Nigeria has one of the biggest telecommunication markets in the world. The country has millions of telecommunication subscribers from all across the nation.
Before 2016, the Nigerian currency was stable because oil prices were high but since there was a fall in oil price, the country was unable to attract foreign investors and saw many problems.
With this, the Nigerian telecom sector faced a lot of challenges and problems because of dropping oil prices but in spite of all of this, Nigeria is still one of the latest telecom markets in entire Africa, having an active telecom customer base of over 190 million. As far as different network providers are concerned, then there are four main mobile network providers in Nigeria, which are MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile. So, how do these mobile network providers stack up against each other and which of these network providers is the best? Let’s find out:
MTN
MTN was launched in Nigeria about two decades ago in 2001. It was among the first few network providers in the country and it is a subsidiary of the MTN group. Since its invention, the company has invested over $2 billion to provide fast, reliable, and affordable internet to subscribers all across the country.
Currently, MTN can be considered one of the best network providers in the country because of the services that it provides. MTN provides its service that includes telecom and data services to over 200 cities all across the country. It is Nigeria’s premier network provider and it is the largest privately-owned mobile network provider in the entire Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. MTN holds the biggest market share of all the network providers in entire Africa, having a customer base of over 62 million.
GLO or Globacom
GLO or Globacom was launched back in 2003, just two years after MTN was launched in the country. GLO is owned by the second richest Nigerian, Mike Adengua. After MTN, GLO is the second-best telecom network provider in the country, having more than 39 million subscribers from all across the country.
Along with Nigeria, GLO has expanded its services by providing its services across other African nations such as Ghana, Benin, etc. The famous GLO-1 submarine communication cable system along the west coast of Africa between Nigeria and the UK is owned by GLO. Because of the wide range of fast and reliable services that it offers, GLO is preferred by many customers in Nigeria.
Airtel
Airtel is an Indian telecommunication company that operates in about 20 countries across Asia and Africa. The network provider is most popular in India, its origin country. In Nigeria, Airtel is one of the leading network providers and provides 2G, 3G, and 4G services all across the country.
Just like GLO, Airtel also has a very wide customer base with over 39 million subscribers from all across the country. If we compare the internet speeds of Airtel with other subscribers then in certain parts of the country, the online Speed Test has shown Airtel’s internet to be significantly faster and more reliable than other networks out there, even faster than GLO. So, between GLO and Airtel, it is a tie and depends on customers’ personal preferences.
9Mobile
9mobile comes at the number and it is a relatively new telecom network provider. It was launched only a few years ago, in 2017 after Etisalat departed from the country because of its inability to pay the $1.2 billion loans that it incurred during the time they were providing its services. After Etisalat decided to leave the country, 9mobile was launched.
Since 9mobile is a relatively new provider, it has taken over the market with a subscriber base of over 6 million users, which is around 7% of the market share. Although the company is relatively new, the company is trying its best to provide the best services to its subscribers from around the country.
These were the different mobile network providers that are prevalent in the Nigerian market. As far as coverage and services are concerned, MTN tops the table as it has a wider coverage and is even accessible in most rural areas.
It is a tough tie between Airtel and GLO, both of which are working hard to prove themselves in the country. Although Airtel doesn’t have as good of coverage as MTN, its services that include data plans and call tariffs are very affordable. The same is the case for GLO, which too offers cheap and affordable data & call plans. 9Mobile is a relatively new provider and it has yet to prove itself in the Nigerian market.
FAQs
MTN Nigeria, just MTN, is the largest operator in Nigeria. It also has the best network in Nigeria.
Which network is most reliable in Nigeria? ›
1. MTN Nigeria: A subsidiary of MTN group which was first to start calling as a means of communication is considered the leading mobile operator in Nigeria with over 62, 843, 182 customers. The plus is that their motto is actually working for them, and everywhere you go you must see one or two MTN users.
Which network provider is the fastest in Nigeria? ›
In Nigeria, Airtel Networks has been described as the leading network provider with the fastest internet speed. This follows the speed test intelligence gathered in Ookla's 2021 Q3 report.
Is Glo better than MTN? ›
In a nutshell, MTN has a wider 4G coverage than glo, and MTN kind of 4G technology supports more devices than that of Glo.
Which SIM gives unlimited data in Nigeria? ›
Tizeti (wifi.com.ng) deploys unlimited internet to residential and business customers which allow customers to get the full benefit of the internet with no data or time caps. Its coverage areas include Lagos, Ogun, and Port Harcourt, and the company said it is expanding its network to cover the entire Nigeria.
Which SIM has 5G in Nigeria? ›
Mafab joined MTN Nigeria which had earlier rolled out its 5G network with more than 600 sites in August 2022. Airtel Nigeria will also be joining the fray later this year all things being equal.
Who is the best signal in Nigeria? ›
The results of the study revealed that MTN has the maximum signal strength with a mean value of - 68.33 dBm, directly followed by Globacom (-80.41 dBm) and Airtel with -83.13 dBm.
What is the slowest network in Nigeria? ›
Nigeria's providers ranked as follows: ipNX, KKONTech, Glo, Airtel, Spectranet, MTN, SWIFT, Cobranet, Tizeti and Smile. The fastest, ipNX, had a median speed of 21.34 bps while Smile, the slowest, had 2.44 mbps.
What is the fastest 4G LTE network in Nigeria? ›
Airtel was the fastest mobile operator among the network providers in Nigeria in the first three months of 2021, according to the latest Speedtest Intelligence data from Ookla.
Is there a new network provider in Nigeria? ›
The launch ceremony took place in Abuja on Tuesday January 24 and in Lagos on Thursday January 26, 2023. This announcement comes five months after MTN launched its 5G network in August 2022 and MAFAB was given a five-month extension for its 5G network rollout by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Glo scored 72.2 percent, and 9mobile, 48.9 percent. For the third quarter in a row, Airtel is the fastest mobile operator among other providers in Nigeria with a speed score of 33.43 in Q3 2021, a slight increase from 28.82 during Q2 2021, data from Speedtest intelligence showed.
Which network is Nigeria using? ›
There are four major mobile network providers in Nigeria: MTN, Globacom, Airtel and 9Mobile.
Which is the best network in Africa? ›
MTN South Africa came in first place with a median download speed of 65.95 Mbps, followed by Vodacom South Africa and Safaricom Kenya, with median download speeds of 48.71 Mbps and 36.25 Mbps, respectively.
Which SIM card network is the best? ›
Summary : Best Network SIM Card Provider in India 2023. Airtel SIM: #1 Mobile Network Provider in India.
How much is MTN SIM card in Nigeria? ›
Thanks. Y'ello, thank you for contacting us. Please see attached image for selected MTN offices where you can purchase a sim card. Sim card costs N100 only.
How much is MTN unlimited data per month? ›
MTN South Africa has launched uncapped wireless Internet plans aimed at home users – and they're priced competitively next to uncapped fibre solutions.
Can a foreigner get a SIM card in Nigeria? ›
Only visitors coming into the country for a short stay or passing through the airports can use this plan. To use this plan, visitors are required to register the special SIM(Visitor's SIM) with their biometrics, return ticket, and international passport from their country before using the SIM. 5GB data.
Which app gives free data in Nigeria? ›
Gigato. Gigato is the best-known app that will provide you with FREE internet data. Installing the app can allow the user to get data benefits, which can be redeemed to your mobile that from your Gigato carrier as and when needed.
Who bought 5G in Nigeria? ›
Airtel Africa has acquired 5G spectrum capacity in Nigeria, one of the region's largest economies.
Do we have 5G phones in Nigeria? ›
The Tecno Camon 19 Pro 5G Android smartphone was announced in June 2022. The phone features a 6.8″ display, MT6833P Dimensity 810 chipset, and 5000 mAh battery. It comes in two variants of 128GB 8GB RAM, and 256GB 8GB RAM.
In his remarks, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami said with the deployment of 5G network in Nigeria by Mafab and MTN about 3.6 to 4.8m jobs would be created in the next 10 years.
Which carrier has best signal? ›
Verizon has the most nation-wide coverage, while AT&T and T-Mobile are neck and neck, and Sprint is far behind coming in last place. The group of four major cell phone providers in the U.S. is known as the Big Four, and it includes Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint.
Who has the best signal strength? ›
Verizon has the best 4G LTE coverage that spans across 70% of the United States.
...
Overview:
- #1 in 4G LTE Coverage.
- #2 in Connectivity.
- #3 in 5G Coverage.
- #3 in Average Download Speeds.
On October 31, 1959, from Agodi, in Ibadan, present Oyo State, the first television station not only in Nigeria but in tropical Africa, the Western Nigeria Television (WNTV), berthed. Mr Olapade Obisesan was the first Chairman.
Which mobile network is the oldest in Nigeria? ›
History. The company was founded in 2001 as Econet Nigeria and was awarded Digital Mobile License (DML) for communication service in Nigeria. It made history on August 5, 2001 by becoming the first telecommunications service provider to launch commercial GSM services in Nigeria.
Who has the strongest 4G network? ›
Verizon is the best 4G home internet service if you just need a wireless internet connection for your home. Verizon has the best cellular network and the pricing on its unlimited 4G home internet is excellent. T-Mobile is a close second; it's a bit more expensive but sometimes records even faster speeds than Verizon.
What 5G bands are used in Nigeria? ›
According to the NCC, the offering includes remaining lots of 2 x 100 megahertz (MHz) in the 3.5 GHz spectrum band “to support 5G deployment in Nigeria”.
Do they have LTE in Nigeria? ›
We launched the first 4G LTE network in Nigeria with three major operators in 2016 and now we operate almost 60% of the market in partnership with them.
How many network providers are in Nigeria? ›
Nigeria has the most competitive fixed-line market in Africa, featuring a second national operator (Globacom) and over 80 other companies licensed to provide fixed-telephony services.
Is MTN faster than Vodacom? ›
MTN retains its awards for the fastest overall speeds in South Africa. MTN users see the fastest average overall download and upload speeds in South Africa. The operator wins Download Speed Experience outright with speeds clocking in at 29Mbps — 3.9Mbps (15.4%) faster than Vodacom's result of 25.1Mbps.
Glo offers 800MB with 100% bonus at N500 valid for 10 days. At the same value, 9mobile offers 500MB valid for 30 days. The prices and value for other data plans vary for the two network service providers.
Which is the fastest network in Africa? ›
MTN has the fastest Internet connection in sub-Saharan Africa, according to reports from two data and technology firms, Ookla and UmlaT.
Which network in Nigeria is best for international calls? ›
MTN happens to be the most popular mobile network in Nigeria and they have some of the best international calling rates as well. International calls on MTN are charged using the standard international calling rates. These rates differ from country to country but the rates are the same for landlines and mobile numbers.
Does Nigeria use Verizon? ›
For just $5 a day per line in Mexico and Canada and $10 a day per line in more than 210 countries and destinations you can take your domestic talk, text and data allowances with you.
...
TravelPass Countries.
| Countries L-Z | Cost per Device |
|---|
| Niger | $10 per day |
| Nigeria | $10 per day |
| Northern Antilles | $10 per day |
| Northern Ireland | $10 per day |
57 more rows- 9mobile.
- Airtel.
- Glo.
- MTN Mobile.
- ntel.
MTN dominance continues
MTN also came out on top in both the 2021 and 2020 Mobile Network Quality Reports from MyBroadband Insights.
Which is the richest mobile network in Africa? ›
The MTN Group operates throughout the region
The MTN Group is the largest mobile telecommunications provider in the region, operating across borders as well as in the Middle East. In 2022, MTN Nigeria generated 4.54 billion U.S. dollars of revenue, while MTN South Africa generated 2.98 billion U.S. dollars.
How can I get high speed Internet in Africa? ›
How to get reliable internet in any African country
- #1. Use top-rated ISPs.
- #2. Choose between mobile internet and fixed-line broadband connection.
- #3. Use free WiFi public hotspots.
By the end of last year, there were nearly 140 million “active lines” in Nigeria's mobile market. New data published last month in Quartz shows 66% of them are in dual sims phones.
Which SIM is used in USA? ›
If you want to buy the best SIM card in the United States, I recommend going with AT&T, T-Mobile, Google Fi, Metro by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, or Ultra Mobile. They offer the best value, options, and quality compared to the competition. AT&T has the best nationwide coverage, especially on 3G.
#1 AT&T Prepaid SIM
AT&T's network is not just well known, it's reliable in many areas within the United States, Canada and Mexico which means this temporary phone SIM is a great option for anyone spending time within said borders. AT&T is as well known as Samsung.
Can I get a Nigerian SIM card? ›
You can either buy a Nigeria prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.
How long does MTN SIM last? ›
*Active MTN prepaid SIMs needs a billing event (data, SMS, USSD or call) within the first 30 days after initial activation. After this, the SIM must have a revenue generating event from the SIM (call, SMS or data session) within every 90 days. After 90 days dormancy, the MSISDN may be expired by the network.
Will my MTN SIM work in Nigeria? ›
The MTN TravelPass plan is a subscription-based roaming plan which offers unlimited calls, SMS, and 1GB of data to be used across 40+ countries and destinations. With unlimited calling and texting, you can use your MTN line while travelling, as you would at home in Nigeria.
Which SIM has best network coverage? ›
Airtel SIM: #1 Mobile Network Provider in India.
How can I call Nigeria from USA for free? ›
What Code Do I Use to Call Nigeria From USA for Free? With Yolla, you don't need a special code to call Nigeria from the USA for free. Use the same number format as you do when making a paid call: 011 + country code [+234] + area code + number. Making a free call with Yolla is the same as making a paid call.
How to use ATT in Nigeria? ›
ATT does not provide service in Nigeria, you would be roaming internationally from Nigeria if your brother has a postpaid account. If he has a prepaid account, you won't have service in Nigeria.
What is the best way to call Nigeria from us? ›
Dial: 011 + 234 + City Code + Local Number.
Which carrier has best 4G LTE network? ›
Verizon Wireless Cell Phone Coverage Map
Verizon has the best 4G LTE coverage that spans across 70% of the United States. That's 2% more than AT&T and 8% more than T-Mobile. It covers 327 million people over 2.68 million square miles. Depending on your location, you may be covered by Verizon's 5G.
Which network is the strongest? ›
The group of four major cell phone providers in the U.S. is known as the Big Four, and it includes Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint. Without question, Verizon's 4G LTE network has the best coverage, with 70% nationwide coverage, followed by AT&T with 68%, T-Mobile with 62%, and Sprint with 30%.
Although 4G is recommended, as stated above, it can use more of your data more quickly in a given time frame. Most apps and mobile services operate on both 4G and 3G without problems. You can also change the DNS settings on your Android.
How many networks are there in Nigeria? ›
There are four major mobile network providers in Nigeria: MTN, Globacom, Airtel and 9Mobile.
Which is better Etisalat or Vodafone? ›
Customer satisfaction with the quality of voice service:
Etisalat achieved a rate of 78%, followed by Orange with 76%, while Vodafone came third with 75% and WE came last with 74%.
