By the end of July, 9mobile services are expected to be seen everywhere again in the country where MTN has services. The new roaming arrangement is expected to take effect from next week.
  
Both MTN and 9mobile, after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) gave the approval, yesterday in Lagos, formally announced the agreement.
Roaming arrangements in telecommunications allow mobile phone users to access voice, text and data services when outside their home network’s coverage area, by connecting to other networks. These arrangements are facilitated through agreements between different network operators, enabling seamless connectivity for users on the move. 

By the arrangements, 9mobile hoped to regain its over 22 million lost subscribers in the country.The Guardian checks showed that 9mobile presently struggles to retain the remaining two million subscribers on its network.

Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile, Obafemi Banigbe, said this partnership journey would be backed up by MTN. Banigbe said the initial term of the agreement was a three-year grant, which will see 9mobile subscribers use MTN’s radio access coverage across the country.  

“Remember, sometimes at the beginning of last year, we had the press briefing where we explained exactly what we’re doing in order for us to get 9mobile back into a competitive space in the market. We discussed the opportunities we have and told you that our mantra is to build our network where we must and then share infrastructure where we can,” he stated.

According to him, part of the restructuring is what “we are doing today, the roaming arrangements have started.” He added: “It is a commercial partnership. It is a win-win for both parties. It is not a freeloader; both of us are paying for services we render for each other.”He also said the operators were in it for the long run, and it is expected to improve telecommunications in the country.  

The CEO of MTN, Karl Toriola, said the company was committed to this national roaming partnership because it would help boost the country’s economy.  

Toriola, who was represented by MTN’s Chief Enterprises Officer, Linda Saint-Nwafor, added that the partnership was the first in the country and the entire West and East and Central Africa.  
  
The MTN boss clarified that the partnership was not a porting arrangement, as both parties would still retain their customers on their networks. 

He said it also marked a major shift in the competitive dynamics of Nigeria’s telecoms sector, where infrastructure sharing has long been discussed but rarely implemented at this scale.
  
“This agreement represents a significant step in our commitment to driving industry collaboration, improving customer experience, and supporting the NCC’s vision of a fully connected Nigeria,” said MTN Nigeria CEO.

He added:”Delivering the scale required for telecommunications services in Nigeria requires strong collaboration between the private sector, public sector and long-term investors. This agreement demonstrates what we can achieve when we collaborate, and we are delighted to announce it today after months of groundwork.”
 
9mobile customers have long complained of persistent network failures, prompting many to abandon the service and switch to rival providers.