Airtel Nigeria has launched the Airtel Open Network, a groundbreaking digital platform that gives subscribers unprecedented visibility into network coverage, signal strength, and service performance. The platform, unveiled on October 30, 2026, in Lagos, makes Nigeria the first of Airtel Africa's 14 operating markets to introduce this level of consumer-facing network accountability. The Open Network feature is now live on the My Airtel Africa App, available to all Airtel subscribers.
The Open Network feature shows 4G and 5G sites, sites being upgraded, and coming sites within a 500-metre radius of a customer's location through visual icons. Customers can also share feedback on network performance issues directly to Airtel using a simple button on the app. Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, stated that customers deserved clearer information about the network they depend on and the work being done to improve it.
According to Balsingh, the initiative transforms complex network telemetry into accessible, actionable insights for Airtel and its customers. He emphasized that the idea is to provide customers with a clearer view of the network information available to them, so they can make more informed decisions about their connectivity. This, he said, is about making network information easier to access and understand.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), highlighted the importance of accessible information and appreciated Airtel's effort to strengthen consumer confidence. He noted that the Commission's assessment of service quality will continue to be guided by evidence and industry standards.
The Open Network feature operationalises subscriber feedback through a structured, three-step journey built directly into the My Airtel Africa mobile application. By aggregating real-time subscriber input alongside multi-billion-naira physical infrastructure investments, Airtel Nigeria will continue to deploy engineering upgrades dynamically to areas where coverage, capacity, and reliability enhancements are most critically needed.
Airtel leadership emphasized that transparency must coexist with technical clarity. A coverage indicator does not guarantee uninterrupted reception under all conditions, as indoor penetration, structural barriers, handset specifications, and localized network congestion naturally influence individual experience. Balsingh noted that Open Network does not resolve every service issue or automatically change network performance.
The launch marks the commencement of a nationwide educational campaign, with practical demonstrations and user guides to be rolled out across digital, retail, and traditional media channels. This will onboard tens of millions of subscribers onto the platform in the coming weeks.
Key points
- Airtel Nigeria launches Airtel Open Network to provide subscribers with visibility into network coverage, signal strength, and service performance.
- The platform is available on the My Airtel Africa App to all Airtel subscribers.
- A nationwide educational campaign will be rolled out to onboard subscribers onto the platform.
