Vitel Wireless claims to be the first Nigerian MVNO to achieve full interconnection with all major mobile network operators (MNOs), as it prepares for a nationwide launch later this year.

In a statement, Vitel said the milestone will allow its subscribers to make and receive calls with users on MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom (Glo), and 9mobile.

The interconnectivity was established through a combination of direct fibre connections and indirect routing via third-party providers.

This development follows several other firsts for Vitel. It was the first of 46 MVNOs licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission to be allocated a numbering plan, as well as national and international routing codes. Vitel also launched a location awareness network and was the first to announce a strategic nationwide rollout plan.

“We are gathering momentum for our big launch,” said Kenneth Emeka Nwabueze, MFR, Chairman and CEO of Vitel Wireless. “We are proud to be showing what’s possible for MVNOs, while also creating a path for others to follow. By leveraging our years of experience in Nigeria’s telecom industry, we are opening up new possibilities where there used to be none.”

Vitel plans to pilot its network in May 2025, with a full nationwide deployment scheduled for July, aiming to connect “millions across Nigeria.”