Mobile phone use has steadily become a necessity of life, allowing users to communicate seamlessly with loved ones and business partners. According to recent regulatory reports, the number of mobile subscriptions in Ghana continue to grow, recording 40 million subscribers and a penetration rate of 137 per cent at the end of July 2018.

Telecommunication service providers have therefore been adopting innovative business models to meet the increasing and diverse needs of subscribers. Airtel and Tigo were two of such service providers that merged in 2017, to deliver a network with a much wider coverage, faster internet speeds and enhanced voice quality to subscribers. This merger also resulted in the introduction of reduced call rates and affordable data packages.

The merger, which is the first of its kind in Ghana, represents a groundbreaking move in the country’s telecommunications industry. It makes AirtelTigo the second largest mobile network operator with over 10 million subscribers. AirtelTigo’s goal is to create a fully integrated mobile network that will provide reliable and quality network experience to individuals, businesses, and communities across the country. 

To achieve this objective, a network unification process is currently underway which has seen AirtelTigo invest significantly in the consolidation and upgrade of its network assets over the last 6 months.  So far, major upgrades have been concluded in the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, Eastern and Volta regions. The company has also commenced work in the Western, Central and Greater Accra regions, with all major upgrades expected to complete in October 2018.

Upon completion, customers in both urban and rural Ghana will experience improved network coverage along with better voice quality and internet speed.  With a combined fibre footprint and an increased number of data centres, large corporations and SMEs would have access to a diverse portfolio of world-class solutions from AirtelTigo Business.

AirtelTigo Money, their Mobile Financial Service, is also expected to be greatly enhanced. The company will actively pursue collaboration with the government and international development organisations to develop a range of mobile-based solutions to address a variety of social economic challenges facing Ghana.

Some customers may have been inconvenienced through the on-going upgrade and AirtelTigo has been swift in reassuring them that the transition process is soon to close. All such customers have been encouraged to visit their nearest AirteTigo shop for assistance. AirtelTigo has also informed its customers of extended operating hours of its shops particularly in Western, Central and Greater Accra regions during this period.

For customers who have been assisted and successfully upgraded their SIMs to the new AirtelTigo network, the experience is certainly an improved one. The recently launched Big Time data bundles which are the only offers in Ghana with no expiry, has got them browsing “saaa”. 

Innovative products and services that would create more value for subscribers both on voice calls and data are in the offing from October when the integration and upgrade process is completed.

It seems there is no better time than the present to join the one big family of AirtelTigo as the future of the network promises to be exciting.