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RoW: Telecom Operators Use Gutters, Trees in Lagos

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Investigation has revealed that telecommunications service providers in Lagos State are installing fiber optic cables through gutters and on trees as right of way (RoW), contributing to flooding and other economic losses to the State.

During the investigation, it was discovered that key areas such as, Saka Tinubu St., Kofo Aboyimi St., Saka Tinubu/Akin Adesola St. junction., Ozumba Obamdiwe St., (junction)., Ajose Adeogun St., all on the Victoria Island, Lagos, were the worst hit by the indiscriminate installation of telecoms cables. 

It could be recalled that LASMIRA had on February 26, 2016 consulted Critical Infrastructure Services Limited, to conduct the Utility Network Audit which covers the underground utilities network within the geographical boundaries of Lagos State (“affected persons”) and ensure that all utilities providers are in compliance with statutory provisions with regards to all underground communication infrastructures”.

Confirming the report, Mrs. Gloria Ogunbiyi, head of Compliance at Critical Infrastructure Services Ltd, said that in the process of preparing the “As Built Database” of all underground facilities in Lagos, the Company found that several Telecoms Service Providers have had a free ride in Lagos and could have even avoided the payment of right of way to LASIMRA by installing their cables in gutters and drains.

Quality of Service
She advised telecoms service providers to ensure they provide quality services to customers by disconnecting those Cables in gutters, drains and on Trees, paying LASIMRA for right of way, installing their Cables according to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standards and utilizing duct space provided by Lagos State in several parts of the State to ensure that residents enjoy quality telecom services.

Mrs. Ogunbiyi said, “This is critical because it has been discovered that the poor quality of service experienced by Telecoms Customers is due to Telecoms Network Cables that are installed in these gutters and on trees.

“These installations no doubt do not comply with the global standards set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). Nigeria has experienced tremendous growth in the numbers of Telecom subscribers, but this has not been matched by the provision of adequate internationally accepted Networks to match this growth. There are constant dropped calls and slow internet service with key network Cables in gutters, drains and on trees.

According to Mrs. Ogunbiyi, the trend in the sector, if not contained, will have negative impact on the internally generated revenue by the State Government, needed to provide health Care, education, good roads and other dividends of democracy to Residents of the State.

She said, “While conducting the Utility Network Audit in several major streets and roads in Lagos on behalf of LASIMRA, Critical Infrastructure Services Ltd personnel saw key cables on trees and in several gutters and drains illegally installed by telecommunications operators.

“It is amazing that at our stage of development, Telecommunications Service Providers will install Cables on trees and gutters. These are short cuts, probably, to avoid the payment of right of way to Lagos State and no doubt are responsible for poor quality of service.

“We should also see from the point of view that this practice by Telecom Service Providers not only reduces internally generated revenues due to the State but also leads to blocked gutters and drains caused by debris trapped by Cables in these gutters and drains. These Cables in gutters, block the drains and contribute to flooding in Lagos. The State Government has made efforts to provide Cable ducts in all new Roads and these Operators have chosen to install their cables illegally on Trees and in gutters. The economic impact of flooding is enormous to Residents of Lagos State.

“The Cables which were discovered on Trees and in gutters should not be there. These Telecommunications Service Providers have a responsibility to their Customers and the Residents of Lagos State to obtain right of way from LASIMRA, remove their Cables on Trees and in gutters and install them properly.

The CEO added that telecoms service providers as good corporate citizens of Lagos State must support the State by paying for the requisite right of way rather than avoiding the payment of right of way by installing their Cables illegally.

She further explained that LASIMRA focused on delivering its mandate to residents of Lagos State and ensuring that State regulations are adhered to by all Operators, issued more than enough public notices before the exercises commenced.

Mrs. Ogunbiyi said that the final report will soon be submitted to LASMIRA to commence action on how to address the menace, and ensure the operators do not overuse the right of way issued them by the Lagos State Government.

She also confirmed that telecos with requisite right of way have nothing to fear as law abiding corporate citizens of the State.

“Yes, those who are complaint with the law have nothing to fear. In fact, the audit report will even prove them right because they have done the right thing. I think what the Lagos State Government is trying to do is to provide cover for those with right of way to enjoy the investment they have made, while defaulters should retrace their steps by following the required processes,” Mrs. Ogunbiyi reported. 

When contacted, Mr. Olusola Teniola, president of the Association of Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ATCON), told Nigeria CommunicationsWeek said that several reasons could lead to telcos using gutters as right of ways to lay their cables.

Teniola said, “The issue that cables are laid in gutters are been placed there due to several reasons. One of those reasons is the lack of available proper ducting infrastructure in place and other reason being the right of Way issues and a culture of not sharing duct.

The ATCON President expressed confidence in the leadership of Mr. Babajide Odekunle, general manager, Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance &Regulatory Agency, to help the industry address the problem.

He said, “LASIMRA is going to address the issue of sharing using the proposed Unified Duct System (UDS) to avoid these issues from reoccurring.

 

 

 


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Vitel Wireless Lures Subscribers with “Data that Never Expires” Campaign

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Vitel Wireless, pioneer Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has launched an audacious “data that never expires” campaign designed to address consumer pain points in the market.

Vitel Wireless Lures Subscribers with “Data that Never Expires” Campaign

Kenneth Nwabueze, Chairman and CEO of Vitel Wireless

Fast-depleting data is a major issue for mobile users, particularly in Nigeria, with numerous complaints against network providers alleging that data plans exhaust prematurely.

But Vitel Wireless said it is now addressing the situation after extensive engagement with Nigerian consumers, particularly young people and small businesses.

Kenneth Neabueze, chairman of Vitel Wireless, said “What we’re saying to Nigerians is this, you buy the data, and you keep the data for as long as you want. There’s no more. You bought 2GB for two days, and it expires. If you buy that data under our scheme, it stays with you forever,” he said.

He added that the model promotes transparency and cost efficiency. “So it’s saving us money, it’s giving us transparency, and it’s giving us the ability to have control over how we spend and use our data,” he stated.

He noted that the concept was inspired by research into the everyday challenges Nigerians face.

“We talked to students who would tell us that in the middle of doing a project, they would be told that the data had expired, and we asked, ‘ How do we innovate?” We have analysed it, and we know, given the current economic conditions in Nigeria, you should buy the data with discounts of almost 40 per cent, and that’s why we are transparent”

The company has also unveiled a suite of products and services aimed at redefining connectivity, including its flagship Vitel Xphone.

The company explained that its services are available via both physical SIMs and eSIMs, with the 0712 number offering global use.

According to the firm, users can retain existing mobile numbers or migrate seamlessly, while enjoying nationwide coverage across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with full GSM services including voice, SMS, USSD, and mobile data.

Chudi Nwabueze, chief operating officer of Vitel Wireless, described the firm as a technology telecom focused on innovation beyond traditional voice and data services.

“We’re coming in with a lot of innovation to activate applications and create tools that people can use in their businesses, homes, and daily lives,” he said.

He added that eSIM technology allows users to operate multiple lines on compatible devices, while introducing a range of digital solutions aimed at enhancing communication, safety, and business operations, anchored by its flagship Xphone.

Hence, the platform combines GSM and VoIP technologies to deliver seamless voice, video, and messaging services, along with cost-saving benefits and nationwide connectivity.

It is complemented by the Oga App, which enables real-time staff monitoring, automated payroll, and performance tracking to improve organisational efficiency.

Similarly, the network also rolled out SecureMe and Asset Tracker to address security and asset management needs.

While SecureMe provides GPS tracking and emergency alerts for personal and workplace safety, Asset Tracker helps businesses monitor and manage physical assets in real time.

Vitel Wireless noted that on pricing, challenged consumers to compare daily data costs across operators, while adding that the network offers discounts for higher volumes without imposing expiry limits.

Also speaking, Chinenye Adebayo,  relationship partnership manager, outlined opportunities for Nigerians to join the company’s distribution network by visiting the website and becoming a mobile agent or sun-agents in any state.

The company noted that its offerings, including Close User Group (CUG) services and high-speed wireless network, are designed to provide integrated digital solutions for individuals and enterprises, as it seeks to position itself as a disruptive force in Nigeria’s telecom sector.


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Nigeria, Ghana Trigger Stunning 45 Percent Surge in MTN Dividends

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MTN Group delivered impressive financial and operational achievements for 2025, boosted by strong performances in MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana, as well as solid earnings from MTN South Africa.

Nigeria, Ghana Trigger Stunning 45 Percent Surge in MTN Dividends

The three core markets of Africa’s largest mobile provider enhanced profitability, free cash flow, and shareholder dividends by 45%.

IT Web Africa reported that Ralph Mupita, group CEO and president, MTN, highlighted that the telecoms giant’s robust commercial momentum across key markets capped the final year of its Ambition 2025 strategy, while laying the foundation for a new long-term growth phase under Ambition 2030.

“The Group’s overall performance in 2025 was excellent. In the final year of our Ambition 2025 strategy, we were proud to have exceeded the 300 million customers milestone,” he said.

MTN revealed that it now serves more than 307 million voice subscribers, 172 million data users, and 70 million Mobile Money customers across 16 African markets, reflecting the continent’s growing demand for digital connectivity and financial services.

The operator credited its results to disciplined commercial execution and sustained investment in network infrastructure, with R38 billion spent during the year to expand capacity, improve coverage and enhance service quality.

The group reported that data traffic surged 27%, while average monthly data consumption per user climbed to 12.5GB, up from 10.8GB a year earlier, reflecting Africa’s fast-growing appetite for digital services.

Financially, the performance was driven by MTN’s largest markets.

In constant currency terms, MTN Nigeria grew service revenue by 54.9%, while MTN Ghana increased service revenue by 35.9%.

Meanwhile, MTN South Africa recorded 2% growth, demonstrating operational resilience in one of the continent’s most mature and competitive telecom markets.

MTN Group service revenue rose nearly a quarter to R218 billion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation climbed to R98.5 billion, supported by R3.6 billion in expense efficiencies.

Mupita stressed that the strong results translated into robust free cash flow and improved return generation, allowing the board to declare a dividend of 500 cents per share, up from 345 cents the previous year.

“This comfortably exceeds the minimum dividend of 370 cents we had previously guided,” he said.

The group also announced a R6 billion share buyback programme as part of an enhanced shareholder remuneration framework aimed at delivering stronger long-term returns.

Alongside its results, MTN unveiled Ambition 2030, a strategy centred on three platforms, connectivity, fintech and digital infrastructure, as it seeks to capture the next wave of growth driven by data adoption and financial inclusion across Africa.

“We are hugely excited about Africa’s potential. We are well positioned to leverage our scale, footprint and brand leadership to capture the significant structural growth opportunities identified,” said Mupita.

 

Source: IT Web Africa


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ATCIS Urges FG to Ensure Safety of Consumers Data

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Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) non-profit consumer rights group dedicated to protecting the rights, interests, and welfare of telecommunications subscribers, has urged the Federal Government to ensure safety of telecom consumers’ data hosted by government agencies.

ATCIS Urges FG to Ensure Safety of Consumers Data

Dr Sina Bilesanmi, president of the body stated this World Consumers Day in Lagos.

He alleged that said subscribers” data are being jeopardised by some of its agencies.

Bilesanmi urged government to ensure that every subscriber in Nigeria can use digital service without fear of physical, financial, or data-related harm.

The ACTIS president said safety in the telecommunication sector extends beyond physical hardware to include data privacy and protection from cyber fraud.

“We call for stricter enforcement by the Standard organization of Nigeria (SON) to eliminate substandard mobile devices and Cable Tv equipment that pose fire or electric hazards.

“We also want safe services from telecoms that are transparent – free from hidden charges and misleading advertisements”, he said.

He urged subscribers to utilize platforms like ACTIS as well as NCC and even FCCPC web portal when they encounter service failures.

He also tasked FG on hosting Nigerian Data Privacy in the country.

He said: “We ask for more robust surveillance and swifter penalties for entities that violate consumer safety standards. We admonish the subscribers to be aware and speak out, a vigilant consumer is a protected consumer.”


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