Operator network sharing in emerging markets
The telecom industry is always looking for ways to improve the quality of services offered to customers and support present and future connectivity needs by expanding network broadband, adopting new technologies and exploring new telco partnerships.
As such, network sharing is also gaining popularity in emerging markets as part of a sustainable strategy to boost overall connectivity services.
Latest trial with MTN Nigeria and 9Mobile
More specifically, this concept has been implemented in Nigeria where local operators have been encouraged, by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to conduct network sharing. The NCC granted MTN Nigeria and 9Mobile the approval for the trial of a national roaming service.
What are the benefits?
Services such as calls, text and data or access of other services will be made possible when traveling outside a particular coverage area by making use of the network of another operator.
“The successful implementation of the trial will enable EMTS subscribers to access MTN network service within the National Roaming trial geographical area without the need for an MTN Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card,” said NCC Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Umar Garba Danbatta.
Moreover, the benefits of increased operator network sharing in Nigeria, will lead to operational expenditure optimization and capital expenditure efficiencies. It will also aim at freeing up resources to expand mobile network coverage to unserved and underserved communities and improved quality of service delivery to subscribers, as well as connecting remote parts of Nigeria.