9mobile Experiences Significant Subscriber Loss Amidst Market Shifts

Babatunji Wusu –

• 9mobile lost 6079 subscribers in November and December 2024 due to high porting activity.
• The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) report shows that 9mobile recorded the highest number of outgoing porting, with minimal incoming subscriptions.
• 9mobile’s market share dropped to 1.9% by December 2024, down from 15.7% in 2015.
• Other operators, particularly MTN and Airtel, have seen growth, with MTN increasing its market share to 51% by December 2024.

9mobile, Nigeria’s fourth mobile network operator, has experienced a significant decline in its subscriber base, with a loss of 6079 customers in November and December 2024. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the operator recorded 2188 subscribers porting out in December, following a loss of 3891 subscribers in November.

In comparison, other network operators experienced much lower outgoing porting figures. MTN, Airtel, and Globacom collectively lost fewer subscribers, while 9mobile’s outgoing porting figures far outpaced theirs. For instance, MTN lost 236 customers in December 2024, and Airtel saw 269 porting out, while 9mobile’s loss stood at 2188. 9mobile also had a stark contrast in incoming porting activities, gaining only 17 subscribers in December, while MTN gained 1856.

The subscriber decline is part of a broader trend, with 9mobile’s market share shrinking drastically to just 1.9% by December 2024. This is a significant drop from its market share of 15.7% in 2015 when it had 23.4 million subscribers. In contrast, MTN solidified its leadership position with a 51% market share, while Airtel and Globacom also showed growth, indicating stronger competition in the Nigerian telecommunications sector.

9mobile’s stagnant subscriber base, remaining at 3.2 million for two consecutive months, highlights its struggle amidst the growing dominance of its competitors.