Airtel Nigeria adds network site tracker to My Airtel Africa app

Airtel Nigeria has launched a new feature on the My Airtel Africa app that lets subscribers view nearby 4G and 5G network sites. Users can also use it to report poor connectivity. The feature is called Airtel Open Network. Airtel launched it in Lagos on October 30, 2026.

The platform shows network sites within 500 metres of a subscriber. It uses visual indicators to show active sites, those undergoing upgrades, and locations where new sites are planned. Nigeria is the first of Airtel Africa's 14 markets to get this feature.

Network Quality and Challenges

An NCC assessment reported by TechCabal found that 78% of major roads had mobile signals, but only about 42% offered stable, high-speed 4G or 5G connectivity. The report also identified more than 120 critical black spots where mobile signals were completely unavailable.

Dinesh Balsingh, Airtel Nigeria CEO, said at the launch that the platform was designed to make network information accessible. He noted that trust grows when customers can see what is happening and know that their concerns are being heard. Airtel will use feedback from the platform alongside infrastructure investments to guide network upgrades.

Regulatory Support and Limitations

NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, said accessible network information could complement the regulator's efforts to improve service quality. Maida wants operators to continue improving their services beyond minimum regulatory requirements.

Seeing a nearby mast does not guarantee reliable reception. Airtel acknowledged that indoor coverage, building structures, handset specifications, and network congestion can affect individual experience. The company plans to roll out demonstrations and user guides across digital, retail, and traditional media channels in the coming weeks.