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| Is 9mobile Still Working in Nigeria |
Wondering is 9mobile still working in Nigeria? Discover the latest on service status, rebranding to T2, MTN roaming deal, subscriber trends, and what it means for users in 2026.
The question “Is 9mobile still working in Nigeria?” has been on the minds of many subscribers, tech fans, and mobile users — especially given recent service disruptions, brand changes, and customer concerns. In this detailed guide, you’ll get fresh, accurate, and up‑to‑date insights on the current status of 9mobile (now rebranded), what happened to its services, how subscribers are affected, and where things stand in 2026.
Whether you’re an existing 9mobile user wondering about network reliability or a curious reader evaluating telecom options, this article delivers trusted facts, clear explanations, and expert context.
Understanding the Question
While MTN Nigeria, Airtel, and Globacom dominate Nigeria’s telecom landscape, 9mobile — once one of the country’s major network operators — has faced significant operational challenges in recent years. Rumors of shutdowns, mass subscriber losses, poor service quality, and rebranding efforts have led many to ask whether 9mobile still works and what its future holds. This article answers that question thoroughly and critically.
What 9mobile Is — History & Evolution
9mobile began life in Nigeria in 2008 as Etisalat Nigeria, part of the UAE‑based Etisalat Group. It quickly grew to become one of the country’s leading telecom providers with millions of subscribers and competitive data and voice plans. After Etisalat exited Nigeria in 2017, the company rebranded as 9mobile, continuing to operate independently.
However, growing competition from MTN, Airtel, and Globacom, combined with internal challenges, led to major changes — including a recent rebrand to “T2” in 2025 following acquisition by LH Telecommunication Limited.
Is 9mobile Shutting Down in Nigeria?
In early 2025, a wave of online rumors claimed that 9mobile was shutting down completely — with many subscribers alarmed about losing service. But the company officially refuted these claims, calling them false and misleading, and reassured the public that it was still operating across Nigeria despite ongoing challenges.
The Reality
- 9mobile did not shut down its network.
- The operator insisted it remained active and compliant with industry regulations.
- Service disruptions were attributed to technical challenges and infrastructure upgrades, not a deliberate shutdown.
So, yes — 9mobile has continued to operate in Nigeria, but the quality and reliability of its network have been inconsistent.
What “Working” Looks Like in 2026
When users ask, “Is 9mobile still working in Nigeria?” they often mean: Can I make calls, use data, send SMS, and receive essential services like banking OTPs?
The short answer: Yes — but with caveats.
✔ Network Availability
9mobile/T2 continues to provide voice, SMS, and data services nationwide, meaning subscribers can still use their lines for basic communication. Its operations are officially active and regulated in Nigeria.
⚠ Reliability & Coverage
Many users — especially in 2024–2025 — reported periods of weak or no service in certain regions. Complaints included:
- Network going offline for days.
- Poor data connectivity.
- Difficulty receiving OTPs from banks and apps.
Although some issues appear to have improved following infrastructure efforts, service reliability still varies by location in 2026, and many subscribers still notice weaker coverage compared to major players like MTN or Airtel.
The T2 Rebrand — What Changed?
In August 2025, 9mobile officially rebranded to T2 Mobile as part of a survival strategy after years of subscriber decline and operational struggles. The rebrand was described as ushering in a “bold new chapter” with a digital‑first focus, new leadership, and infrastructure partnerships.
This rebrand is significant because it reflects a fundamental shift in how the company positions itself:
- A new identity aimed at market rejuvenation.
- A refreshed commitment to improved service.
- Efforts to regain subscriber trust and market relevance.
Despite the name change, many users still refer to the network as 9mobile, and existing SIMs and phone services continue to work under the T2 era.
National Roaming Partnership with MTN
One of the most important developments for network stability came in mid‑2025, when the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a three‑year national roaming agreement between MTN Nigeria and 9mobile (Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited).
What This Means for Subscribers
- 9mobile users can roam on MTN’s far‑reaching network, especially in areas where 9mobile’s own coverage is weak.
- Calls, texts, and data services can work via MTN infrastructure without subscribers having to switch providers.
- This helps improve network reliability and coverage consistency for many users.
The national roaming agreement is seen as a lifeline for subscribers and a critical step toward keeping the company operational amid infrastructure challenges.
Subscriber Decline & Market Position
Despite ongoing operations, 9mobile’s market share has shrunk dramatically over the past decade. Around 2016, it boasted over 22 million subscribers, but by early 2025, active lines had fallen to around 2.8–3 million due to competition and service quality declines.
Losses in Subscriber Base
- Many users ported out to MTN, Airtel, or Globacom networks for better coverage and service.
- Reports from the Nigerian Communications Commission showed 9mobile losing several thousand subscribers in short periods due to switching activities.
The decline has been attributed not just to competition but also to infrastructure difficulties and periods of poor network performance that frustrated subscribers.
What Subscribers Are Saying (Customer Experience)
User feedback paints a mixed picture:
Complaints
- Some subscribers experienced service outages that lasted weeks.
- Others struggled to receive bank OTPs or complete important communications — a problem for users dependent on mobile banking.
Positive Signs
- With the MTN roaming rollout, many users found that calls and data now work more reliably in areas where 9mobile’s network was previously patchy.
- Signs of subscriber growth were reported in August 2025 after the rebrand and roaming deal, indicating early recovery efforts may be yielding results.
Is It Worth Keeping a 9mobile Line?
When pondering whether 9mobile is still working in Nigeria and whether you should keep or switch your SIM, consider:
Pros
✔ You still retain your number and can use basic network functions.
✔ The national roaming deal with MTN helps fill coverage gaps.
✔ The rebranding to T2 aims at better long‑term service quality.
Cons
Coverage and service can still be weaker than major competitors.
Some users have reported persistent service reliability issues.
Subscriber base remains far smaller than rivals, suggesting long‑term uncertainty.
The answer depends on your priorities: if consistent reliability and broader coverage matter most, networks like MTN and Airtel tend to outperform in most regions. But if you prefer to keep your existing 9mobile/T2 number and benefit from roaming support, the service is still functional and improving.
Check your own 9mobile service today — test voice, data, and SMS in your region, and consider enabling national roaming if available. If you find frequent outages, you might explore mobile number portability (MNP) to switch to MTN, Airtel, or Globacom while keeping your number.
Stay informed by following Twitter updates or official announcements from the Nigerian Communications Commission or the network’s customer support channels.
Key Takeaways
- 9mobile is still operating in Nigeria, though service quality and coverage have faced challenges.
- The company rebranded to T2 Mobile in 2025 in a bid to rebuild its market presence.
- A national roaming deal with MTN now boosts connectivity for subscribers nationwide.
- Despite past rumors of shutdowns, 9mobile continues to work — but performance varies by location.
If you’re evaluating mobile networks in Nigeria for work, study, or travel, consider this current context as you make your decision — and feel free to ask for a provider comparison if you want insights on MTN, Airtel, and Globacom too.
