ntel exits voice and data business, pivots to AI and digital infrastructure
By Aboki Forex —
ntel, one of Nigeria's oldest telecom companies, has officially abandoned its traditional voice and data services to focus on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and technology-driven solutions. The company announced the strategic shift during its relaunch on Monday, marking a dramatic turnaround after years of financial struggles and stiff competition from MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile.
Rather than depending on revenue from phone calls and internet subscriptions, ntel says its future growth will come from commercialising telecom infrastructure, fibre networks, towers, power systems, and real estate assets.
From NITEL to a three-company structure
The transformation represents another significant chapter in the history of the former state-owned telecom giant. In 2015, the NATCOM Consortium acquired NITEL and its mobile subsidiary, Mtel, for $252 million, taking over valuable telecom assets including spectrum licences, fibre infrastructure, and extensive real estate holdings. Although ntel launched commercial 4G LTE services in 2016, it struggled to compete with larger operators. The financial difficulties eventually led to the intervention of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), one of the company's biggest creditors, which is now supporting its latest revival.
As part of the restructuring, ntel has divided its operations into three specialised companies. Beam will oversee telecommunications services, including the rollout of WakaGo, a fixed wireless broadband service powered by eSIM technology and Tarana Wireless' AirFibre platform. The service is expected to target Nigerians who travel frequently by allowing seamless connectivity in more than 190 countries through international roaming. According to ntel Chief Executive Officer, Soji Maurice-Diya, the company is leveraging technology supplied by US-based Tarana Wireless to deliver faster and more reliable broadband services.
Meanwhile, Titan will focus on monetising ntel's extensive infrastructure portfolio, including over 600 telecom towers, more than 3,500 kilometres of fibre optic network, and its power assets. The third arm, Eden, will manage the company's real estate investments, including commercial properties in Victoria Island, Lagos, residential developments in Abuja's Wuse 2 district, and Nova Place in Port Harcourt.
Global trend driving the pivot
ntel's decision reflects a growing global trend where telecom companies are shifting attention from traditional voice and data services to infrastructure ownership. With platforms such as WhatsApp, Zoom, and FaceTime reducing revenue from conventional phone calls, operators are increasingly finding greater value in leasing towers, fibre networks, and other digital infrastructure to other service providers.
Across Africa, companies including MTN and Airtel have already adopted similar models by spinning off or selling telecom towers and fibre assets to specialist infrastructure firms while concentrating on retail mobile services.
Speaking during the relaunch, ntel's Head of Business Operations, Yvonne Alozie, described the transformation as far more than a corporate rebranding. According to her, the company is entering a new era built on strategic partnerships, innovation, and the ambition to become a leading provider of digital infrastructure that supports Nigeria's growing digital economy and future AI-powered connectivity.
What this means for consumers
Industry experts believe the strategy could ultimately benefit consumers. As telecom operators increasingly share towers, fibre networks, and power infrastructure, the overall cost of building and maintaining networks is expected to decline. Lower operating costs could eventually translate into improved network quality, wider coverage, and more affordable voice and data services for Nigerians.