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July 11.2025

2 Minutes Read

9mobile's Plummet: Only 1% of Nigeria's Internet Users Choose 9mobile

9mobile internet users in Nigeria symbolized by growth, telecom tower.

9mobile's Dwindling Share: A Critical Look

In Nigeria's competitive telecom landscape, a striking statistic emerges: only 1% of the nation's internet users rely on 9mobile for their connectivity needs. Once a significant player in the sector, the company has faced a sharp decline, plummeting from 15.5 million internet subscribers in September 2015 to a mere 1.45 million as of May 2025. This stark reduction raises concerns about its viability in a market dominated by aggressive rivals like MTN and Airtel, who have made substantial investments in infrastructure and high-speed connectivity.

The Impacts of Increased Competition and Falling Subscriber Numbers

The internet services sector has evolved into a high-stakes battleground, with data becoming pivotal to telecom operators' fortunes. Companies like MTN and Airtel have not only expanded their network capacities through fiber and 4G/5G technologies but have also built substantial brand trust among consumers, making it increasingly challenging for 9mobile to reclaim its former stature.

National Roaming: A Potential Turning Point?

In a bid to reverse its fortunes, 9mobile has recently entered into a three-year national roaming agreement with MTN, allowing it to leverage MTN's infrastructure where its own coverage is lacking. While this partnership could enhance connectivity and potentially stabilize user retention, analysts remain skeptical about its long-term effectiveness. “They are too far behind to build infrastructure,” warns Ladi Okuneye, CEO of UniCloud Africa, suggesting that true recovery hinges on enhancing the user experience.

Navigating a Complex Future

Despite securing commitments for a $3 billion investment aimed at network transformation, questions linger about whether these efforts will be sufficient against a backdrop of burgeoning competition and evolving consumer demands. Some experts suggest a strategic pivot towards operating as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) might offer a more sustainable pathway for 9mobile, emphasizing quality over extensive infrastructure development.

In summary, 9mobile's current situation reflects the broader challenges faced by legacy telecom providers in rapidly digitalizing economies. As it navigates this turbulent phase, the company must embrace innovative strategies that prioritize user satisfaction and technological upgrades.

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9mobile's Plummet: Only 1% of Nigeria's Internet Users Choose 9mobile

9mobile's Dwindling Share: A Critical Look

The Impacts of Increased Competition and Falling Subscriber Numbers

National Roaming: A Potential Turning Point?

Navigating a Complex Future

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