9mobile: What More Do We Expect After Bad Network Quality?

There are indications that the network quality provided by 9Mobile networks have worsened recently, going by the number of complaints by Subscribers in the past week. Many took to the social media to air their grievances:

Dear 9mobile, network reception was never this bad with etisalat o. What's the problem??? You guys should please fix your issues. Thank you

— Automobile & Real Estate 🔌 (@OSBARTH) August 17, 2017

How is it that Etisalat/9mobile went from being the best network for great internet to being this crappy??

Did they leave with their masts?

— Ized Uanikhehi… (@zegbua) August 17, 2017

What exactly is responsible for the degeneration may be unclear for now. What we do know is that service disruption may be owing to the switch of administration and the many hassles associated with a brand name changed.  What is, however, visible is that the 9mobile has acknowledged the development and apologised to its subscribers, although it failed to define the definite period for restoration to normalcy.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you may be experiencing due to network downtime. Service will be restored soon. #9mobileCares pic.twitter.com/HnMFjTmUsL

— 9MobileNg (@9mobileng) August 18, 2017

There are however indications that 9mobile may be bleeding subscribers’ strength. According to statistics from the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) report, the number of subscribers on 9mobile is down to just over 18 million ( a significant drop from the over 20 million subscribers it inherited from Etisalat NG some weeks back). Businessday reports that the network may lose some more if its services do not improve overall.

Going by the speech of Mr Boye Olusanya at the unveiling ceremony, we are hopeful the company is prepared to brave the storms and live up to its status as the network of generation X.

Being a youth is an attitude. Be fun, free, cool, trendy,, creative, confident, bold, smart and more. Happy #InternationalYouthDay #9forLife pic.twitter.com/dn2T5dFQRu

— 9MobileNg (@9mobileng) August 12, 2017

Industry analysts are of the opinion that with the recent network problems and without investors, 9mobile may not survive in Nigeria’s telecoms market and may have to merge with any other existing operator to remain competitive in the very competitive Nigerian industry.With the over 100 engineers laid off, and the incessant network quality surge, 9mobile may be living this ominous prediction.

Although the Nigerian Communications Commissions (NCC) had promised that it would ensure that stakeholders the (subscribers or workers) are protected from the aftermath of the 9mobile transition, this network hitch is the greatest concern of paying subscribers. With the laying off and a deep of subcribers base, how much more do we have to contend with?