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July 08.2025

2 Minutes Read

NCC Directs Tower Companies to Enhance Internet Quality by August Deadline

Man discussing NCC Tower Companies Internet Quality Directive, Nigerian flags visible.

Urgent Call to Action: NCC's New Directive for Tower Companies

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has initiated a critical move requiring tower companies to enhance internet service quality by August or face hefty penalties. This directive aims to tackle persistent issues like inadequate power supply, equipment malfunctions, and insufficient technical support, which have plagued the industry and caused significant disruptions for consumers.

The Backbone of Connectivity: Understanding TowerCos' Role

Tower companies, known as TowerCos, are pivotal to Nigeria's telecommunications framework. Their infrastructure is the physical foundation upon which mobile network operators (MNOs), such as MTN and Airtel, function. If there are outages or service issues at the tower level, the repercussions are directly felt by end users—manifesting as dropped calls and interrupted data sessions. The NCC's directive, underscoring operational reliability, not only emphasizes accountability for MNOs but also for TowerCos, enhancing the overall service delivery experience.

The Regulatory Landscape: Evolution of NCC’s Approach

Until recently, NCC's Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations primarily targeted MNOs. However, the landscape has shifted with the inclusion of TowerCos under new performance standards introduced in August 2024. This regulatory evolution reflects an understanding of the interconnectedness of service delivery in telecommunications. Stakeholders are now being pressed to adhere to new key performance indicators (KPIs) that monitor their operational effectiveness.

Insights into the Industry's Challenges

Aminu Maida, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, articulated the necessity of this directive, citing that eleven months post-regulation has been ample time for TowerCos to adapt. Still, many companies continue to face challenges related to infrastructure maintenance and power management, leading to consumer frustration. As stakeholders meet to identify and address these bottlenecks, the focus must remain on creating a transparent environment where companies are incentivized to meet standards that directly enhance user experience.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Internet Service in Nigeria

The upcoming deadline represents not just a regulatory ultimatum, but an opportunity for TowerCos to refine their operations and substantially improve service provision. As the telecoms landscape continues to evolve, timely investments and strategic adjustments in infrastructure will be essential. The potential consequences of non-compliance could reshape the dynamics between service providers and regulatory bodies, escalating the importance of accountability and operational excellence in the industry.

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NCC Directs Tower Companies to Enhance Internet Quality by August Deadline

Urgent Call to Action: NCC's New Directive for Tower Companies

The Backbone of Connectivity: Understanding TowerCos' Role

The Regulatory Landscape: Evolution of NCC’s Approach

Insights into the Industry's Challenges

Looking Ahead: The Future of Internet Service in Nigeria

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