16 June 2025
Vitel Wireless, Nigeria’s first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) to be assigned a dedicated number series (0712) by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has reached a groundbreaking milestone in the country’s telecommunications landscape. The company has successfully established interconnectivity with all the major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Nigeria — MTN, Airtel, Globacom (Glo), and 9mobile — marking a historic first for an MVNO in the nation.
This achievement means that Vitel Wireless subscribers can now make and receive calls seamlessly across Nigeria’s leading networks, significantly enhancing the user experience and setting a new standard for MVNO operations. The accomplishment underscores the rapid progress of Nigeria’s burgeoning MVNO sector, which has gained momentum following the NCC’s licensing of 46 such operators. Vitel Wireless has already distinguished itself through several industry firsts, including being the first to obtain a dedicated numbering plan and routing codes for both national and international calls. The company also pioneered the launch of a location awareness network in Africa and developed a comprehensive strategic rollout plan for nationwide coverage.
Kenneth Emeka Nwabueze, Chairman and CEO of Vitel Wireless, expressed pride in this historic achievement, noting that it demonstrates what is possible for MVNOs in Nigeria. He highlighted the importance of NCC’s support and guidance in facilitating this milestone, which brings the company’s full nationwide network closer to reality. Nwabueze emphasized that Vitel Wireless’s experience and innovative approach are opening new opportunities within Nigeria’s telecom sector, creating a pathway for others to follow.
The interconnectivity was achieved through a combination of direct fibre connections with some MNOs, complemented by indirect routing through third-party providers. The process was a collaborative effort involving engineers from Vitel Wireless, Wireless Technology Labs (WTL), and Interconnect Clearinghouse Nigeria (ICN), working closely with their counterparts at the major networks. This collective effort underscores the industry’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and expanding service delivery across Nigeria.
Vitel Wireless entered a nationwide pilot phase in May 2025, with plans for a full commercial rollout scheduled for July 2025. The company aims to deliver next-generation mobile services that will reach millions of Nigerians, further transforming the country’s telecom landscape. This milestone not only highlights the company’s innovative spirit but also signals a new chapter for Nigeria’s telecom industry, marked by increased competition, improved service quality, and broader access to advanced mobile solutions.
