The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has blamed poor quality of service on the vandalism of telecommunication infrastructure in the country.
According to the NCC, over 50,000 cases of major destruction to telecom infrastructure and facilities have been reported across the country in the past five years.
Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, disclosed this at the 2022 edition of Youth Civil Society and Stakeholders Summit (YCSSS), which took place midweek at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja, according to a statement issued Friday, by the Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.
“The impact of vandalism of infrastructure is felt by all in the quality of services rendered, as it results in increasing drop calls, data and Internet connectivity disruptions, aborted and undelivered short messaging services (SMS), as well as countless failed calls,” he said.
He expressed worry over how the incidents have continued to affect the Quality of Experience (QoE), of consumers, and called for concerted efforts by the members of the public and security agencies to check the menace.
The impact of vandalism of infrastructure is felt by all in the quality of services rendered, as it results in increasing drop calls, data and Internet connectivity disruptions, aborted and undelivered short messaging services (SMS), as well as countless failed calls.
Danbatta, represented by the Head, Corporate Communication Unit of the Commission, Mrs. Nnena Ukoha, said the negative impact of incessant vandalism of telecom equipment are evidenced in fibre cuts, theft of telecom facilities like generators at sites, vandalism of base stations, among other vices.
He added that these have become a major burden on the service providers, while telecom consumers have continued to suffer unwarranted disruptions of services.
Noting that the ability to connect and communicate is fundamental to human existence, improvement in business processes, government services, education, as well as social and family networking through seamless connections, he therefore charged every community to get involved in protecting the critical infrastructure that make these services possible.
“Therefore, as a community, you are expected to report cases of vandalism of telecoms infrastructure to the nearest law enforcement agencies such as the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and also share adequate information received from NCC with your family, friends, and neighbours.
“We believe, with your cooperation as critical stakeholders in the telecoms sector, we can all work with the law enforcement authorities in protecting telecom infrastructure in your community,” Danbatta said.
