Telecom
Challenges of Last mile Infrastructure in Service Delivery
One of the major obstacles to Telecommunications service delivery in the country is absence of last mile infrastructure required to deliver services to consumers of these services at their respective homes and offices.
Last mile infrastructure is that transmission infrastructure telecommunications operators used to deliver services to potential subscribers at their domains. Basically, infrastructure required in this regard includes optic fibre and microwave.
The need for effective transmission infrastructure especially fibre optic which is seen as being reliable become necessary in view of developments in the industry, which is geared towards improving quality of service as well as reduces cost of services to operators and subscribers. For instance, operators have before now relied heavily on satellite communications for their bandwidth requirement as against undersea cable because of unreliability of Sat-3 which then was the only in its category, but, now there are several alternative especially in the undersea cable, where we have Glo 1 and MainOne cable and awaited West Africa Cable System (WACS). The coming of these two telecommunications infrastructure has to a great deal drive down cost of bandwidth. Nigeria CommunicationsWeek investigation revealed that one mega byte per second bandwidth sold for $800 now goes for as low as $300 which is more than 100% reduction. This reduction can only be enjoyed by subscribers of telecommunications services if the needed infrastructure to deliver services to end users are available, in this case last mile fibre optics. But it is not readily available. Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that all undersea cable infrastructure lands at the shores of Lagos and need to extend to different operators’ network switches and to transport this infrastructure from Lagos Island to Mainland area of Lagos will cost an operator $600 per one mega byte if it is to lease fibre optic from another operator that has it.
More so, the absence of this facility forced them to largely adopt microwave and satellite technology, few years ago, over 80 percent of telephone access in the country was rendered through satellite technology. Experts have noted that quality of service delivered using microwave technology is often times affected by atmospheric condition, making the technology not suitable for reliable service delivery compared to fibre optic cable also known as terrestrial infrastructure. But today, this scenario is fast changing as operators are now deploying fibre optic transmission network to improve on their service quality. But more work is still needed in this regard.
A fibre optic cable is made from a glass cladding that (due to its lower refractive index) reflects ‘escaping’ light back into the core, resulting in the light being guided along the fibre.
Currently, the growth and potential earning accruable from telecommunications services in Nigeria economy is comparable to other markets in the world, and the current rate of network growth across the country is impressive.
Quite a number of global technology corporations are extending their operations to Nigeria with multiplier effect on the economy, and international trade between us and other countries of the world.
However, it is encouraging to note that despite the rapid growth of telecommunications in the country, there is still a great opportunity for further growth and even development, as Nigeria being the most populous country in Africa, has an estimated addressable telecommunications market of 100 million subscribers presently. In view of the country’s landscape, she remains major market for long distance network operators due to increasing demand for multi-service, such as voice, data, video as well as rural telephony access.
Experience has shown that in order for predominantly mobile operators to improve on their quality of service, as well as capture multi-service segment of the market, they must invest in fibre optic backbone.
Efforts in this regard
The absence of terrestrial infrastructure in the telecommunication industry is being felt in all service deliveries. For instance, in direct-to-home satellite television broadcasting, it is a common occurrence for service to be disrupted each time it rains, more so, the hope of offering broadband internet service cannot be realized without a fibre optic infrastructure, its absence is responsible for the narrow band services rendered by operators in the sector.
It is against this backdrop that telecommunications giant; Globacom initiated its fibre optic ring project across the country. So far, it has completed Abuja to Kano, Minna, Enugu, Owerri, Uyo among others even as works on the last link between Lagos and Benin has reached advance stage.
Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (Nitel) has fibre optic ring that is not being used probably because of the monopolistic tendencies of the moribund company, which resulted in the federal government parastatal’s refusal to lease out the infrastructure to GSM operators that requested for it during their early roll out plan.
This however led to them embarking on similar project. MTN in order to meet the growing high-capacity transport and connectivity needs of the industry has almost completed a world-class quality Metropolitan Area Fibre Networks in Ibadan, Kano, Warri, and Aba. When completed, it will support anticipated voice, data and video growth in these cities by providing superior transmission capacity, reliability, robustness and quality service. This is in addition to 3,885km of fibre optic backbone networks popularly referred to as ‘Blaze’ network. Blaze was implemented in four phases, namely: Phases 1 and 2 southern and eastern rings with a total of 2,422km. Phase 3, Northern ring with a total span of 1,116km, Phase 4 Niger Delta with a total span of 347km. MTN is leveraging on this infrastructure to provide connectivity of some commercial banks as well as Central Bank of Nigeria.
Zain is not left out in this effort to improve service through effective transmission infrastructure of fibre optic. The company having taken delivery of its first fibre optic project 4,000km from Nokia Siemans has awarded another contract to the same company for the expansion of its existing 4,000km nationwide fiber backbone network by a further 6,000km.
Zain Nigeria, explained that the aim of the project is to create wide capacity for Nigeria’s growing number of customers demanding high quality broadband services by deploying self owned fiber.
Zain awarded the original project in November 2007, but Nokia Siemens Networks speed up the project’s preliminary deadline of June 2009, and completed Phase 1 of the project by end February. This phase 2 of the project has been completed.
In essence, Nigeria will begin to witness emergence of an improved and unlimited telecom services, massive expansion of networks and benefits or their existing market goodwill, and a significant increase in the demand for multi-service.
The market will begin to offer bundled services, as costs come down. The competition between wireless and wired line services would begin to grow.
Impact
Gbenga Adebayo, chief executive officer, Communications Network support service, said that aside improved transmission of voice call, data and video occasion by the expansion of fibre optic by telcos, there will be emergence of wired services. He said wired line services offer multi-service at very affordable rate without compromise on quality. According to him, the fixed nature of the service of wired line, provide for a long tern relationship between operators of the service and their customer. He said that, market research has shown that in the urban areas, a large number of residential customers have a higher retention of their fixed lines with better quality than mobile services.
Deolu Ogunbanjo, president of National Association of Telecommunications subscribers of Nigeria (Natcomms) said that transmission of telecommunication services via microwave contributes to poor quality of service being experienced by subscribers of telecom services, and that with a shift to more effective transmission by fibre optic backbone, Nigeria subscribers will begin to witness unmatched service delivery especially in video, and data service.
It is a known fact that challenges for wired network operators in the country range from the difficulty in infrastructure deployment, right of way approval processes, and unwillingness of operators to co-share ducts among others. But as these are gradually being addressed through the growing of national fibre optic transmission backbone, Nigerians are expecting the emergence of wired line services as telecommunications development is moving to the next level of value added which ultimately required bandwidth.
Airtel Nigeria has strengthened its nationwide retail and distribution network as part of its continued investment in enhancing service delivery and making telecommunications and digital services more accessible to millions of Nigerians.
The company’s retail ecosystem comprises more than 4,000 exclusive Airtel shops and over 200,000 retail touch-points nationwide, including partner stores, channel partners and neighborhood agents. This network ensures that subscribers can conveniently easily access SIM registration, device purchases, airtime and data recharge, customer support and other digital solutions.
Commenting on the company’s retail distribution strategy, Dinesh Balsingh, CEO, Airtel Nigeria, said,
“Telecommunications goes beyond the physical infrastructure, it is important that we are able to reach people where they live and work. That is why we continue to invest in a strong retail and distribution ecosystem that enables us to bring Airtel closer to our customers while delivering a consistent, high-quality experience wherever they are.”
According to Joypratip Sengupta, Director, Sales and Distribution, Airtel Nigeria, the company’s distribution network plays a vital role in ensuring seamless service delivery.
“Our retail network is designed to ensure that our services reach customers efficiently. It is a combination of efficient logistic systems, strong partnerships and local engagement that enables us to consistently meet the needs of our customers across the country,” he said.
The strengthened distribution strategy complements the company’s ongoing investments in network infrastructure and digital innovation, recognising that customer proximity remains a critical driver of service excellence and digital inclusion.
In addition to improving customer access, Airtel’s extensive retail ecosystem continues to create economic opportunities for thousands of entrepreneurs, distributors, retailers and small business owners who form an integral part of the company’s value chain.
As demand for accessible, interconnected digital services continues to grow across Nigeria, Airtel remains committed to investing in improving its service delivery and ensuring that every subscriber enjoys quality service.
Kaspersky’s latest global survey shows a change in how people go online: 60% of survey participants from the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa (META) region now claim their smartphone is the main device they use to access the Internet, pushing the PC into a secondary role.
But as the amount and sensitivity of data stored on these phones keep growing, cybersecurity experts warn that users’ security habits aren’t keeping up.
According to the survey* 60% of respondents from the META region consider a smartphone their primary device for accessing the Internet. The most active smartphone users are representatives of Gen Z, with 67% of all global respondents aged 18-28 choosing a mobile phone as their main device.
With mobiles as the full-fledged rivals of computers in accessing the Internet, the amount of important data stored on them has also increased significantly. Personal photos and videos are leading the pack. 60% of users in the META region store visual memories on their devices. Close behind are contact details (51%), text messages and chats history (45%) and important personal documents such as IDs and passports (43%).
At the same time, a substantial portion of users in the META region keep work‑related data on their smartphones (37% emails, 22% calendars and 17% even store access to corporate systems), blurring the line between personal and professional realms.
Financial credentials and login details appear on 40% of devices, while emerging categories like AI chat histories (30%) and gaming accounts (26%) signal new types of personal data stored on personal devices.
“Now our smartphones serve as full‑featured assistants that touch every aspect of our lives. The data we entrust to them goes far beyond photos, phone numbers or text messages. Consequently, the main question is no longer “what we store,” but “how we protect it,” requiring security to become as integral to the device as the data it carries,” comments Anton Kivva, cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky.
Three keys to mobile data security
To help users navigate this new digital reality safely, Kaspersky experts have issued a three-step security plan:
- No data should live on your phone only
A smartphone should never be the sole repository for any type of information. While having everything at your fingertips is convenient, accidental deletions, loss or hardware failure can make recovery impossible without reliable backups or cloud sync.
The most sensitive data like passwords, ID or financial details requires special attention and preferably be kept in a protected format. Use a dedicated security solution like Kaspersky Password Manager, which apart from securely keeping credentials and bank cards, has a special secret vault functionality aimed at storing important documents, for example, scanned Passports/IDs and PDF files, addresses and notes. Thanks to the cross-device synchronisation it allows access to the data from any gadget.
- Create a guard against digital threats
In Q1 2026 only, more than 2.67 million attacks utilising malware, adware or unwanted mobile software were prevented and more than 306,000 malicious installation packages were discovered.
Mobile devices require the same cyber protection as PCs. Kaspersky experts recommend cybersecurity solutions such as Kaspersky Premium that provide comprehensive protection – starting with scanning apps for potential threats upon installation, and using AI‑driven features to block malicious and phishing links in real time and prevent data or money losses, among many other security layers.
- The “what if” scenario planning
Phone loss always occurs unexpectedly, but a few proactive steps can dramatically reduce its impact:
Turn on location services. Both Android and iOS include built-in tools that can locate a lost phone and, if needed, wipe its data remotely. Kaspersky for Android app activates this capability through the Where Is My Device feature.
- Enable automatic backups.Regular backups ensure that photos, videos, documents, contacts and other vital data can be restored even if the device is lost or stolen.
- Configure instant auto‑lock.Setting the phone to lock immediately after the screen turns off keeps it inaccessible to thieves or cyber‑criminals when you’re not using it.
- Keep the device physically safe.In public spaces, never leave your phone unattended or within easy reach, avoid placing it on tables, in back pockets or any other vulnerable spot.
“We often underestimate how much valuable information we keep on our mobile devices and how vulnerable that data truly is. Ask yourself: When was the last time I backed up my photos or notes? What’s my plan if my phone goes missing? Do I verify links before I click them? While most users automatically think of security software for their computers, phones lag behind. It’s time to give your everyday digital companion the same robust cyber‑protection it deserves,” adds Anton Kivva, cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky.
Nigeria will host telecommunications, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digital economy ministers from across Africa for the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26), scheduled for July 23 to July 24 in Abuja.
The conference, the highest decision-making body of the ATU, is expected to bring together ministers, regulators, industry leaders, development partners and other stakeholders from the Union’s 52 member states to deliberate on Africa’s digital and telecommunications agenda for the next four years.
A statement by the organisers said delegates would adopt the Union’s strategic direction, approve its 2027–2031 budget and work programme, elect a new Secretary-General and determine the composition of the Administrative Council.
The conference will also harmonise Africa’s common positions ahead of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled to hold later this year in Doha, Qatar.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, described the conference as a significant milestone for Africa’s digital future.
“Nigeria is honoured to host the 7th Ordinary Session of the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries at a defining moment for Africa’s digital future.
“As countries across the continent accelerate digital transformation, it is increasingly important to strengthen regional cooperation, develop common positions on emerging technologies, and create enabling environments that attract investment, build digital talent and expand meaningful connectivity.
“Our role as host reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to building an innovation-driven economy while strengthening African cooperation on digital infrastructure, technology governance, skills development and investment,” he said.
One of the major highlights of the conference will be a ministerial dialogue on “Achieving Africa’s Meaningful Connectivity,” jointly organised by the ATU and the GSMA.
The dialogue will explore practical strategies for expanding affordable, reliable and quality connectivity across the continent, with emphasis on infrastructure investment, service quality, affordability and ensuring that digital access delivers tangible economic and social benefits.
Also speaking ahead of the conference, the Secretary-General of the ATU, Mr John Omo, said the meeting would provide member states with an opportunity to strengthen the Union’s capacity to drive Africa’s digital ambitions.
He said the decisions to be taken in Abuja would shape the ATU’s ability to support national priorities, sustain Africa’s participation in global telecommunications forums and respond effectively to emerging technological developments over the next four years.
The conference is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Abuja Declaration, which will provide governments, regulators, industry stakeholders and development partners with a common framework for advancing Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
According to the organisers, hosting the conference underscores Nigeria’s commitment to regional collaboration and reinforces the country’s growing leadership in digital policy, technology governance and investment promotion across Africa.
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