A new player, Vitel Wireless, is poised to enter Nigeria’s telecommunications market in the second quarter of 2025, promising to challenge the dominance of the country’s four major operators. Wireless Technology Labs (WTL) has announced the completion of Vitel’s network infrastructure and international roaming capabilities, paving the way for the launch.
Vitel Wireless, headquartered in Lagos and licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in 2023, will be Nigeria’s first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). The company plans to initially launch its services in major Nigerian cities, followed by a nationwide expansion. Vitel aims to offer competitive pricing on standard voice, SMS, and data services, while also focusing on value-added services such as location-based services (LBS) and IoT.
To facilitate customer access, Vitel is establishing Experience Centres in key cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, and building a distribution network for SIM cards through retail channels and online eSIM subscriptions.
WTL has successfully integrated Vitel’s infrastructure with a major Mobile Network Operator (MNO) and implemented international roaming using its advanced core systems, ensuring Vitel’s readiness for launch upon NCC approval.
Vitel’s CEO, Kenneth Nwabueze, emphasized the company’s commitment to offering innovative solutions beyond existing market offerings. WTL’s CEO, Satya Mekala, commended the NCC for fostering competition and expanding digital service adoption through new MVNO licenses, and expressed enthusiasm for supporting Vitel’s groundbreaking entry into the Nigerian market. WTL has also been working with Nigeria’s first Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE) to help other MVNOs