Ensuring seamless network transitions in MTN Nigeria's Tower transfer

Telecommunications is infrastructure. And infrastructure is not cheap. The firm that has made the most astute investment in infrastructure leads the pack. In Nigeria, MTN is generally regarded as the foremost operator, with close to 90 million subscribers on its network.

It was from Emmanuel Ekuwem, who as President of ATCON, I first heard the phrase “telecommunications is the infrastructure of infrastructure.” It is the platform on which all other platforms ride. Telecommunications provide the connections that connect the economy, spurring socio-economic growth.

In this dynamic realm of telecommunications, the transfer of infrastructure management companies can often trigger concerns about potential disruptions in services. So, it’s no surprise that MTN Nigeria made headlines recently with its decision to lease 2,500 towers to American Tower Corporation (ATC), raising questions about the implications and strategies in place to ensure a seamless transition without compromising network stability. It is a huge deal. It is a big deal.

Amid apprehensions voiced by stakeholders, MTN Nigeria has unequivocally assured customers and investors that the transition to ATC will not impede the network’s functionality or reliability. The telecommunications giant emphasised its commitment to maintaining a stable network and meeting customer demands throughout this transformative process.

The transfer, though significant, is not unprecedented in the industry. However, the magnitude of such an alteration requires careful planning and execution. Tobechukwu Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, clarified that, despite concerns raised by IHS Holding, the move to ATC would not disrupt network services. Okigbo highlighted that the partnership with ATC aims to usher in a new era of connectivity in Nigeria.

One of the pivotal aspects of ensuring a smooth transition involves the seamless transfer of infrastructure between two behemoth companies. Okigbo emphasised that tower transfers between infrastructure companies do not inherently result in network disruptions, pointing towards a rigorous and transparent procurement process that culminated in the final agreement with ATC.

The decision to opt for an American company like ATC might stem from a combination of factors, such as the competitive proposal, technological expertise, and possibly other advantageous terms not disclosed in the news.

Furthermore, MTN Nigeria’s stance on engaging with IHS on future opportunities highlights the company’s dedication to exploring value optimization through meticulous and competitive processes.

Speculations arise about undisclosed terms. Industry watchers contend that the undisclosed term may include the company’s desire to get on the good books of the world’s sole superpower. Still fresh in the minds of many are MTN’s titanic efforts to win permission to repatriate millions of dollars of profit bottled up in Iran by American sanctions on the Iranian financial system. The firm’s argument at the time was that “U.S. sanctions should not have unintended consequences for non-U.S. companies.”