In major market upset, Airtel Nigeria regains number 2 position from Globacom

Airtel Nigeria has become the number two mobile phone operator in Nigeria by subscriber numbers, a position it lost a few years ago to rival Globacom, the Second National Operator (SNO), in what may underscore keener competition underway for market share by the four big operators in the country.

A key highlight of latest market information from the telecoms regulator revealed that Airtel Nigeria with 26,194,336 active connections now controls 21% of the telecoms market while Globacom dropped to third place with 24,490,650 active lines and 20% percent market share as at February this year.

MTN Nigeria retains the top spot as the largest mobile operator in Nigeria by subscriber numbers having 45% market share representing 57,183,745 active lines within the same period, the official market information shows.

Also, the total number of active lines has increased from 127,960,580 in January this year to 129,002,841 active connections by February.

Meanwhile, Etisalat Nigeria, the number four by subscriber numbers now has 14% market share with 18,119,397 active lines at at February this year. [corner-ad id=1]