After nearly five years in limbo, 9mobile is finally set to roll out national roaming on MTN’s network in June, following formal approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The move will allow 9mobile subscribers to access calls, SMS, and data in areas where its network is weak or unavailable, by piggybacking on MTN’s expansive infrastructure.
The national roaming journey began in August 2020 with a three-month pilot, but a full rollout was delayed until now. The heart of the deal lies in a spectrum-sharing and roaming agreement that gives 9mobile reach without the high cost of expanding its own infrastructure.
For 9mobile, it’s a lifeline. The operator has bled subscribers in recent years due to poor coverage and service disruptions. With rivals like Globacom losing ground, its market share dropped to 11.9% in April 2025, the race for Nigeria’s third-largest operator is wide open. Analysts believe 9mobile could reclaim relevance if it markets well and leverages its now-expanded reach.
“Identity still matters, many users are emotionally tied to their numbers,” said a telecom executive familiar with the deal. “If 9mobile packages smartly, they could claw their way back.”
MTN also benefits. In exchange for network access, MTN gets to tap into 9mobile’s underused spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands valuable assets for improving coverage and easing congestion in both rural and urban areas.
However, regulatory oversight may limit how the spectrum is used. The NCC is expected to monitor closely to avoid unfair advantages or market distortions.
Beyond this bilateral win, the NCC views the agreement as a milestone in its broader strategy encouraging infrastructure sharing to cut costs and improve network quality across Nigeria.
As the June launch nears, 9mobile’s future may hinge on execution. Done right, this deal could become a model for how smaller telcos stay in the game, while offering millions of Nigerians a shot at better, more reliable connectivity.
