• Glo launched a network upgrade plan after a 50% telecom tariff hike.
• It aims to add 1,000+ 4G sites and adopt hybrid energy solutions.
• With 20.6M users, Glo seeks growth in underserved areas to challenge MTN and Airtel.

Nigerian telecommunications company Globacom, known as Glo, has launched a network improvement and expansion program, according to local media reports citing a company statement issued Tuesday. The initiative follows a recent 50% increase in national telecom service tariffs and aims to enhance the quality of both voice and mobile data services.

Glo plans to deploy new base stations in currently underserved or poorly covered areas and reinforce coverage in densely populated regions. The operator stated it has already installed thousands of 4G LTE stations this year and continues to activate hundreds more sites to meet rising demand. Its objective is to deploy over 1,000 new sites within the next year.

The company has also begun relocating its fiber optic infrastructure in several areas where road construction work has damaged the network. As part of a sustainability effort, Glo is increasing its adoption of hybrid energy solutions, gradually reducing its reliance on generators in favor of battery systems.

Improving service quality and customer experience offers a significant competitive advantage for telecom operators, the GSM Association (GSMA) noted. Such improvements allow companies to retain existing subscribers and attract new ones. By expanding into underserved areas, Globacom is also targeting untapped growth potential that could substantially increase its subscriber base and solidify its position in Nigeria's increasingly competitive market.

Glo reported 20.62 million subscribers at the end of May 2025, representing an 11.96% penetration rate, according to the latest data from the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC). Competitors 9Mobile, Airtel and MTN held respective market shares of 1.55%, 34.17% and 52.33%.

Isaac K. Kassouwi