Airtel hits 650 million users worldwide, becomes second largest teleco

Bharti Airtel has crossed 650 million mobile subscribers globally, cementing its position as the second-largest telecom operator by customer base and signalling continued growth across its key markets, including Nigeria.

The company disclosed the milestone in a statement on Saturday, highlighting the scale of its operations and its ability to deliver services across diverse regions through sustained investment in infrastructure and innovation.

In Nigeria, where competition in the telecoms space remains intense, Airtel Nigeria said it has significantly expanded its network footprint over the past three years, increasing its site count from just over 13,000 to nearly 17,200.

The company added that more than 1,500 new sites were deployed within the last year alone, helping to improve capacity in high-demand areas while extending coverage to underserved communities.

Expanding coverage and capacity

Airtel noted that nearly 99 per cent of its network sites in Nigeria are now 4G-enabled, positioning it among operators with widespread high-speed connectivity.

The expansion comes as demand for data continues to surge, driven by increased digital activity, streaming, remote work, and mobile-based services.

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission, the country had over 145,000 base stations across multiple generations of network technology as of December 2025.

Within this ecosystem, Airtel accounts for tens of thousands of base-station layers, reflecting its significant role in supporting Nigeria’s growing internet usage.

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The company also pointed to recent upgrades across thousands of sites aimed at improving speed, stability, and user experience, particularly during peak usage periods.

Betting on infrastructure and digital services

Beyond mobile connectivity, Airtel is investing in broader digital infrastructure to support long-term growth.

The company revealed plans to establish a second submarine cable internet breakout point in Kwa Ibo, Akwa Ibom State, as part of the wider 2Africa cable system rollout. The project is expected to improve network resilience and ensure faster data transmission across the country.

Airtel also highlighted the expansion of its digital finance platform, SmartCash, which now serves over three million active users in Nigeria, supported by a growing agent network and retail presence.

With around 4,000 exclusive outlets nationwide, the telco said its distribution network continues to play a key role in deepening access, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

As Nigeria’s internet penetration crosses the 50 per cent mark, Airtel said it is seeing strong growth in new data users, driven by ongoing network upgrades and increased availability of high-speed services.

Looking ahead, the company reaffirmed its focus on expanding fibre infrastructure, enhancing mobile broadband, and exploring future-ready solutions such as satellite connectivity and enterprise digital platforms to sustain its growth trajectory.