According to information from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), a total of 2,790 users switched networks in October 2022.
The two biggest mobile network carriers, MTN and Glo, saw bigger gains as a result of more users switching to their networks. Particularly, throughout the month, MTN added 1,925 subscribers from other networks, while Glo had 363 incoming porting.
The telecoms regulator’s Mobile Number Portability (MNP) initiative, which permits customers to switch service providers without altering their numbers, was essential in bringing about the movement.
According to the NCC data, Airtel also gained 347 users from other networks during the reviewed month, while 9mobile gained 106 through customer porting.
“It was a loss for them, nonetheless, judging by the number of subscribers who switched from the two networks to other networks.
“Through outgoing porting, the operators both lost to one another and acquired some new clients from one another. With 1,662 users leaving its network to join others, 9mobile ended up with the month’s largest loss, while Airtel saw 539 departing postings.
As 258 subscribers left Globacom’s network for other networks, MTN also lost 332 subscribers to those other networks.
The number of mobile customers in Nigeria who port has decreased significantly over the years from a peak of 22,539 in July 2015 to an average of 3,000 every month.
The telecoms regulator believes there are a number of reasons at play, contrary to what Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) had said. MNOs attributed the reduction to an increase in service quality.
In addition to service quality, the majority of subscribers, according to NCC, also switched to other networks in order to take advantage of the lower call and data rates that network operators offered during various promotions.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, stated, “The essence of Mobile Number Portability, which the NCC introduced some years ago, offers telecoms subscribers the flexibility to move at will from one network to another, while still retaining their original mobile numbers.
“They will not be subjected to a particular network if they have reasons to leave the network, and that is the beauty of Mobile Number Portability.
“Subscribers port for different reasons, which include getting a better quality of service or enjoying certain packages being offered by another operator. Nigerian subscribers will continue to enjoy this right.”
