MTN Group has announced a strategic partnership with Meta aimed at enhancing the quality and reliability of real-time voice and video calls on apps like WhatsApp across Nigeria and 11 other African markets.
The collaboration, which began at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, focuses on improving how mobile networks interact with real-time communication platforms. By leveraging application-aware networks and network-aware applications, the partnership seeks to optimize traffic delivery and enhance the user experience for millions of Africans who rely on internet-based calls.
The move marks a notable shift in the dynamic between telecom operators and Over-the-Top (OTT) service providers—like Meta—who are often seen as rivals in the voice service space. African telcos have long expressed concern over revenue losses as more users opt for OTT services such as WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram for voice and video calls instead of traditional mobile voice calls.
MTN says the collaboration is already delivering measurable improvements in both call quality and network efficiency.
“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.
Meta’s Head of Network Ecosystems Engineering, Diego Marí, also highlighted the significance of the partnership: “This collaboration enables us to deploy advanced solutions that deliver a superior real-time communication experience in Nigeria. It underscores our commitment to improving service quality, user satisfaction, and network efficiency.”
