Nigerian broadband service provider Smile Communications has signed an international data roaming agreement with Hong-Kong based NUU Mobile (HKG) Limited.

The deal means that consumers with a Smile 4G LTE mobile device will be able to access and use data services when travelling to 85 countries including Canada, Kenya, South Africa, the UK and US.

NUU Mobile customers traveling to Nigeria will be able to connect to the Smile network.

Lotanna Anajemba, head of brands and communications at Smile Communications, said, "The network of the company is thus 'internationalised'. Smile now allows its customers to continue their international business as if they were still in the country."

This is NUU Mobile's first partnership in Africa and director Danny Sit said the deal "presents a poised delight to Nigerians and all those desirous of maximising the use of 4G international roaming service."

Established as a joint venture between Hong Kong-based Sun Cupid Group and US-based Noetic Inc., NUU Mobile first introduced its products to the global marketplace in 2012.

In March 2019, it partnered with Interswitch Financial Inclusion Services Limited to broaden access to its solutions and services.

Smile launched the first 4G LTE network in West Africa in Nigeria in 2014, claiming it revolutionised the way people access the internet in Abuja, Asaba, Benin City, Ibadan, Kaduna, Lagos, Onitsha and Port Harcourt.

According to Smile the agreement with NUU Mobile is strategic because it will provide continuity on its network and "stable revenue."