Airtel Nigeria Secures New Licenses to Boost Digital Infrastructure
The National Communications Commission (NCC) has approved new licenses for Airtel Nigeria Telesonic Limited, a subsidiary of Airtel Africa. The licenses include National Long Distance, Internet Service Provider, and Sales and Installation major licenses.
According to a statement on the NCC website, “The National Long-Distance licence, which would be valid for 20 years, will be in effect from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2044. This licence will allow the operator to establish and manage networks that facilitate long-distance communications within Nigeria, covering voice, data, and video services.”
Segun Ogunsanya, Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, stated that “Africa is experiencing a digital revolution, with a significant rise in demand for data centres across various sectors, especially among the continent’s expanding youth population.” He added that Airtel’s objective is to “bridge the digital divide and foster opportunities for innovation and economic growth through reliable and scalable infrastructure.”
The new licenses will enable Airtel Nigeria to expand its fibre network and enhance infrastructure to meet the growing demand for data services in Nigeria. The company aims to transform the continent’s data market and promote digital inclusion.
The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy says that this initiative is part of a larger strategy to connect all 774 local government areas in the country, significantly boosting broadband penetration, with a targeted 70% penetration before the end of 2025.