Inside Globacom’s quiet infrastructure revolution: what subscribers should expect in 2026

Globacom, like every other Nigerian mobile network provider, operates in a quite competitive environment. Despite a challenging operating environment, telcos are expected to deploy solutions and deliver the best service to subscribers in Nigeria.

With growing internet consumption, operators face increased responsibility. As Nigerians’ demand for data-intensive activities surges, they have to invest heavily in infrastructure and scale their structures to handle the traffic. 

The latest industry data reveals that the country’s internet usage increased by 1,085 terabytes (to 1,236,544.10) in November 2025 from 1,235,459.47 in October. Similarly, data consumption by Nigerians increased by over 236,000 terabytes from January to November.

Notably, a surge in internet subscribers signals a rise in smartphone penetration, consequent on a successful digital economy campaign. As of November 2025, the subscriber base stood at 144.8 million, representing a 1.5% surge from the 142.6 million subscribers in October 2025. 

For subscribers, an ‘average’ internet experience is no longer acceptable. The rise in remote work, digital payments, AI penetration, and activities that demand faster browsing speed and competitive pricing for longer internet stays. 

Hence, the need for infrastructure upgrade is more compelling. For operators, the investments are required to improve network reliability, increase data speeds, and expand coverage, particularly in underserved and remote areas.

Also Read: Should Nigerians expect improved network and internet performance in 2026?

Globacom’s infrastructure upgrade 

With 22.2 million subscribers in Nigeria, Globacom is currently the third-largest telco with a market share of nearly 13%, according to the latest industry data. 

The telco is deepening superior network quality and expanding coverage. This includes an expansion project across Nigeria to enhance customer experience and service delivery.

A significant component of the upgrade is the deployment of new base stations aimed at extending coverage to underserved locations and increasing the number of sites in areas with growing populations. 

The increase in telecom sites strengthens Globacom’s position as Nigeria’s second-largest tower operator. Data from the NCC shows that the operator increased tower sites by 223 from 8,550 in 2023 to 8,773 in 2024.

Also, this solidifies its position as the only Nigerian MNO that independently operates and manages its towers. 

NCC’s 2024 Year End Performance Report revealed that Globacom owns 22% of the 39,880 towers in Nigeria as of December 2024, only second to IHS’s 47% and leads ATS, which holds a 21% market share. MTN is distant with just 1%, while Airtel controls less than 1%.

MTN owns a minimal amount of its infrastructure (approx. 286 towers in 2023), preferring to lease from IHS Towers and American Tower Corporation (ATC). Similarly, Airtel owns a few towers (approximately 61 in 2023), having sold the majority to ATC. 

Speaking with Technext, a Globacom insider who prefers anonymity, noted that the company is well dedicated to expanding network infrastructure that includes “fibre backbone, upgraded transmission routes, modernised switching centres, and optimised traffic pathways across the country.”

Globacom’s continued investment in tower sites signals its commitment to ensuring that customers have a smooth experience in terms of voice and data services. More towers help the operator to bridge the digital divide gap, reduce issues of network traffic and drop calls that lead to frequent customer complaints. 

Globacom’s 2025 internet performance rating

An analytical report by nPerf, a France-based mobile internet speed test platform, rated Globacom as the third-best mobile internet provider in Nigeria in 2025. The report indicates that it achieved a good rating in terms of latency (121.81 ms) and browsing (29.86%).

Although MTN was rated as the best mobile internet provider, Globacom recorded a browsing performance of 29.86% while Airtel followed closely with 29.45%.

This means that in terms of browsing experience across social media platforms, Globacom is considered a close second to MTN. 

Reacting to the report, the Globacom rep noted that such ‘excellence’ was a product of sustained effort and determined revolution in 2025. For the company, the investments during the year “form the unseen architecture of reliability that will ensure enhanced network experience for customers in 2026.”

A significant part of the effort in 2025 is the acquisition of new spectrum, the addition of thousands of new LTE sites, and an expanded fibre backbone designed to reduce network glitches and handle high data consumption.

According to the company, the spectrum will be paired with core network optimisation and upgraded microwave backhaul systems to deliver faster downloads, sharper upload speeds, and seamless 4G video streaming. It noted that beyond serving subscribers, it represents a nationwide transformation of increased broadband connectivity. 

In addition to expansions, Globacom deployed hybrid battery power systems across numerous sites. The sustainability practice and greener model are to reduce cost and dependence on diesel, while also improving network uptime.

However, challenges persist. Like every other telco, infrastructure vandalism, fibre cuts, and power outages have contributed to network outages.

In early November, Globacom recorded a significant operational disruption across the Northern part of the country, with affected states including Kano, Jos, Kaduna, FCT Abuja, Bauchi and others in the region. The network outage was attributed to multiple fibre cuts on major transmission routes. 

While telco infrastructure, such as towers, fibre lines, base stations, and data centres, has been classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), the operations are increasingly targeted by vandals, thieves, bushfires and uncooperative communities.

Also Read: Global internet users spent 5.3trn hours on apps and websites in 2025.

What should Globacom subscribers expect in 2026

For Globacom, the goal is simple: maintain the same working formula and up the infrastructure upgrade mantra. 

Facilities such as the Glo 1 International submarine cable, which is solely owned by the company, will be pivotal to its operational excellence in 2026.

“The outlook and promise remain radiant for the year,” the Globacom rep said, noting that the company will leverage its reliable bandwidth to power Nigeria’s ambition for a digital future and the targeted $1 trillion digital economy. 

In a fast-rising world of AI capabilities, cloud computing and a demanding digital ecosystem, the operator wants to play a decisive role in enhancing these services for its subscribers. This comes close with sustained investment and readiness to bank on emerging technologies. 

As Globacom enters its 26th year of operation, a new experience fueled by an increased network backbone promises to provide subscribers with an improved internet experience.

The post Inside Globacom’s quiet infrastructure revolution: what subscribers should expect in 2026 first appeared on Technext.