MTN Nigeria Secures NCC Approval to Lease Spectrum from T2 Mobile to Boost Network Capacity
Under the agreement, effective 1 October 2025, MTN Nigeria will lease 5MHz FDD in the 900MHz band and 15MHz FDD in the 1800MHz band from T2 Mobile for an initial period of three years.
MTN Nigeria has received approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC ) to lease frequency spectrum from T2 Mobile Limited (formerly 9Mobile), in a move aimed at boosting network capacity and advancing digital inclusion across the country.
Under the agreement, effective 1 October 2025, MTN Nigeria will lease 5MHz FDD in the 900MHz band and 15MHz FDD in the 1800MHz band from T2 Mobile for an initial period of three years.
According to MTN, the lease arrangement is a key enabler of its national roaming agreement with T2, ensuring the operator can manage increased network traffic from T2’s customer base on its infrastructure. The initiative also highlights a broader industry push towards collaboration, spectrum sharing, and expanding broadband access.
“We are delighted with this milestone, which aligns with our Ambition 2025 strategy. It reaffirms our unwavering commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality connectivity to our customers. By leveraging additional spectrum resources, we are enhancing network capacity in a cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable way.”
– Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria
Toriola further emphasized MTN’s collaborative approach, citing recent partnerships including a national roaming agreement with T2 and the onboarding of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). These, he noted, will drive innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth within Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem.
“We are also fostering a more collaborative telecom ecosystem—recently signing a national roaming agreement with T2 and onboarding Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)—to drive industry innovation and long-term sustainability. These initiatives underscore our dedication to expanding broadband access and advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation and inclusive growth.”
– Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria
In a related development, MTN Nigeria announced it will not renew its existing one-year lease agreement with Natcom Development and Investment Ltd (Ntel). That agreement, covering 5MHz FDD in the 900MHz band and 10MHz FDD in the 1800MHz band across 17 states, is set to expire on 29 November 2025.
MTN Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to continued investments in infrastructure and partnerships that support the delivery of innovative, high-quality telecommunications services across Nigeria.
