Airtel Nigeria deploys 1,000 additional 5G sites

Airtel Nigeria has expanded its 5G network infrastructure in 2026 by adding over 1,000 new sites, CEO Dinesh Balsingh announced during the launch of the Airtel Open Network feature. This initiative aims to enhance mobile connectivity and service quality across Nigeria as demand for faster internet services increases. The deployment brings the total number of Airtel's network sites to over 17,000.

Balsingh highlighted the new digital tool, Open Network, which allows subscribers to report service issues with detailed feedback, aiding technical teams in identifying and addressing connectivity problems. The telco's infrastructure investments also include the addition of more than 1,050 sites last year, surpassing 17,000 nationwide.

Balsingh emphasized that the new platform will provide more precise information on network issues, compared to conventional complaint channels like call centers and physical outlets. The company is also expanding its customer service network, with over 225 premium experience stores and plans to reach 500. The launch of the Open Network feature complements Airtel's AI-powered spam alert service, which detected over 9.6 million suspected spam messages in its first two months of operation.