Airtel Niger, a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, an Indian telecommunications company, has a significant presence in Niger's telecommunications sector. The company was established in Niger in 2011 through the acquisition of Celtel, which was later rebranded as Zain. Airtel Niger has grown to become a major player in the Nigerien mobile market, offering a range of mobile voice and data services, including prepaid and postpaid plans, 2G, 3G, and 4G services. As of 2018, Airtel Niger held a dominant market share of 47%, with over 4 million subscribers. The company's operations have been marked by a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, aligning with the broader ethos of Bharti Airtel to operate as a borderless entity.
Alias
Zain Niger
Country
Niger
Type
Mobile Network Operator
Ownership
Bharti Airtel Group
Airtel Chad logo

3G Network

Airtel Niger launched its 3G network on February 19, 2015, in partnership with Ericsson, which provided end-to-end hardware, software, and related services. This deployment marked a significant milestone in the company's efforts to enhance mobile broadband services in Niger. The 3G network was designed to offer high-speed mobile broadband, improving the customer experience and supporting a wider range of consumer services. As of the latest available information, there has been no indication that Airtel Niger has shut down its 3G network, and it continues to serve as a critical component of the company's service offerings.

Network Frequency Band Status Known UARFCNs
B1 (2100 MHz)
Active
10639
B8 (900 MHz)
Active
3075
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 3G Network
Launch

4G Network

In July 2019, Airtel Niger announced the commercial launch of its 4G LTE services, following the acquisition of the country's first 4G mobile license in 2018. The 4G network initially covered the capital city, Niamey, with plans to expand coverage to regional capitals and other major cities. Airtel Niger's 4G services utilised frequency bands 3 (1800 MHz) and 20 (800 MHz), offering improved data speeds and network reliability. This launch positioned Airtel Niger as a leader in the Nigerien broadband mobile internet market, further solidifying its market dominance.

4G Frequency Bands
Network Frequency Band Max. Channel Bandwidth Status Known EARFCNs
B3 (1800 MHz)
10
Active
1870
B20 (800 MHz)
10
Active
6200
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 4G Network
Launch

5G Network

As of December 2024, Airtel Niger has not yet launched a commercial 5G network. There have been no reports of 5G trials or testing conducted by the company in Niger. The focus remains on expanding and enhancing existing 4G services while monitoring developments in 5G technology and spectrum availability. Airtel Niger's future plans for 5G deployment will likely depend on regulatory developments, market demand, and technological advancements in the region.

Date Event Subtype