Airtel Ranks Second Globally as Subscriber Base Hits 650 Million

1. Airtel Ranks Second Globally as Subscriber Base Hits 650 Million

Bharti Airtel has reached a major milestone in its global operations, surpassing 650 million mobile subscribers, a development that now positions the telecom giant as the second-largest operator worldwide by customer base.

The achievement highlights Airtel’s expanding footprint across multiple markets, driven by sustained investments in network infrastructure, service quality and innovation.

In Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria has significantly scaled up its infrastructure in recent years. The company increased its total number of network sites from just over 13,000 to nearly 17,200 within three years, including more than 1,560 new sites added in the past year alone. The expansion is aimed at strengthening capacity in high-demand areas while extending coverage to underserved communities.

Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows that Nigeria had a total of 145,141 base stations across 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks as of December 2025. Airtel accounts for 46,918 base-station layers, underscoring its strong presence in the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.

The company has also made notable progress in broadband deployment, with nearly 99 percent of its sites now 4G-enabled, positioning it among operators with extensive high-speed coverage nationwide. Recent upgrades across thousands of sites have improved network speed and reliability, particularly during peak usage periods.

Nigeria’s internet penetration has also continued to grow, recently surpassing 50 percent, according to official data. Airtel has recorded one of the highest increases in new internet subscribers, driven by ongoing network expansion across both urban and rural areas.

As part of efforts to strengthen connectivity, Airtel is addressing the challenge of reliance on a single international internet gateway. The company is advancing plans for a second submarine cable landing point at Kwa Ibo in Akwa Ibom State, linked to the 2Africa cable system, to improve network resilience and speed across the country.

Beyond connectivity, Airtel is expanding its footprint in digital financial services through its SmartCash platform, which now serves over 3 million active users. The service is supported by a growing agent network designed to enhance access to financial services.

The company’s retail presence also remains a key strength, with about 4,000 exclusive outlets nationwide, helping to extend services to both urban centres and remote communities.

With continued investments in fibre infrastructure, broadband expansion and emerging technologies, Airtel says it remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s growing digital economy and improving access to connectivity and digital services