T2 Strikes Multi-Million-Dollar Partnership with India

Telecommunications provider T2, formerly known as 9mobile, has entered into a landmark agreement with India’s Knot Solutions in a deal worth several millions of dollars. The partnership, which was unveiled during the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference in Lagos, marks a major step in T2’s ambitious plan to transform its operations and reposition itself as a key player in Nigeria’s competitive telecom sector.

The Chief Executive Officer of T2, Obafemi Banigbe, announced the collaboration at a signing ceremony attended by key executives from both companies. Present were Knot Solutions’ Global CEO, Konuru Sumanth, Knot Solutions Africa’s Managing Director, Amruth Kumar, and T2’s Chief Technical and Information Officer, Ayodeji Adedeji. Banigbe described the agreement as more than just an upgrade, stressing that it forms a cornerstone of T2’s four-phase transformation strategy, which includes stabilisation, modernisation, transformation, and growth.

According to him, the company has been deliberate about charting a clear path towards recovery after years of turbulence that saw its subscriber base shrink dramatically. “This structured approach underscores our commitment to restoring competitiveness, driving customer-focused innovation, and enabling Nigeria’s digital future,” he said.

The deal is widely seen as a turning point for T2, which has been working steadily to regain the trust of customers and investors alike. Banigbe noted that the partnership reflects strong investor confidence in T2’s new direction, pointing to the leadership of the company’s Chairman, Thomas Etuh, as a driving force behind the renewed optimism.

He further explained that T2’s plans go beyond the simple upgrading of internal systems. “T2 is poised to redefine the digital experience for millions of Nigerian customers. This is not just a system upgrade. It is a customer-first revolution that transforms how people interact with their digital world—seamlessly, instantly, and on their terms,” he declared.

In practical terms, this means that the company is no longer limiting itself to the traditional role of providing voice and data services. Instead, it is repositioning as a broader digital ecosystem. Banigbe said T2’s future offerings would include digital financial services, content distribution, cloud-based solutions, and lifestyle products, all integrated into a seamless user experience. “We are building an ecosystem where connectivity unlocks possibilities across entertainment, education, commerce, and financial empowerment,” he added.

For Knot Solutions, a technology company with significant expertise in building advanced telecom platforms, the Nigerian project represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Its Chief Executive Officer, Konuru Sumanth, described Africa as one of the fastest-growing telecom markets in the world, with Nigeria playing a central role in shaping that growth.

He explained that Business and Operations Support Systems (BSS/OSS) modernisation would be critical in ensuring telecom operators like T2 remain competitive in this evolving environment. “Through our flagship cloud-native platform, RaptrDXP™, T2 can move beyond rigid models into a dynamic, hyper-personalised ecosystem. We are proud to join this journey,” Konuru stated.

He emphasised that the partnership was not simply about achieving efficiency but about delivering unique and memorable experiences for customers. From real-time billing to customised service bundles, T2 subscribers will gain access to smarter, more intuitive digital solutions designed to anticipate their needs.

This announcement comes at a time when Nigeria’s telecommunications industry is experiencing renewed investment and infrastructure development. With a population of over 200 million and rising demand for data-driven services, telecom providers are racing to upgrade their systems and secure market share.

T2, which had once been among the leading telecom operators in the country under its previous identity as 9mobile, saw its fortunes decline sharply over the last decade. At its peak, the company boasted more than 23 million subscribers. However, years of financial struggles and deteriorating infrastructure led to a steep decline, with active customers dropping to fewer than 3 million.

The company has since embarked on an aggressive revival strategy anchored on global partnerships. Just last month, in August 2025, T2 signed another multi-million-dollar deal with Huawei to modernise its core network infrastructure across Nigeria. Though the financial details of that arrangement were not disclosed, it underscored the seriousness of the company’s revival plan.

The latest collaboration with Knot Solutions complements this earlier deal and signals that T2 is committed to rebuilding itself on multiple fronts. Both partnerships are directly aligned with the company’s four-phase roadmap, which is designed to stabilise its operations, modernise its systems, transform customer experience, and eventually achieve sustainable growth

Industry watchers believe T2’s latest moves could significantly reshape its future, especially if the company manages to execute its plans effectively. With Nigeria’s telecom landscape dominated by giants like MTN, Airtel, and Glo, T2 faces an uphill battle to reclaim market relevance. However, the new leadership’s focus on technology-driven solutions and strategic partnerships may give it the edge it needs.

For Nigerian consumers, these developments promise better service quality, more reliable connectivity, and access to innovative digital products that go beyond basic communication. For T2, the real test will be translating ambitious strategies into tangible improvements that customers can see and feel in their daily lives.

Banigbe remains optimistic. “We see a future where T2 is not just a network provider but a digital lifestyle partner. Every decision we make, every partnership we enter, is aimed at making that vision a reality,” he said at the ceremony.

As the dust settles on the signing, T2’s journey of transformation continues. With strong backing from investors, partnerships with global technology leaders, and a clear strategic roadmap, the company is setting the stage for a dramatic comeback in Nigeria’s telecom sector. What remains to be seen is how quickly and effectively it can deliver on its promises in an industry that never stands still.