MTN, Airtel Africa seal deal to share infrastructure
MTN Group and Airtel Africa have entered into a partnership to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria.
What you need to know:
The deal, announced on Wednesday, is part of a growing global trend toward network sharing, allowing telecom operators to find innovative solutions to enhance service quality while managing costs effectively
In a landmark agreement, MTN Group and Airtel Africa have entered into a partnership to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria. This collaboration aims to enhance network efficiency, expand coverage, and improve mobile services across both countries.
The deal, announced on Wednesday, is part of a growing global trend toward network sharing, allowing telecom operators to find innovative solutions to enhance service quality while managing costs effectively.
According to MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita, the partnership aligns with the company’s vision to deliver digital solutions that drive Africa's progress.
“We continue to see strong structural demand for digital and financial services across our markets,” Mupita said. “To meet this demand, we are investing in expanding coverage and increasing capacity to ensure high-quality connectivity for our customers.”
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar highlighted that the partnership would enable the delivery of world-class, reliable mobile services to more customers across Africa.
“As we compete fiercely in the market with our brand, services, and offerings, we are building shared infrastructure within the permissible regulatory framework to provide a more robust and extensive digital network, driving digital and financial inclusion,” Taldar said.
The partnership is expected to extend network coverage, especially in remote and rural areas, while improving the quality of mobile services.
MTN and Airtel Africa are also exploring the possibility of sharing network infrastructure in additional markets, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia.
This development is seen as a significant step towards promoting digital inclusion and fostering economic growth across Africa.
With this partnership, MTN and Airtel Africa are set to transform the telecom landscape in Africa, offering customers faster, more reliable, and more affordable mobile services.
