Telecommunications firm Globacom has partnered with Nigerian public Wi-Fi infrastructure provider Wave5 Wireless to pilot an urban Wi-Fi offload project in Lagos, in a move to ease mobile network congestion and improving data connectivity for users in densely populated areas.
The companies disclosed this in a joint statement issued on Sunday, stating that the collaboration adopts a Build-Operate-Revenue Share model, enabling 3G and 4G traffic to be seamlessly offloaded from Glo’s mobile network onto Wave5’s Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Under the pilot phase, the service will be deployed in key locations such as Tejuosho and Arena markets, along with 15 LAMATA bus shelters across Lagos, with the potential to serve over 200,000 mobile users.
According to both firms, the service will offer affordable daily access fees starting from N500, which supports approximately three hours of usage over 200 days annually, projecting a recurring revenue of around $7.2m.
“This partnership redefines connectivity in Nigeria,” said Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Wave5 Wireless, Biola Akinyemi.
“We designed this solution by listening to our people. Locals have been facing daily network hurdles, and by integrating our innovative Wi-Fi offload solution with Globacom’s extensive network, we are not only alleviating data congestion but also setting the stage for transformative digital services across Nigeria.”
Wave5 Wireless, which describes itself as a pioneer in Nigeria’s public Wi-Fi space, said the initiative is geared towards delivering practical and affordable broadband in areas traditionally plagued by poor connectivity.
The company’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ayọ̀wándé Adálémọ, said the partnership extends beyond data efficiency.
“Our goal has always been to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria,” Adálémọ said. “This partnership isn’t just about data traffic; it’s about creating opportunities, supporting local businesses, and enriching lives.”
Wave5 noted that the deal serves as a proof of concept for its neutral-host model, which allows multiple operators to share the same infrastructure.
With a $3m infrastructure raise underway to scale, the company is targeting a broader rollout across Nigeria and other emerging markets in sub-Saharan Africa.
The firm added that the partnership offers investors a promising growth opportunity, anchored by integration with a Tier-1 operator, predictable recurring revenue, and a scalable model.
