Press release
31 October 2024 – Wireless Technology Labs (WTL) today announced that it has been chosen by MobileCoreX Ltd. (MCX), Nigeria’s premier Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE), to spearhead the development of the country’s first mobile virtual network in a landmark deal valued at millions of US dollars over the next three years. This initiative aims to enhance mobile connectivity for Nigeria’s 220+ million residents, addressing the current challenges of low broadband penetration and poor quality of service.
Nigeria’s telecom sector is predominantly dominated by four major operators—MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9Mobile – with only 29% of Nigerian’s 220+m population regularly accessing the mobile internet, (GSMA figures) due to poor coverage and a variety of other issues.
In Q2 of 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) adopted a new strategy to boost coverage and adoption, it issued 43 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licenses to amplify service coverage, particularly in unserved and underserved regions. Amongst the licensee’s was MCX which obtained a tier 4 MVNE license aimed at constructing new mobile network infrastructure to provide capacity for emerging MVNOs as a platform as a service.
“Coverage, poor quality of service, costs and inflexible value propositions in Nigeria have persisted for too long. We are committed to leveraging innovative technology to create more competitive networks that reduce costs for consumers and provides value propositions that suite that needs,” stated Mr. Habib Ahmed, CEO of MCX. He emphasized WTL’s pivotal role in delivering the carrier-grade core systems required for a comprehensive suite of mobile services, encompassing voice, data, and value-added features to meet the diverse needs of MVNO clients.
WTL, headquartered in Belgium, with over 20 years of experience, has been active in Nigeria and across Africa, working with operators of all sizes to rollout both urban and rural networks, work which has garnered it widespread recognition and industry awards. The company has already partnered with two of the 43 new MVNOs licensed by the NCC, showcasing its commitment to enhancing telecom infrastructure in the region.
Mr. Satya Mekala, CEO of WTL “This partnership is about empowering a new entrant to make significant impact in the telecom market. We are committed to supporting MCX in its journey from a newcomer to a major player in the industry. Our advanced Core systems will ensure that MCX can offer reliable, scalable, and innovative mobile services from day one”.
As the telecom industry in Nigeria undergoes transformative changes, this collaboration signals a promising future for mobile connectivity and digital adoption in the country. WTL will be showcasing its capabilities at upcoming events including MVNO Nation 2024 in Valencia, 6-8 November and The Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, 12-14 November, further reinforcing its commitment to driving digital adoption across the continent and the globe. To learn more about how WTL can help with the rollout of MVNO/E urban and rural networks in Africa, please email info@wtl.be
About MobileCoreX
MCX is a new Tier 4 Licensee in Nigeria, and the country’s premier Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE). MCX empowers Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and businesses to excel in the competitive telecommunications sector without requiring substantial investments in network infrastructure.
Offering MVNOs the necessary tools, expertise, and support to thrive through its comprehensive Platform as a Service (PaaS), allowing MVNOs to concentrate on scaling their operations while MCX manages the complex technical and operational, aspects of their business.
As a newcomer, MCX provides affordable and flexible mobile services while driving the adoption of digital technology throughout the region.
About WTL
WTL is a Specialist in Innovative Mobile core solutions for MVNO/Es and small cells solutions for Rural communications.
Multi-award-winning WTL is a mobile infrastructure provider that develops the Vivada range of small cell solutions (2G/3G/4G/5G), and a range of Core connectivity platforms. These enable operators to deploy advanced wireless services, and to achieve flexible interconnection. With extensive expertise in deploying high-performance technologies, WTL enables MVNOs, MVNEs, and other telecommunications companies to achieve their growth targets while providing a wide range of mobile services.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Bridget Fishleigh
WTL BV
Tel: +32 2 722 7200
newsletter@wtl.be
www.wtl.be
