunities for economic growth.

    Telecom income to rise 100% for FG

    Regulatory Support and Climate Action

    In addition to taxation reform, the CEOs have called for regulatory support to implement the recommendations of the UN Broadband Commission’s 21st Century Financing Models for Bridging Broadband Connectivity Gaps. By facilitating an environment that supports investment and innovation, it is possible to bridge the digital divide and ensure that mobile services are available to more people across Africa.

    Moreover, climate action policies were highlighted as essential for improving access to renewable electricity. The mobile industry has a significant role in providing access to connectivity and services in remote areas, and sustainable energy sources can further enhance its reach and impact.

    A United Front for Digital Growth

    The CEOs’ joint statement represents a united front among major African mobile operators. They have recognized the challenges they face in the current policy environment and have expressed a collective commitment to addressing these issues. By working together with governments and stakeholders, they aim to create an environment that fosters digital growth, empowers individuals, and drives socio-economic development across the African continent.