Absorption spectra of Ni 2+ ions in 22WO 3 -78TeO 2 tungstate-tellurite glass were studied and Ni 2+ extinction coefficient spectral dependence was derived in the 450-2700 nm wavelength range. Computer modeling of the glass structure proved Ni 2+ ions to be in trigonal-distorted octahedral environment in the tungstatetellurite glass. Tanabe-Sugano diagram for such an environment was calculated and good description of the observed spectrum of Ni 2+ ion was obtained. Basing on both absorption spectral range width and the extinction coefficient, nickel should be considered among the most strongly absorbing impurities in the tellurite glasses.