Why adding new mobile subscribers is difficult for 9mobile

9mobile, a Nigerian telecommunications company, has been facing challenges in adding new mobile subscribers in recent years. Here are some reasons that may contribute to this difficulty:

  1. Intense competition: The Nigerian mobile market is highly competitive, with four major players: MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile. Each operator is fighting for market share, making it challenging for 9mobile to attract new subscribers.
  2. Poor network quality: 9mobile has faced issues with network quality, including poor coverage, dropped calls, and slow data speeds. This can lead to customer dissatisfaction and make it difficult to attract new subscribers.
  3. Lack of brand recognition: 9mobile was previously known as Etisalat, but the brand was rebranded in 2017. This change may have affected customer loyalty and made it harder for the company to attract new subscribers.
  4. High churn rate: 9mobile has a high churn rate, which means that many of its existing customers are leaving the network. This can be attributed to poor network quality, high tariffs, and limited services.
  5. Limited 4G coverage: 9mobile's 4G network coverage is limited, which can be a major drawback for customers who require fast data speeds.
  6. Tariff wars: The Nigerian mobile market is characterized by frequent tariff wars, where operators offer aggressive promotions and discounts to attract customers. 9mobile may struggle to compete with its rivals in this regard.
  7. Regulatory challenges: 9mobile has faced regulatory challenges, including a dispute with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over the company's debt. This uncertainty can make it difficult for the company to attract new investors and subscribers.
  8. Limited services: 9mobile's service offerings may be limited compared to its rivals, which can make it harder to attract customers who require specific services, such as international roaming or high-speed data.
  9. Lack of innovative products: 9mobile may not be offering innovative products or services that differentiate it from its competitors, making it harder to attract new subscribers.
  10. Financial constraints: 9mobile has faced financial challenges, including a debt crisis, which can limit its ability to invest in network upgrades, marketing, and other initiatives that could help attract new subscribers.

These are some of the reasons why adding new mobile subscribers may be challenging for 9mobile. The company needs to address these issues to improve its competitiveness and attract new customers.