This new mobile network provider wants to rival MTN and Glo in Nigeria
As Africa's most populated country, Nigeria has witnessed remarkable growth in its mobile network industry in recent years. With a significant increase in mobile phone penetration and the growing demand for data services, mobile network providers have played a pivotal role in expanding connectivity across the nation.
In the first quarter of 2023, the sector contributed a handsome ₦2.508 trillion to the nation’s GDP representing a 4.3 per cent increase compared to the 2022 performance, according to figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS.
Now, a new player BTEL is entering the market to rival major exciting mobile network providers like MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile. As of April 2023, MTN is the largest mobile operator, with 88.6 million subscribers representing a 39.70% share, followed by Glo with 60.9 million subscribers, a 27.28% share. Airtel makes the third line representing 27.01% with 60.3 million subscribers and 9mobile with 13.4 million, at 6% share, according to the latest NCC records.
BTEL, operated by BRICLINKS Africa (BRICNET) has been licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC on the 1st of May 2023 to operate as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator, according to an official statement released by the firm on Tuesday.
BTEL, registered as Briclinks Africa Plc, is a telecommunication company that empowers businesses and homes to thrive in a connected world through the provision of broadband data, voice systems, upgrades, maintenance and other communications cloud-based industry solutions, and integrated services. The firm received the Tier 2 license out of the four license categories offered by the NCC.
Last year, the Nigerian government approved Elon Musk’s Starlink to begin offering internet service, which went live in January 2023. With the new bride entering the market, the country now has six mobile network providers to strengthen the rivalry in the lucrative telecommunications industry of the nation.
