Airtel Networks Limited, commonly known as Airtel Nigeria, is a prominent mobile network operator in the country. The company was established in 2001 as Econet Nigeria and was the first to launch commercial GSM services in Nigeria. The company underwent several changes in ownership and branding, with Vodacom and Vee Networks taking over in 2004, followed by Celtel in 2006. In 2008, Zain Group acquired all Celtel International's shares, leading to a rebranding of Celtel Africa's operations to Zain. In 2010, Bharti Airtel, the parent company, concluded the acquisition of Zain Group's Africa business. Airtel Nigeria is a subsidiary of Airtel Africa, which is the holding company for Bharti Airtel's operations across 14 African countries. Airtel Nigeria ranks as the second-largest telecommunications company in Nigeria by customer base, trailing only MTN Nigeria.
Alias
Airtel Networks Limited
Country
Nigeria
Type
Mobile Network Operator
Ownership
Bharti Airtel Group
Airtel Chad logo

Airtel Nigeria 3G Network

The company has provided 3G UMTS over B1 (2100 MHz) since February 2009, with DC-HSPA+ data since February 2012.

Network Frequency Band Status
B1 (2100 MHz)
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 3G Network
Launch

Airtel Nigeria 4G Network

Airtel Nigeria launched its 4G LTE network in Q3 2016 over the B3 (1800 MHz) band. Services were initially only available in Lagos, however have since been rolled out throughout the country.

4G Frequency Bands
Network Frequency Band Max. Channel Bandwidth Status
B3 (1800 MHz)
5
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 4G Network
Launch