Why Telcoms Service Improved In Last Five Years- NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission have attributed the improvement in telcoms service to a refined regulatory regime leading to better infrastructure.

The Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said this on Thursday during a briefing of new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Festus Yusuf Daudu.

Danbatta said the improved infrastructure translated to a surge in third generation (3G) and fourth generation (4G) Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) deployment in Nigeria.

The EVC said it has resulted to the rise of  3G and 4G Telecom Towers to 53,460 from 30,000.

Fibre Optic Transmission cables expanded from 47,000km to 54,725km in the last five years, Danbatta added.

Dambatta noted that these factors have led to improved broadband/telecoms service delivery to Nigerians.

He said, “The effective regulatory regime emplaced by the leadership of the Commission has resulted in increased deployment of infrastructure by telecoms operators, which in turn, helped to improve broadband penetration and other related service delivery in the telecoms industry.

“The BTS, fibre optic cables and other related infrastructure are central to the provision of improved service experience for Nigerians by their respective telecoms service providers.”

He added that the licensed Infrastructure Companies are also expected to add 38,296km to optic fibre cables when they commence full operations.

The NCC boss also disclosed that active telephony subscribers rose to 208 million, while active Internet subscriptions were 154.9 million with a broadband penetration of 45.07 per cent.

Danbatta reiterated government’s commitment to protecting and providing opportunities for consumers.

He said, “The Commission will continue to put in its best in the discharge of its mandates, especially in facilitating the deployment of broadband, which is central to diversifying the Nigerian economy and national development.

“Also, it is our belief that the communications industry, under the leadership of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, will experience more quantum leaps and retain its current leadership role in the telecommunications space.”