By Abubakar Yunusa
Telecommunications firm, Bharti Airtel, has surpassed 650 million mobile subscribers worldwide, cementing its position as the second-largest telecom operator globally by customer base.
The company disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, highlighting the scale of its operations across multiple markets.
Airtel noted that its network currently reaches over two billion people globally, including more than 179 million customers spread across 14 African countries.
It described the milestone as a reflection of its expansive footprint and ability to deliver consistent service quality across diverse regions.
“Crossing 650 million mobile subscribers worldwide now positions the company as the second-largest telecommunications operator on the planet by customer base,” the statement read.
The firm added that the achievement underscores its capacity to deliver innovative services while maintaining quality across markets.
In Nigeria, Airtel said it had significantly expanded its network footprint, growing its site count from 13,000 to nearly 17,200 within three years.
It revealed that over 1,500 sites were added in the past year alone to boost capacity in high-demand areas and extend coverage to underserved communities.
Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission showed that Nigeria had 145,141 base stations as of December 2025, with Airtel accounting for 46,918 of the country’s telecom infrastructure.
The company also disclosed plans to establish a second submarine cable internet breakout point at Kwa Ibo in Akwa Ibom State, as part of the 2Africa cable system rollout aimed at improving connectivity nationwide.
