ntel takes WakaGo travel eSIM global after MVNO pitch win

Nigerian telecom operator ntel is targeting international travellers with WakaGo, its travel eSIM product, as it seeks new revenue beyond conventional mobile network services. The push follows ntel’s win at MVNO Nation Europe 2026 in Spain, where it won ‘The Hunt: Searching for the Next Great MVNO’ pitch competition.

The competition held in Alicante, Spain, from November 3 to 5. ntel’s Chief Technology Officer, Kingsley Uwazie, represented the company and presented its Next Frontier relaunch strategy to an international panel of telecom industry judges.

WakaGo and the award

WakaGo is a global travel eSIM designed to help travellers access mobile connectivity across international borders. The product reflects ntel’s ambition to explore the digital connectivity market, where travellers are increasingly looking for alternatives to expensive international roaming and the inconvenience of buying physical SIM cards abroad.

eSIM technology allows users with compatible devices to download and activate mobile network profiles digitally. That means travellers can access mobile data in supported destinations without physically changing their SIM cards.

The award came after Uwazie pitched the Next Frontier strategy during a Shark Tank-style competition. Participants had five minutes to present their business propositions before receiving feedback from industry judges. The competition attracted aspiring and recently launched mobile virtual network operators seeking recognition and opportunities in the international telecom industry.

What ntel is chasing

Mobile virtual network operators provide mobile services using the infrastructure of established network operators rather than necessarily owning their own radio access networks. The model allows companies to focus on specialised services, customer segments and digital distribution while relying on wholesale network arrangements for connectivity.

For ntel, the strategy could open additional revenue opportunities beyond traditional voice, SMS and domestic data services. The company said its participation reflects its commitment to engaging with the global telecom ecosystem, exchanging knowledge and exploring opportunities in the changing industry.

The hard part

ntel faces competition from established international eSIM providers and telecom operators offering digital data packages across multiple countries. Its ability to attract customers will depend on competitive pricing, reliable international network partnerships, destination coverage and customer experience.

While the European award provides international recognition, the bigger challenge will be converting that achievement into paying customers, commercial partnerships and sustainable revenue growth.

For Nigerian travellers, WakaGo could offer an alternative to expensive roaming and physical SIM swaps if ntel delivers competitive pricing and coverage.

Separately, Swift Telephone Network Limited (STN) has confirmed the telephone numbers it uses as it prepares to expand across Nigeria. STN announced the development on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, describing the licence as a key milestone. STN received a Unified Access Service Licence (UASL) from the federal government, giving it authority to provide telecom services across the country.