Mtn, Airtel Sign Deal On Infrastructure Sharing In Nigeria, Uganda

MTN Group and Airtel Africa have entered into agreements to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria.

The deal is borne out of the desire to extend digital and financial inclusion across Africa, a statement dated March 25 on MTNs website said.

These sharing agreements target improved network cost efficiencies, expanded coverage and the provision of enhanced mobile services to millions of customers, particularly those in remote and rural areas who do not yet fully enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life.

MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita said operators on the continent were seeing sustained demand for data services: As MTN, we are driven by the vision of delivering digital solutions that drive Africas progress. We continue to see strong structural demand for digital and financial services across our markets. To meet this demand, we continue to invest in coverage and capacity to ensure high-quality connectivity for our customers. That said, there are opportunities within regulatory frameworks for sharing resources to drive higher efficiencies and improve returns.

Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said: As we compete fiercely in the market on the strength of our brand, services and our offerings we are building common infrastructure, within the permissible regulatory framework, to provide a more robust and extensive digital highway to drive digital and financial inclusion at the same time avoiding duplication of expensive infrastructure to drive operational efficiencies and benefits for our customers.