Abuja, July 2, 2025 — The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has formally approved a landmark national roaming and spectrum-sharing agreement between MTN Nigeria and 9Mobile, granting 9Mobile’s subscribers access to MTN’s network infrastructure for a period of three years.
The deal, which received regulatory clearance in May 2025 after nearly five years in the making, enables 9Mobile users to make calls, send SMS messages, and use mobile data on MTN’s network in locations where 9Mobile’s own coverage is weak or absent . For MTN, the arrangement provides access to underutilised spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands, enhancing capacity and improving service quality—especially in densely populated areas .
The initiative aligns with the NCC’s push for infrastructure sharing and spectrum efficiency. By leveraging MTN’s widely deployed network, 9Mobile can boost its service reach cost-effectively, helping to retain subscribers and possibly regain market share. The company’s share had slumped to just 1.72 percent by April 2025 due to declining network quality and subscriber attrition .
Telecom insiders note this could reposition 9Mobile in Nigeria’s competitive telecom landscape, occupied by larger rivals Airtel and MTN. However, the success of the deal depends on a smooth rollout, competitive pricing, and effective marketing .
