Tag: Airtel

Starlink ‘direct-to-cell’ coming to Nigeria in 2026′ – Airtel 

Aminu Imam
Starlink Airtel

Airtel Africa has announced a partnership with SpaceX to roll out Starlink’s ‘Direct-to-Cell’ satellite service, making it the first mobile network operator in Africa to offer this innovative technology to its vast customer base of 174 million across 14 markets. The collaboration will enable Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to access network connectivity in remote and underserved areas where traditional terrestrial coverage is unavailable.  Powered by Starlink, the world’s largest 4G provider by geographic reach, this service promises seamless mobile access even in the most challenging terrains. The rollout is…

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MTN, Airtel, 9Mobile to raise prices in 2025 after NCC approval

Aminu Imam
Telecoms tariff

The Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), has approved a long-awaited telecom tariff hike, ending over a decade of lobbying by major operators like MTN Nigeria, Airtel, and 9Mobile.  New rates for calls, SMS, and internet bundles will take effect in January 2025, with tariffs expected to rise by up to 40%.   Under the revised structure, call charges will increase from ?11 to ?15.40 per minute, SMS costs will rise from ?4 to ?5.60, and a 1GB data bundle will cost at least ?1,400, up from ?1,000.  This marks the end of…

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MTN, Airtel get CBN’s approval-in-principle to operate payment service banks

Aminu Imam

The Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), has granted approval in principle to MTN and Airtel to operate payment service bank, (PSB), across the country, aimed at further deepening financial inclusion in the country. The apex bank had since communicated the approval to both telecoms operators. Announcing the approval, MTN in an issued statement yesterday, signed by the Company’s Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, said: “MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTN Nigeria) as promoter, received an Approval-in-Principle (AIP) dated 4th November, 2021 from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for a licence application for…

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NIN: MTN, Airtel commence registration in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt

Aminu Imam

Telecommunication firms, MTN and Airtel Nigeria have commenced the National Identification Number (NIN) registration exercise in its retail outlets across the country. This development follows the latest approval by the Federal Government granting telcos the license for the NIN enrolment due to the large crowd turnout and pressure faced by staff of the Nigeria Identity Management Commission (NIMC) at their offices. According to MTN’s Senior Manager, External Relations, Funso Aina, said that the telecommunication company had secured NIMC licence for NIN enrollment and had begun enrollment at some of its…

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