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Telecom

ATCON Mobilises Stakeholders Towards Achieving 70 Per cent Broadband Penetration Target

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Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has rallied stakeholders towards achieving the country’s 2020-2025 target of reaching 70 per cent in broadband penetration.

ATCON Mobilises Stakeholders Towards Achieving 70 Per cent Broadband Penetration Target

This is as Nigeria continues to make efforts to deepen its broadband penetration in the telecoms industry.

During the National Strategic Mobilization for the Actualization of National Broadband Target of 70% Conference and  Exhibition with a theme – Realizing the new set target of 70% of Broadband Penetration, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, president of ATCON, said the meeting is an opportunity to review the relevance of the Nigerian policy environment vis-a-vis the telecom operating environment.

Furthermore, he said the importance of the event is to complement the various strategic activities already embarked upon by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and all the agencies under the Ministry to achieve the set target of Broadband penetration in Nigeria with great speed.

“As often the case with us at ATCON, the strategic objectives of this very important event are to complement the various strategic activities already embarked upon by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and all the agencies under the Ministry to achieve the set target of Broadband penetration in Nigeria with great speed.

“To leverage on the wide spectrum of ATCON’ sub-groups for effective participation in the new Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 by allowing them to access the plan and suggest various ways to speed up the realization of the established target by the government and also serve as a veritable platform to galvanize the needed input that reflects the thinking of the telecom and ICT sector,” he said.

Engr. Nnamani stated that “the focus of discussion at this conference would focus on two panel sessions – State of the Broadband Implementation in Nigeria by MNOs, Submarine Cable Operators, InfraCos, Metro Fiber Providers, Long-Distance Providers and Impact of Broadband Infrastructure on OTT Services Providers, FINTECH/e-Commerce Operator, Equipment Vendors, VAS Providers, Satellite Operators, Internet Services Providers, Manufacturer Representatives and Data Centre Operators.”

In his address, Professor Garba Danbatta, executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said Nigeria has one of the largest telecom markets in Africa with an estimated population of over 200 million people.

He said enabling full connectivity and broadband access for a minimum of 70 per cent of the growing population is a vision that the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) seeks to achieve and surpass within the time frame of 2020-2025.

Professor Danbatta further noted that at the launch of the NNBP in 2020, the Broadband penetration, which was largely driven by mobile technology, was slightly below 40%. By December 2020, penetration of 45.93% had been attained.

He said as of April 2022, the penetration stands at 42.79%. The reasons for fluctuation according to him are quite obvious and that informed the strategic initiatives of the Commission to deepen the penetration of fixed broadband infrastructure which will guarantee very steady broadband services and provide higher capacity.

The NCC Boss said the NNBP articulates some critical Priority initiatives aimed at fast tracking the deepening of Broadband penetration across the country.

Professor Danbatta highlighted some of the challenges impeding broadband penetration to include  “inability of Infracos to raise takeoff capital to commence infrastructure deployment, failure of State governments to honor the agreement with stakeholders to peg the RoW at N145/meter, action of some State Governments, cancelling existing RoW and awarding exclusive RoW to one company in the State,outright refusal of some States to even discuss RoW with licensed Regional Infracos.

“Failure of mobile network operators to sign off-taker agreements with the Licensed Infracos – that would have facilitated their access to loan facilities, inequitable license conditions against the Infracos who are required to use higher specifications and standards for deployment of infrastructure; this is already being addressed by the Commission, insecurity in many parts of the country.

“Lack of adequate publicity, sensitization of critical stakeholders, failure of government to plough back part of proceeds of spectrum fees into infrastructure development, since the inception of telecom liberalization in 2001.

Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor represented by Engr (Mrs) Bisoye Coker Odusote, general manager Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), said the National Broadband plan aligns with and critical to his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is strategic to the attainment of our national goal on broadband penetration and in the forefront in terms of the provision of all that is required in the areas of policy and the appropriate infrastructure not only to achieve the national goal but also bringing to reality our smart city project.


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Telecom

NCC, REA Move to Power Telecoms with Renewable Energy

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have teamed up to develop an initiative that will reduce the $350 million annual spending on diesel by telecom operators in Nigeria.

NCC, REA Move to Power Telecoms with Renewable Energy

According to a press statement  by Nnenna Ukoha, acting had of Public Affairs, NCC, this collaboration will focus on deploying renewable energy solutions to support telecom infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

To that end, the two agencies have inaugurated what they called NCC–REA Collaboration Committee, aimed at deploying renewable energy solutions to power telecom infrastructure across the country.

According to the State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2025 by the Africa Finance Corporation, telecom operators in Nigeria consume more than 40 million litres of diesel every month, costing them over $350 million annually.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Communications Commission has formally inaugurated the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee, marking a pivotal step towards advancing Nigeria’s digital and energy inclusion objectives by developing modalities for the deployment of renewable energy to support telecom infrastructure in Nigeria.”

The inauguration ceremony, held on Friday, at the NCC Headquarters in Abuja, was presided over by Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer, NCC.

Maida was joined by Abba Aliyu, managing director of the REA, along with senior executives and committee members from both organisations.

Speaking at the event, Maida described the collaboration as a timely and strategic alignment of national priorities.

He noted that bridging the connectivity and power gaps in rural areas remains critical for Nigeria’s growth and development.

He highlighted that the demand for digital services and connected communities creates an opportunity for renewable energy to play a crucial role.

Maida further emphasised that the partnership goes beyond infrastructure; it is aimed at driving inclusion, reducing inequalities, and fostering shared prosperity.

“Whether it is powering a base station or enabling a child to access digital learning, this partnership has the potential to transform realities and bring opportunity closer to the people.

“This initiative is about more than infrastructure, it is about driving inclusion, bridging inequalities and creating the conditions for shared prosperity,” he was quoted in the statement.

He also noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to ensure no community is left behind in Nigeria’s energy and digital transformation.

Aliyu, representing REA, expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the collaboration.

“This partnership will unlock sustainable development opportunities for millions of Nigerians, especially those in areas lacking traditional infrastructure,” he said.

He further emphasised that the collaboration would address both energy and connectivity gaps, benefiting those who are currently underserved.

The newly established NCC-REA Collaboration Committee will work to co-develop and implement integrated solutions that leverage renewable energy to power telecom sites.

The statement noted that the committee will also focus on sharing geospatial data to improve planning, aligning funding frameworks, and tracking the socio-economic impact of the project through clear performance indicators.

 


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NCC Approves MTN, 9Mobile Roaming Collaboration Deal

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MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has announced the execution of a national roaming agreement with Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (9Mobile), a move that signals a major milestone in Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.

NCC Approves MTN, 9Mobile Roaming Collaboration Deal

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry’s regulatory authority, has approved the three-year deal, which allows 9Mobile subscribers to roam seamlessly on MTN Nigeria’s extensive network infrastructure across the country.

The agreement, effective immediately, will significantly enhance connectivity and user experience for 9Mobile customers, particularly in areas where its network coverage is limited.

By leveraging MTN’s expansive infrastructure, 9Mobile can now offer improved service reach and reliability, without duplicating capital-intensive investments in network deployment.

In a notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public, MTN Nigeria described the arrangement as a strategic collaboration that underscores its leadership in fostering innovation, industry cooperation, and operational efficiency.

The company emphasized that the initiative aligns with the NCC’s broader objective of promoting infrastructure sharing to improve telecommunications services nationwide.

“This agreement represents a significant step in our commitment to driving industry collaboration, improving customer experience, and supporting the NCC’s vision of a fully connected Nigeria,” said Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria.

“Delivering the scale required for telecommunications services in Nigeria requires strong collaboration between the private sector, public sector, and long-term investors. This agreement demonstrates what we can achieve when we collaborate, and we are delighted to announce it today after months of groundwork.”The national roaming deal enables subscribers from 9Mobile to access voice and data services through MTN’s network in areas where the former lacks adequate coverage.

This marks the first such large-scale, cross-network roaming arrangement between two major operators in Nigeria, setting a precedent for future cooperative efforts in the telecom industry.

MTN Nigeria highlighted that the agreement contributes to more effective use of telecommunications resources, reduces infrastructure duplication, and accelerates the expansion of mobile broadband access across underserved regions.

It also supports both operators’ sustainability objectives by maximizing existing investments and reducing the environmental impact of deploying overlapping network facilities.

“This strategic collaboration is yet another first in the country by MTN Nigeria and marks a significant milestone for the sustainability of the telecommunications industry,” the company stated.

“By enabling national roaming, MTN Nigeria is contributing to a more effective use of telecommunications resources and accelerating efforts to expand connectivity across the country.”

The agreement is expected to benefit not just subscribers and operators but also regulators and investors who have consistently advocated for policies that promote shared infrastructure and efficient capital utilization in Nigeria’s digital economy.

Uto Ukpanah,  company secretary, MTN Nigeria, affirmed the company’s ongoing dedication to initiatives that create shared value.

“MTN remains committed to fostering innovation and partnerships that create sustainable value for all stakeholders while promoting digital and financial inclusion nationwide,” she noted.

With the successful rollout of this agreement, the telecoms industry is expected to see improved service delivery and expanded access to quality mobile services, especially in rural and semi-urban communities. The collaboration sets a benchmark for future inter-operator partnerships and reinforces the importance of regulatory support in advancing national connectivity goals.

 

 

 

 


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Don’t Visit Telecom Centers for Now — ALTON Warns of SIM Service Downtime

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Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has announced a temporary disruption in SIM-related services across all mobile networks in the country.

The disruption, according to a statement on Wednesday, follows a directive from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), mandating mobile network operators (MNOs) to migrate to a new identity verification platform.

ALTON said the transition had triggered unforeseen technical challenges, affecting services such as SIM registration, replacement, and mobile number portability.

“While the new platform is intended to enhance the integrity and efficiency of identity management in Nigeria, unfortunately, the transition has temporarily impacted service delivery,” the association stated.

It added that MNOs would not be able to support SIM swaps, new activations, and related services until the issues are resolved.

ALTON noted that its members are working closely with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NIMC, and other stakeholders to restore normalcy.

The association appealed for public understanding and urged subscribers to delay visits to service centers for SIM-related matters.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and will continue to provide timely updates,” the statement read.

ALTON reaffirmed its commitment to delivering secure and quality telecommunications services to Nigerians.


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