In a groundbreaking initiative poised to transform mobile connectivity for Nigerian travelers, EMOSIM, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) supported by EMO MEDIA Ltd, has announced a strategic partnership with Tata Communications Services. This collaboration will introduce travel eSIMs to the Nigerian market, offering a more economical alternative to traditional roaming services.
The rollout of this innovative solution is slated for the second quarter of 2025, specifically targeting Nigeria’s 1.2 million outbound travelers who frequently visit popular destinations such as the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.
This partnership represents a significant collaboration between Nigeria and India within the digital economy sector. The most recent high-profile engagement occurred during the G20 Summit in India, where Nigerian officials met with Indian technology leaders to discuss digital skills development, technology transfer, and potential business partnerships. With Tata Communications now entering Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape through EMOSIM, this alliance aligns seamlessly with the Nigerian government’s broader digital transformation objectives.
The eSIM technology is being promoted as a superior alternative to conventional roaming solutions, particularly due to its reduced data charges and its specific design for travelers.
The demand for eSIM technology is rapidly increasing; the GSMA forecasts that by 2028, half of all smartphone connections will be eSIM-enabled. While established players like Airalo and Ubigi currently dominate the global eSIM market, EMOSIM aims to localize the experience for Nigerian users, tailoring services to meet their unique needs.
Karn Gulati, CEO of EMOSIM and a former leader at 9Mobile and Ernst & Young, emphasized that MVNOs were created to serve underserved markets, ensuring that Nigeria’s smartphone revolution is inclusive and benefits all segments of the population. The partnership with Tata Communications will leverage its cloud-based IT platform for digital onboarding and real-time customer engagement, facilitating a seamless experience for travelers. This means users will be able to activate and manage their eSIMs digitally, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card.
Jimmy Eboma, Chairman of EMO Group, underscored that this initiative is in line with Nigeria’s broader digitization efforts. “MVNOs like EMOSIM serve as catalysts for increasing technology access and driving economic prosperity,” he stated.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been actively working on shaping MVNO regulations to ensure fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices within the telecommunications market. In light of MTN’s recent price hikes in Nigeria, emerging MVNOs like EMOSIM, along with Starlink, are positioning themselves as cost-effective alternatives for consumers.
As the final month of Q1 approaches, the launch of the travel eSIM is on the horizon. With an increasing number of Nigerians seeking affordable, borderless connectivity, EMOSIM’s entry into the market could mark a significant milestone in how travelers maintain global connectivity.
