9mobile’s Shameful Streak Continues As 6,079 Users Abandon Sinking Ship in 2 Months

In a shocking blow to Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, 9mobile, once a major player in the industry, is facing a deepening crisis as it lost a staggering 6,079 subscribers in just two months.

The alarming exodus, reported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), highlights the network’s struggle to retain customers amid growing dissatisfaction and fierce competition.

According to the latest industry data, 9mobile’s subscriber base plummeted from 13,750,730 in January 2024 to 13,744,651 by March 2024.

This decline marks yet another setback for the telecom operator, which has been grappling with operational challenges, poor service quality, and an inability to compete with rivals like MTN, Airtel, and Glo.

Industry analysts have attributed the mass departure to a combination of factors, including frequent network outages, poor customer service, and a lack of innovative offerings to attract and retain users.

“9mobile is clearly losing its grip on the market,” said telecom expert Tunde Oladipo.

“When customers can’t rely on your network for basic services, they have no reason to stay.”

The latest subscriber loss adds to a series of setbacks for 9mobile, which has been struggling to regain its footing since its rebranding from Etisalat in 2017.

Despite efforts to revamp its image and services, the network continues to lag behind its competitors, who are rapidly expanding their 4G and 5G infrastructure.

The NCC’s report also revealed that while 9mobile is losing subscribers, its competitors are experiencing steady growth. MTN, Airtel, and Glo collectively added millions of new users during the same period, further widening the gap between 9mobile and the industry leaders.

As the telecom giant battles to stem the tide of customer departures, questions are being raised about its long-term viability. “If 9mobile doesn’t address these issues urgently, it risks becoming irrelevant in Nigeria’s highly competitive telecom market,” warned Oladipo.

For now, 9mobile’s future hangs in the balance as it faces mounting pressure to deliver better services and win back the trust of its dwindling customer base. Whether the network can turn the tide or continue its downward spiral remains to be seen.