By Kingsley I. Ilechukwu, Bureau Chief, South West

Telecommunications advocacy bodies, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the  Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), representing  Mobile Network Operators and telecommunication companies in Nigeria, have called upon  the government to take decisive action in addressing the manifold challenges confronting the telecommunications industry.

 In a statement released Wednesday, the  associations underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to overcome obstacles hindering the sector’s growth and  development.  The joint statement was e-signed by ALTON Chairman,

Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and ATCON President Engr. Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, respectively.

On Infrastructure Deficits,   ALTON & ATCON stated that their members still lacked access to essential telecommunication services due to a myriad of challenges, including multiple taxation  and regulations and prohibitive Right of Way (RoW) charges, inadequate electric  power supply and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure.

On Protection of Assets and Network Infrastructure, the Associations  called for legislation that  designates telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure  (“CNI”).  Both Associations expressed deep concern over the escalating security  threats facing telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria. ALTON & ATCON stated: “Telecommunications infrastructure undisputedly plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s national security and socioeconomic growth, especially as the country currently contends with multiple  security challenges that require urgent and immediate actions in response to these  threats. Attacks on cell towers, fibre optic cables, and other critical assets disrupt  telecommunications services and result in significant financial losses for operators.”

The associations urged the government to prioritize the security of telecommunications  infrastructure and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to enhance protection  measures and combat vandalism and sabotage effectively.

Cost-Reflective Tariff of Services                                                                            

“ ALTON and ATCON respectfully reiterate that  telecommunications infrastructure development requires substantial investments in  network expansion, maintenance, and technology upgrades. Despite the adverse  economic headwinds, the telecommunications industry remains the only industry yet  to review its general service pricing framework upward in the last (11) years, primarily due to regulatory constraints. For a fully liberalized and deregulated sector,  the current price control mechanism, which is not aligned with economic realities,  threatens the industry’s sustainability and can erode investors’ confidence.

“ATCON and ALTON call upon the government to facilitate a constructive dialogue with

industry stakeholders to address pricing challenges and establish a framework that  balances consumers’ affordability with operators’ financial viability.”

Regulatory Independence

“ALTON & ATCON advocates for the sustenance of a culture of independence in the regulatory landscape to safeguard against undue influence and unwholesome incursion into the Nigerian Communications  Commission’s (NCC) or (Commission) domain, which will inspire trust in the

telecommunications sector and encourage investment. Regulatory neutrality and  independence are crucial to ensuring a thriving telecommunications sector. Statutory  provisions lend credence to this notion, as a lack of an impartial regulator will lead to  a failure to maintain public confidence in the objectivity and independence of its  decisions.

In conclusion, ALTON & ATCON reaffirmed their commitment to working  collaboratively with the government to address the challenges facing the  telecommunications industry in Nigeria. by fostering a conducive regulatory  environment, prioritizing infrastructure development, enhancing security measures,  and facilitating pricing adjustments, the government can unlock the full potential of  Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, driving economic growth and societal development.