MTN, Airtel enter into infrastructure-sharing agreement in Nigeria, Uganda
…set to boost mobile connectivity in underserved areas
By Blessing Emmanuel
MTN Group and Airtel Africa have entered into a network infrastructure-sharing agreement in Nigeria and Uganda to enhance mobile connectivity, particularly in underserved regions.
The telecom giants announced the partnership on Wednesday, underscoring their commitment to improving mobile services and reducing costs through shared infrastructure.
The agreement seeks to bridge connectivity gaps in remote and rural areas, where millions still lack access to dependable mobile services.
The companies believe that by collaborating, they can accelerate the expansion of mobile networks and provide enhanced digital services to a broader population.
According to the statement, MTN and Airtel Africa will explore various forms of network sharing, including Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing and fibre infrastructure collaboration. They may also jointly develop new fibre networks where required, ensuring a more extensive and resilient network for their customers.
MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, underlined the growing demand for data services in Africa and the necessity for telecom companies to invest in expanding coverage and capacity.
“At MTN, we are driven by the vision of delivering digital solutions that advance Africa’s progress, and we continue to witness strong demand for digital and financial services across our markets,” Mupita said.
He added that infrastructure sharing could enable telecom companies to operate more efficiently while securing better returns on their investments. This is particularly crucial as businesses strive to manage costs while delivering high-quality services.
Similarly, Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar, stressed the advantages of working together while maintaining robust market competition.
“As we compete vigorously in the market through the strength of our brand, services, and offerings, we are also constructing shared infrastructure within the permissible regulatory framework,” Taldar said.
He explained that this collaboration would establish a stronger digital highway, facilitating the expansion of digital and financial inclusion across Nigeria and Uganda. By pooling infrastructure, both companies can avoid the costly duplication of network investments and concentrate on delivering superior services to their customers.
