MTN is reportedly bidding to buy Multilinks’ backbone network infrastructure in Nigeria, according to BusinessDay.

The purported bid for Multilink’s fibre transmission backbone is important to MTN as it seeks to expand its market leadership in the data and internet services market.

Sources say that Multilinks owns one of the most robust terrestrial fibre optic network which connects 21 out of Nigeria’s 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja with an estimated construction cost of over $150 million.

Thus, if the acquisition of Multilinks backbone falls through, it could mean that MTN would own substantially more than 50% of long distance transmission networks in Nigeria.

Earlier, Helios Towers, a telecom infrastructure company had acquired 100% stake in Multilinks, but reportedly plans to sell its mobile phone business.

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