Nigeria
Mobile networks and carriers in Nigeria use 2 GSM bands, 1 UMTS band, 3 LTE bands, and 2 5G NR bands. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Nigeria. See the tables below for details.
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Check device compatibilityNigeria's mobile network sector has undergone significant development since its inception. The country's first telegraphic undersea cable connections were established by Cable & Wireless Ltd in 1886, connecting Lagos to London. This marked the beginning of Nigeria's telecommunications journey, which continued with the establishment of phone lines connecting major commercial hubs like Jebba, Ilorin, Calabar, and Ibadan.
In the colonial period, telephone lines facilitated the development of alternative modes of communication, including radio, television, and the internet via mobile devices. The liberalization process began around 2000 with the adoption of the National Policy on Telecommunications, leading to an increase in the number of people with direct access to telecom services and the number of towers, masts, and base stations.
Nigeria's mobile network has grown exponentially, with the number of active phone customers exceeding 199 million by 2020. The country has four major mobile network operators: MTN, Globacom, Airtel, and 9Mobile. MTN dominates the GSM market with over 79 million subscribers, followed by Airtel with about 58 million subscribers, Globacom with over 56 million subscribers, and 9Mobile with 12.6 million subscribers.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been instrumental in the development of the sector, with initiatives such as Mobile Number Portability and the encouragement of network sharing and outsourcing of tower infrastructures to third parties. Despite these efforts, challenges such as inadequate distribution infrastructure and high right-of-way charges continue to hinder the expansion of broadband services, particularly in rural areas.
The introduction of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) has further transformed the sector, with the NCC granting licenses to nearly 30 new operators. This shift is expected to drive positive changes, including elevated service standards, affordable service plans, innovative charging models, and customized services for niche markets.
Carriers
| Name | # of frequency bands in use |
|---|---|
| Airtel | 6 |
| Etisalat | 4 |
| Glo | 5 |
| MTN | 6 |
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Frequencies in use
GSM
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| 900 MHz (E-GSM) | GSM |
| 1800 MHz (DCS) | GSM |
UMTS
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B1 (2100 MHz) | UMTS |
LTE
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B3 (1800 MHz +) | LTE |
| B7 (2600 MHz) | LTE |
| B28 (700 MHz APT) | LTE |
5G NR
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| N38 (2600 MHz) | 5G NR |
| N78 (3500 MHz) | 5G NR |
