Why GLO will rule Telecommunications space in 2026 and beyond

By Cyriacus Nnaji:

Personal daily diagnostic evaluation of the Nigerian telecommunications sector in Nigeria, having x-rayed with special attention the offerings of GLO Technology, I have come to the conclusion that GLO will rule the Telecommunications space in 2026.

It is no longer news that Nigerian business environment is one of the toughest: the multiple taxation issues, foreign exchange fluctuations, irregular power supply challenges, high cost of diesel and energy, non-state actors demanding gratifications and Government’s right of way challenges, these and many more drawbacks and obstacles advertently and inadvertently are placed on the way of businesses in Nigeria, telecommunications being at the centre of it all.

Also people appear to see telecommunications as an oil well which brings petrodollar, so both individuals, organisations and governments see companies and players in the telecommunications industry as being too rich and they all want to have a share of the proceeds. Great, the involvement of foreign investors in the sector also gives false impression that there is too much money in the sector. However, people and some state governments fail to understand that the sector is a multi-billion dollar investment in terms of equipment, employing high skilled and high quality manpower required to carry out the day to day operations of the sector.

These unfavorable business environment and such heavy investment need, of course, without mincing words is a hard hit for the local operators who source their investible funds locally mostly.

Therefore kudos must be given to GLO Technology which has kept the pace even in the face of unfavourable local environment and its attendant challenges.

Aside being the third major telecommunications company in Nigeria, it is wholly indigenous. It did not just study the business, it came into the business with a bang, providing very unique operational service lacking in the predecessors. The per second billing introduced by GLO at inception has continued to earn the accolades, singled out the telecommunications giant as the primus inter pares in the sector in Nigeria. This singular business innovation has kept this beautiful local content company going. It has been in the heart of many Nigerians, and it sticks.

As an indigenous telecommunications company, Globacom, the parent company of GLO, has shown great interest in the development of Nigeria, not just being mass-oriented, having the low income earners in mind, the company made more individuals rich than any other telecommunications combined. The company through their CSR, enriches individuals and communities, even organisations. The Glo selects a number of celebrities and made them ambassadors, whereby the company select popular artistes, musicians, actors and actresses, comedians as image makers of the company and they are incentivised.

Several bonanza have made people rich, people win cars, houses, generators, sewing machines, hair dryers and other items that add value to their lives.

The company also sponsors traditional festivals such as Ofala Festival, the Ojodu Festival, these are tourist events that bring foreigners into the country, bringing with them foreign currencies and having the privilege to first class entertainment. People are happy, they enhance people’s culture, and both owners of the culture and  visitors enjoy themselves. So GLO has been championing these great festivals, these are very possible because being an indigenous company, it has no other place to repatriate profit.

As 2026 is here with us what are those things the subscribers actually need: Blazing Fast Speeds  and coverage, seamless Connectivity which emphasizes reliability, fewer dropped calls, and wider coverage.

Nigerians want innovative Services: Talk about value-added services like mobile payments, entertainment, and IoT integration. We also talk about affordability.

For Customer Support, GLO shares improvements in customer service, self-service options, and feedback mechanisms.

In entertainment Glo carries first (e.g., streaming services, music, or sports content), GLO’s IoT services for smart homes, wearables, or businesses are second to none.

The company’s self-service options like USSD, apps, or chatbots; Proactive issue resolution and feedback loops; Community engagement and customer-centric initiatives are some of the services which make GLO number one in 2026.

GLO has several exciting offerings that might interest subscriber, 5G Expansion: GLO is rolling out its 5G network across major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, offering speeds up to 300Mbps and supporting up to 32 devices simultaneously; eSIM Services: GLO has launched eSIM services, allowing customers to activate mobile plans without physical SIM cards, ideal for frequent travelers and enterprise customers; Affordable Data Plans: GLO offers competitive data plans, including a 2.6GB plan for ₦1,000 and a 10.5GB plan for ₦3,000, making it one of the most affordable options in Nigeria; Mobile Payment Solutions: GLO’s mobile payment platform, Glo Mobile Money, enables users to send money, pay bills, and manage finances on-the-go, and IoT Solutions: GLO is promoting IoT adoption in Nigeria, enabling smart city initiatives and industrial automation. Innovative Services: GLO offers mobile payment solutions like GLO Mobile Money, AI-powered services, and IoT integration, enhancing user experience.

Satellite Broadband: GLO is exploring satellite broadband services. And of course, GLO offers 24/7 support channels and community-focused initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to customer satisfaction.

Looking at it critically you discover that GLO’s technology has a significant indigenous component. While GLO leverages global partnerships for infrastructure and technology, it has also invested heavily in local infrastructure and human capital development in Nigeria.

Local Infrastructure: GLO has built extensive local infrastructure, including base stations, fiber networks, and data centers across Nigeria; Local Content: GLO partners with Nigerian companies for services like network maintenance, IT support, and content development. Again, on Network Expansion, GLO is expanding its 4G LTE network and rolling out 5G services in major cities.

These innovations address local needs and enhance user experience in Nigeria.

GLO has taken several initiatives to extend communication to the “last mile” in Nigeria: Rural Coverage Expansion: GLO has expanded its network to cover rural areas, providing connectivity to previously underserved communities; Base Station Deployments: GLO has set up base stations in hard-to-reach areas, improving voice and data services; Partnerships with Local Operators: GLO partners with local operators to extend coverage and improve network quality in rural areas. Affordable Plans: GLO offers affordable data and voice plans, making communication more accessible to low-income users. These efforts aim to bridge the connectivity gap and reach the last mile.

Indeed, GLO has contributed to Nigeria’s digital economy in several ways: Increased Internet Penetration: GLO’s affordable data plans and expanded network have increased internet access, driving digital adoption. Mobile Payment Solutions: GLO Mobile Money enables transactions, payments, and financial inclusion; Digital Services: GLO offers value-added services like GLO Pulse and GLO WOW, promoting digital engagement; Job Creation: GLO’s operations and partnerships support jobs in telecoms, tech, and retail; Support for Digital Startups, GLO has initiatives to promote innovation and support digital startups in Nigeria, like: GLO Innovation Labs: Spaces for entrepreneurs to collaborate and innovate; Partnerships with Incubators: GLO partners with local incubators to support startups with resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities; and Digital Skills Training: GLO has programs to enhance digital skills for entrepreneurs and youth. These efforts aim to boost innovation and growth in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem