Despite a recent acquisition by LH Telecommunications Limited and the appointment of a new management team, 9mobile’s customer loss trend remains steady. In terms of incoming porting, MTN saw the largest gain, adding 4,987 new subscribers from other networks, representing 63 per cent of the total. Airtel received 2,205 new customers, while Globacom gained 664. Meanwhile, 9mobile recorded the least incoming ports, with only 30 subscribers switching to the network in September.
The overall subscription data at the end of September mirrors these trends. MTN Nigeria retained its lead with 78 million active subscriptions, while Airtel followed with 53.7 million. Globacom held third place with 19 million active subscriptions. Months of consistent losses left 9mobile with only 3.6 million active subscribers by the end of September.
Porting peaked at 22,539 in July 2015 but has since declined to an average of 3,000 per month. The NCC attributes this decline to various factors, including improved service quality across operators. However, many subscribers still switch networks seeking better call and data rates offered in ongoing promotions.
Earlier in July, 9mobile announced its acquisition by LH Telecommunications Limited, which aimed to reposition the company. The acquisition involved a fresh capital injection and a restructuring of the Board, with Thomas Etuh appointed as the new Chairman. Other notable board members include Nahim Abe Ibraheem, Femi Edun, Senator Daisy Ehanire Danjuma, Michael Ikpoki, Ibrahim Puri, Gloria Danjuma, and Emmanuel Etuh. The NCC, FCCPC, and AFREXIM approved the acquisition and investment.
