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Daniel Adaji
WhatsApp users in Nigeria are set to experience improved call quality as MTN Group partners with global tech giant Meta to enhance real-time communication across its network.
The collaboration, which begins in Nigeria before rolling out to 11 other African markets, is designed to improve the stability and clarity of voice and video calls on apps like WhatsApp, using advanced network optimization technologies.
This move comes amid widespread user complaints over recent network disruptions on the MTN network in Nigeria.
The service outages have significantly affected remote work, online businesses, and other digital activities dependent on reliable Internet access.
To tackle these issues, MTN and Meta have been working behind the scenes since the Mobile World Congress in 2024.
Their teams have deployed data-driven tools and testing frameworks to ensure smoother integration between mobile networks and real-time calling apps.
“We’re pleased with the remarkable improvement in our real-time communication services, reflecting our commitment to innovative customer solutions,” said Yahaya Ibrahim, Chief Technical Officer at MTN Nigeria.
On Tuesday, Meta’s Head of Network Ecosystems Engineering, Diego Marí, noted that the partnership reflects the company’s broader commitment to network efficiency and user satisfaction.
“This collaboration allows us to deploy advanced solutions for an unparalleled real-time experience in Nigeria and showcases our dedication to elevating service quality and improving user experience.”
For years, telecom operators across Africa have voiced concerns over Over-the-Top (OTT) services like WhatsApp and Messenger, accusing them of cannibalizing voice call revenues.
However, with mobile users increasingly relying on data-driven communication, telcos like MTN are shifting their strategy to embrace data consumption as a new revenue frontier.