MTN Group, Airtel Africa agree to network sharing in Nigeria

MTN Group and Airtel Africa have agreed to share network infrastructure in Nigeria and Uganda while complying with local regulatory and statutory requirements, as reported by Telecompaper.

They aim to improve network cost efficiencies, expand coverage and enhance mobile services for millions of customers, particularly those in remote and rural areas.

They are exploring opportunities in other markets, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda and Zambia, and considering agreements for areas such as RAN sharing, fibre infrastructure sharing and, if necessary, the construction of fibre networks.

The two companies said they are committed to working with other mobile operators in the countries where they have a presence, to achieve the advantages of network sharing.

The parties will continue to function as independent market entities and will compete freely in shared markets. This engagement does not preclude the parties from collaborating with other operators in any respective market, they added.