The clarification was contained in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document released on Tuesday, outlining how the policy will be implemented and who qualifies for compensation.

According to the Commission, the directive applies specifically to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that fail to meet the prescribed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Quality of Service (QoS). These operators include major providers such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, and 9mobile, although the NCC did not specify which of them had fallen short of the required standards.

The Commission noted that the compensation covers service disruptions affecting voice calls, data services, and SMS. To qualify, subscribers must have experienced poor network service in an affected Local Government Area and carried out at least one revenue-generating activity—such as a billed call, SMS, or data session—during the relevant period.

Importantly, the NCC stated that compensation will be issued automatically, without requiring any application from subscribers. Operators have been mandated to identify affected users and credit them directly.

“Only service failures that fall below the defined thresholds set by the Quality of Service Regulations will qualify for compensation,” the Commission said, adding that brief or quickly resolved interruptions may not be eligible.

The policy applies to both individual and corporate subscribers. While the directive focuses on mobile network operators, the NCC noted that a separate compensation framework is already in place for Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

The initiative forms part of the Commission’s broader regulatory efforts to strengthen consumer protection and improve service delivery across Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. The NCC emphasised that reliable telecom services are critical to economic productivity, social interaction, and access to digital opportunities, warning that poor service quality can undermine public confidence and commercial activities.

The regulator added that the compensation framework complements existing enforcement measures aimed at ensuring operators invest in infrastructure, expand network capacity, and meet growing demand.

The post NCC Begins Enforcement of Subscriber Compensation for Poor Network Service appeared first on Tech Digest News.

Under the three-year agreement, MTN will lease 5MHz frequency in the 900MHz band and 15MHz in the 1800MHz band. The arrangement is expected to complement MTN’s national roaming partnership with T2, enabling the company to absorb increased network traffic from T2 customers using its infrastructure.

Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, described the deal as part of the company’s Ambition 2025 strategy to deliver high-quality connectivity in a sustainable manner. He added that the agreement strengthens collaboration in the telecom sector and expands broadband access to support Nigeria’s digital transformation.

MTN also confirmed that it will not renew its existing lease with Natcom Development and Investment Ltd (Ntel), which expires in November 2025.

The announcement comes as T2 Mobile recorded its first subscriber gain of the year in July, adding 290,601 users after months of decline. Despite this growth, the operator remains the smallest among Nigeria’s four major telcos, holding just 1.61% market share compared to MTN’s dominant 52.7%.

The post MTN to Lease Spectrum from 9Mobile Successor T2 Mobile appeared first on Tech Digest News.

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), 9mobile was the only major operator to grow its customer base in July, while MTN, Airtel, and Globacom all recorded losses. The overall number of active mobile subscriptions in Nigeria fell from 171.5 million in June to 169.1 million in July.

Airtel suffered the steepest decline, losing 2.4 million users and dropping to 56.5 million subscriptions. MTN shed 106,345 users, bringing its total to 89.1 million, while Globacom lost 143,701 subscribers, leaving it with 20.7 million.

Despite its gains, 9mobile remains a distant fourth with just 1.61 percent of the market, compared to MTN’s dominant 52.7 percent and Airtel’s 33.42 percent. Globacom holds 12.26 percent.

The decline in active lines pushed Nigeria’s teledensity — the number of active telephone lines per 100 inhabitants — down to 78.11 percent in July, from 79.22 percent in June, based on an estimated population of 216 million.

The post T2 Records First Subscriber Growth in a Year After MTN Deal appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The announcement was made at an event in Lagos on Friday, weeks after the firm disclosed a strategic partnership with MTN Nigeria to use its infrastructure to serve remaining customers. The rebrand also includes a shift in brand colours from green to orange, which the company says reflects maturity and readiness after years of turbulence.

Founded in 2008 as Etisalat Nigeria, the brand quickly gained a youthful following through innovative services, but by 2017, it was burdened with debts of over $1.2 billion. This prompted the exit of its UAE-based parent company and a takeover by a consortium of Nigerian banks, which renamed it 9mobile. The network has since struggled to compete with MTN, Airtel, and Globacom, leading to declining subscriber numbers and revenues.

T2 Chief Executive Officer Obafemi Banigbe said the company had survived through resilience, innovation, and strategic changes. “We are not ashamed of the scars we carry. Every setback has been a setup for our resilience as a business,” he said.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, congratulated T2 but urged the company to match its new image with improved service quality.

The post 9mobile Rebrands as T2 After Years of Market Struggles appeared first on Tech Digest News.

Under the agreement, 9Mobile customers will be able to automatically connect to MTN’s wider network in rural and underserved peri-urban areas where 9Mobile has limited or no coverage.

Industry analysts say the deal will improve voice and data service quality for 9Mobile subscribers, helping bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and supporting the government’s universal access objectives.

MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecom operator, said the partnership aligns with its commitment to expanding connectivity for all Nigerians. “National roaming ensures that customers stay connected no matter where they are,” said an MTN spokesperson.

For 9Mobile, the agreement offers a cost-effective way to boost its footprint without incurring the huge capital expenses of building out towers and base stations in remote areas.

Telecom experts see the deal as a win for consumers, especially in rural communities where service black spots have long hindered economic activities and emergency communications.

The NCC has encouraged more operators to explore similar partnerships, as part of its strategy to promote infrastructure sharing and ensure that Nigerians in remote areas enjoy reliable telecom services.

The post 9Mobile Secures MTN Roaming Partnership to Boost Rural Coverage for 3 Years appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – Following the recent announcement by Airtel Nigeria, three out of the four mobile network operators in Nigeria are now offering eSIM (embedded SIM) service. The two others are MTN Nigeria and 9mobile, who were the first telecom operators approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to commence the trial of the service in 2020.

eSIM is seen as the next step in the evolution of Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM cards) as it is designed to deliver unprecedented freedom and flexibility.

Unlike the physical SIM, you do not need to insert an eSIM into your phone as it is already built into your smartphone, device or wearable. You simply activate the eSIM with your account profile and you are ready to enjoy all the services you normally would with a physical SIM.

READ ALSO: Buhari Commissions National Tier IV Data Centre in Kano

Benefits of eSIM

eSIM allows you to have more than one phone number assigned to your smart device. It is beneficial for people who want to manage personal and business lines.

The possibility of losing or damaging your SIM is reduced because it is built into your device.
You no longer have to deal with cutting SIM cards or finding adapters.
eSIM allows the use of multiple mobile numbers, both physical and eSIMs on one device. This reduces the hassle of going about with multiple devices.
It eliminates the frequent complaints of damage or loss of SIM cards.
Frequent travellers will find the eSIM very convenient for switching network operators at a much easier rate.

How to activate an eSIM

To activate an eSIM, you need to first have a compatible phone. Currently, eSIM-enabled phones are still limited. However, a number of the latest devices from the top mobile manufacturers are built with this capability.

The following devices and their new models are eSIM enabled:

Apple iPhone XS and newer models
Samsung Galaxy S-series from S20
Samsung Galaxy Note series from Note20
Google Pixel 2 and more recent models
Samsung Galaxy Z and Galaxy Fold devices

The activation of eSIM on the networks of MTN, 9mobile and Airtel follows a similar pattern:

To activate an eSIM on MTN, you must visit any MTN store. The company’s customer care agents will check your device for eligibility and walk you through the setup process.

For 9mobile, the customer is also expected to walk into select 9Mobile Experience Centres and request an eSIM activation. A QR code will be provided to scan and download an eSIM profile and perform the usual SIM registration.

Airtel also requires you to visit any of its Service Centres where the customer care agents will walk you through the process of setting up your eSIM.

Note that an eSIM also requires a registration like the physical SIM. Also, a subscriber can convert his or her current physical SIM to an eSIM and vice versa.

The post How to activate eSIM on MTN, 9mobile, Airtel appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – As part of efforts to provide Nigerians with quality and stress-relieving entertainment, the customer-friendly telecommunications company, 9mobile, has launched its innovative online entertainment platform, 9TV.

9TV is a one-stop entertainment hub where 9mobile subscribers on pre-paid and hybrid subscriptions can watch their favourite movies, TV shows, children’s entertainment, and live events on the go.

Accessible on Android, and web platforms (www.9tv.com.ng), 9TV offers free to air local and international channels, video-on-demand, reality shows, and live events streaming, all at affordable rates and on a variety of smart devices.

Unveiling the app on Wednesday, July 20, at its headquarters in Lagos, 9mobile explained that 9TV is a unique platform to give its subscribers refreshing content on various smart devices and help them keep abreast of happenings on smartphones and tablets.

“We are happy to be introducing this new entertainment platform for the delight of our subscribers. 9TV will offer unlimited relaxation with quality entertainment content at prices that they can afford,” the Director of Product Innovation and Business Development, 9mobile, Kenechukwu Okonkwo, said.

On the various 9TV offerings, Okonkwo said movies would be available in categories including new releases, most-watched, blockbusters, children, and other genres. 9TV, he further explained, would be subscription-based, with subscribers getting exceptional value for their money.

Subscriptions for 9TV range from N50 to N2,500 depending on subscriber’s choice.

Commenting on some of the other unique features of 9TV, Okonkwo said that apart from having all the major features and services a media and entertainment app should have, it allows users to watch whatever they want/like at their convenience.

“9TV’s ‘Timeshift’ feature on Live TV allows users to watch their favourite programmes with pause, rewind, and forward functionalities. Also, the ‘Catch-Up’ feature will enable users to watch programmes after they have been broadcast, or users who have missed a live broadcast will be able to view it on demand.

“9TV allows users to watch & also download their favourite movies, which they will be able to watch later under ‘my downloads’ feature on the app. The downloaded movies will be available to users to view whenever they want, even with ‘No Network Coverage’ or when the device is on ‘Airplane Mode’.

Another unique offering on 9TV is Liv.9ja. This on-demand live entertainment streaming section allows users to watch live concerts, interviews, parties, and similar events.

Since entering the Nigerian market, 9mobile has consistently affirmed its commitment to customers with quality and affordable products and service offerings. The telco continues to transform lives with its consistent innovation, rolling out solutions that enable Nigerians to realize their full potential.

The post 9mobile Unveils 9TV To Entertain Customers appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECH DIGEST – Telecommunications operators in the country recorded the loss of 4.28 million active subscribers in January 2021, according to latest industry statistics from the Nigerian Communications Commission.

The data showed that the telcos lost an additional one million subscribers above the 3.3 million subscriber loss recorded in December as the industry recorded 199.86 million GSM users in January.

The four telecoms service providers also recorded zero porting activities, following the NCC’s directive in December for the telcos to suspend sales, registration and activation of new SIM cards, hindering porting activities as well.

Further breakdown of subscriber statistics showed that Airtel lost the highest number of subscribers in January.

The telco dropped by 2.21 million subscribers from 55.64 million subscribers in December to 53.42 million customers.

MTN followed with a loss of 1.72 million subscribers. It had 80.76 million subscribers in December, but the figure fell to 79.03 million in January.

Globacom lost 245,627 subscribers, recording a total of 54.59 million subscribers as against 54.84 million GSM users in December.

9mobile, which had 12.98 million users in December 2020 lost 173,567 subscribers in January with a total of 12.80 million users.

Airtel was the country’s second largest operator with 27.25 percent of market share.

MTN, however, remained Nigeria’s largest mobile network operator with 39.54 percent market share.

Globacom replaced Airtel as the second largest with 27.32 per cent market share, while Airtel followed with 26.73 percent market share.

9mobile remained the fourth operator with 6.41 percent market share.

Unsurprisingly, Nigeria’s tele-density dropped by 2.25 percent as the number of subscriptions dropped from 204.52 million in December to 200.21 million in January.

Broadband penetration fell to 42.93 per cent from 45.02 percent in December as broadband subscriptions dropped from 85.94 million in December to 81.94 million in January.

Nigeria’s mobile Internet subscribers decreased by 2.97 million in January, with the total number of users dropping to 150.89 million from 153.87 million in December 2020.

The Internet subscriber data revealed that MTN’s mobile Internet subscriber base reduced the most again in January, with a loss of 1.37 million. Its subscribers dropped from 65.35 million in December to 63.98 million in January.
Airtel, followed with a loss of 1.25 million Internet subscribers. The telco recorded a total of 40.03 million consumers in January, against 41.28 million consumers in December.

The post Telcos Lose 4.3 Million Subscribers, Record no Porting Activities appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECH DIGEST – 9mobile has reassured its enterprise customersof improved Quality of Service (QoS) on its network in 2021.
This reassurance was given during 9mobile’s Enterprise Customer forum 2020 in Port Harcourt recently. The Forum is designed to appreciate customers for their loyalty while receiving their feedback for better service response.

Speaking at the event, The Chief Commercial Officer of 9mobile, Stjepan Udovicic, commended the partners for their commitment, support and patronage while also assuring them of more robust plans and projections 9mobile has put in place to offer more quality products and services.

He stated: “We are committed to take our network engineering and product capabilities to greater levels in 2021 and beyond so that we are able to support you more effectively. Your feedback is very crucial to us in order to service you better in the incoming year”.

Also, 9mobile’s Head of Enterprise Sales, Mr. Olalekan Fatusa, said that customers can look forward to more collaborative engagements from 9mobile, as the industry is becoming more innovative, deliberate and need specific.

Responding to a wide range of comments from customers, Fatusa assured that all feedback will be prioritized responding to the issues highlighted both in the region and in other parts of the country.

Martins Ojugbeli, 9mobile Regional Head, South-South, said the event was also organized to recognize and appreciate their corporate customers for their support and patronage, for which the brand is promising to reciprocate through improved customer experience on our network.

He said: “We are telling our customers the kind of enterprise solutions we are going to roll out; we have also discussed how we are going to improve on the network in terms of coverage and quality.”

The post 9mobile To Leverage Tech, Innovation For Improved Enterprise Support appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECH DIGEST – Innovative and customer-friendly telecommunication company 9mobile today announced the launch of its intelligent portal for instant verification to help its customers link their SIM cards with their National Identification Number (NIN).
The Online Self-Service NIN update portal, which has already gone live on the 9mobile website, enables subscribers to verify and update their NINs instantly.

This unique platform provides 9mobile subscribers an opportunity to submit and verify their NIN without physically visiting any of the Experience Centers across the nation.

This step is one of the several proactive initiatives taken by 9mobile to make the NIN linking exercise directed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) seamless and stress-free for its subscribers.

Apart from the innovative, intelligent portal, 9mobile has also made available a USSD option 2008# that allows subscribers to check the matching status of their NIN to their SIM and subsequently submit it for backend verification and mapping.

Commenting on the exercise, the Chief Information Officer, 9mobile, Ibikunle Jimo, said that as a customer-centric telecoms company, 9mobile always looks out for the convenience of its subscribers by leveraging innovation.

“Immediately, we received the NCC directive to link all SIMs with the respective subscribers’ NIN; we challenged our IT and network teams to develop a seamless and stress-free solution for our customers. Here is the result. This solution is the differentiator for us since our customers do not need to wait endlessly for the NIN link up with their SIM cards. This is what it means to use innovation to solve societal challenges for our customers. This solution is the power of the innovation etched in our DNA. We urge our customers to enjoy what we are known for by riding on the back of our innovative solution to verify their NIN without any stress whatsoever,” he said.

Jimo, who stressed that 9mobile would always ensure that all its subscribers have access to options that best suit them, added that in addition to the intelligent portal and USSD string options, 9mobile experience centres have also been equipped to render NIN matching support for walk-in customers.

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