MTN, Airtel sign network-sharing deal to boost coverage, cut costs
Nigeria’s two largest telecommunications companies, MTN Group and Airtel Africa, have signed a major network-sharing agreement aimed at expanding service coverage and reducing operational costs in Nigeria and Uganda.
The deal, announced on Tuesday, aims to accelerate internet penetration, particularly in underserved and rural areas, while optimizing infrastructure investments.
MTN and Airtel will share mobile network infrastructure such as towers, base stations, and fiber-optic networks to improve connectivity and service delivery. By avoiding costly duplication of infrastructure, the companies aim to lower the financial burden of expanding networks, especially as demand for 5G services grows.
“The agreement allows us to drive higher operational efficiencies and improve returns by leveraging existing regulatory frameworks for infrastructure sharing,” said MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar also emphasized the benefits of the partnership, stating that it would allow both companies to extend their reach while maintaining competitive services. “As we compete in the market with our brand and service offerings, building common infrastructure enables us to provide a more robust digital highway while avoiding unnecessary duplication,” Taldar said.
Beyond Nigeria and Uganda, the two telecom giants are considering similar network-sharing arrangements in other African countries, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia. According to industry reports, the companies are exploring multiple collaboration models, including radio access network (RAN) sharing—the largest cost component in network deployment—and fiber infrastructure agreements.
Regulators across Africa have been pushing for increased infrastructure sharing among telecom operators to reduce costs and improve service delivery. The new agreement aligns with these objectives, potentially leading to lower prices and better service quality for customers.
The agreement is expected to be fully implemented over the next few months, with MTN and Airtel beginning infrastructure integration in key locations across Nigeria and Uganda.
