CEM REPORT, TECHNOLOGY | Vandalism and accidental damage to telecoms infrastructure are costing Nigerian mobile network operators (MNOs) a hefty sum. This widespread damage disrupts services for millions of Nigerians, impacting everything from personal communication to business operations.
A recent Bloomberg report estimates that fibre optic cable cuts alone cost MTN and Airtel, the country’s two largest operators, a staggering N27 billion (US$23 million) in repairs last year.
Governing is stepping in with new regulations designed to reduce the impact of infrastructure damage.
FG and NCC Formulate New Regulations to protect Telecoms infrastructure
To address this growing problem, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is taking a stand against this network vandalism. New regulations are being introduced to tackle the issue head-on.
A key focus of the regulations will be enforcing stricter penalties on those found guilty of damaging telecoms infrastructure. This aims to deter potential offenders and incentivize responsible behavior.
“We need to send a strong message that damaging these cables will not be tolerated,” says a Ministry of Works representative. “Stiffer penalties will hold those responsible accountable for the disruption and financial losses they cause.”
Protecting Underground Network Cables
Another crucial aspect of the new regulations involves prioritizing the protection of underground fibre optic cables. These buried cables are generally less susceptible to vandalism compared to above-ground infrastructure.
The regulations will require stricter protocols during construction projects to minimize accidental damage to underground cables. Construction companies will need to be more diligent in locating and avoiding existing infrastructure when planning and executing excavation work.
MTN Suffers Most
MTN, Nigeria’s leading telco, bore the brunt of the infrastructure woes last year. The company reported over 6,000 fibre optic cable cuts, resulting in service outages that disrupted countless users.
In response to these disruptions, MTN invested heavily in burying vulnerable cables. The company spent N11 billion between 2022 and 2023 to relocate 2,500 kilometers of fibre, highlighting the significant financial burden these attacks place on operators.
MTN isn’t the only operator feeling the pinch. Airtel reported a similar trend in 2020 with road construction projects frequently causing damage to their fibre optic cables.
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This widespread vandalism is not just a financial burden for the telcos; it directly impacts the quality of service experienced by millions of Nigerians who rely on these networks for communication, business operations, and internet access.
Construction a Culprit
The new regulations acknowledge the role construction companies play in accidental infrastructure damage. A recent industry document identified Crainberg, CCECC, Julius Berger, OGC, FERMA, and KOPEC as companies involved in incidents that damaged telecoms infrastructure, particularly fibre optic cables.
These incidents often occur in major cities like Eket, Enugu, Agbor-Asaba, Ashikwo, Okapanam, Ikolaba, Abuja, Lafia, Owerri, and Lagos.
A Problem Long Overdue
The problem of telecoms infrastructure damage is not new. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reported a worrying trend in 2022, with an alarming average of 40 daily fibre cuts.
Over the past five years, the NCC documented over 50,000 instances of significant damage to telecoms infrastructure, demonstrating the widespread nature of this problem. These incidents have a substantial negative impact on the overall quality of telecommunications services in Nigeria.
If You Ask Me
If you ask me, the new regulations proposed by the Ministry of Works represent a crucial step towards protecting Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure. By increasing deterrence and promoting underground cables, these rules have the potential to significantly reduce the financial losses suffered by MNOs and ultimately lead to a more stable and reliable network experience for Nigerian citizens.
However, from my writing table, the fight against telecoms infrastructure damage will require a multi-pronged approach. Collaboration between the government, MNOs, construction companies, and the public is essential to effectively address this challenge and ensure a thriving telecommunications sector in Nigeria.
One hurdle that must first be defeated is the Nigerian predisposition to making policies that are not duely enforced. These regulations should be set hard effort to prevent offenders from approaching the court asa mean to stay or evade penalties.
