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| T2 Mobile Subscribers Struggle Despite Roaming Deal with MTN Nigeria |
Despite the T2 and MTN Nigeria roaming deal, many subscribers still face signal issues. Learn why T2 users struggle and how to fix connectivity problems.
T2–MTN Roaming Deal Faces Hiccups
Two months after T2 Mobile (formerly 9mobile) sealed a national roaming deal with MTN Nigeria, subscribers are still struggling to access network services. The agreement, announced on July 3, 2025, was expected to improve T2’s service quality by allowing its customers to roam on MTN’s extensive infrastructure.
However, many users report that they are yet to experience any improvements. Complaints of weak signal reception, inability to make calls, and poor connectivity dominate feedback from frustrated subscribers.
Subscriber Complaints Over Poor Signal
Several customers expressed disappointment over the situation.
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Bunmi, a long-time T2 user, said:
“When the announcement was made in July, I was excited because 9mobile used to be my favourite network. Unfortunately, I still cannot use my T2 line.” -
Esther Gabriel, another subscriber, shared a similar experience:
“I have an emotional attachment to my line because of its youth-friendly branding. I expected better service after the MTN deal, but two months later, I still cannot make calls.”
These concerns highlight the gap between subscriber expectations and actual network performance.
How to Activate T2 Roaming on MTN Network
A source close to the company explained that subscribers need to manually configure their devices to enjoy the roaming service. Simply inserting a T2 SIM card is not enough.
Steps for Android Users:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections).
- Tap SIM Cards / Mobile Networks.
- Select Network Operators.
- Turn off auto-select.
- Wait for available networks to load.
- Manually select MTN 4G/3G/2G or 62130.
- Restart your phone.
Once configured, the T2 SIM should connect to MTN’s infrastructure.
Consumer Rights Group Reacts
The Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS-Nigeria) confirmed receiving multiple complaints from T2 users.
According to its President, Hon. Sina Bilesanmi, the issue lies in poor customer education:
- T2 failed to launch a mass awareness campaign.
- No personalized messages were sent to guide subscribers.
- Information should have been shared in Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba for wider reach.
Bilesanmi stressed that proper customer sensitization is vital if T2 wants to regain lost trust and market share.
T2 Records Growth Despite Challenges
Interestingly, despite customer complaints, data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows that T2 recorded positive growth in July 2025.
- T2 gained 290,601 new subscribers, its first monthly growth in nearly a year.
- It was the only network operator to record a subscriber increase that month.
- MTN, Airtel, and Globacom all lost active subscriptions.
Market Share Breakdown (July 2025):
- MTN Nigeria: 52.70% (89.1M subscribers)
- Airtel: 33.42% (56.5M subscribers)
- Globacom: 12.26% (20.7M subscribers)
- T2 (9mobile): 1.61% (smallest share, but showing growth)
Meanwhile, teledensity dropped from 79.22% in June to 78.11% in July, reflecting overall subscriber losses.
For more industry data, visit the NCC official website.
Can T2 Bounce Back?
Industry analysts believe the MTN roaming partnership could help T2 rebuild credibility and retain loyal customers. However, the telco must:
- Educate subscribers with clear activation guides.
- Improve communication channels through SMS and call center support.
- Capitalize on emotional loyalty, especially among long-time users.
If properly managed, this deal could be the turning point for T2 in a highly competitive Nigerian telecom market.
For more updates on telecom developments, check Naija News Tech and TechNext Nigeria.
