Abia extends telecoms services to underserved communities, targets 100% coverage

The Abia State Government has announced that telecommunications network coverage in the state has reached 77 percent following its partnership with MTN Nigeria Limited.

The state Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who made the disclosure on Monday, attributed the improvement to the extension of telecommunications services to previously underserved communities across the state, enabling residents to enjoy better access to voice and data services.

Addressing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the week’s State Executive Council meeting, Kanu expressed concern over the vandalisation of some network sites and fibre infrastructure, particularly in parts of Aba, saying the development had affected efforts to achieve almost 100 percent network coverage across the state.

He said MTN was working to restore the affected infrastructure and return network coverage to the level previously achieved before the vandalism.

“MTN Nigeria Limited is working assiduously to regain the almost 100 percent coverage which had been achieved before the vandalisation. I appeal to residents and communities to protect the infrastructure. These communication and network assets are being installed for the use and convenience of Abians and residents. We, therefore, urge communities to take ownership and help protect them from vandalism,” Kanu said.

He expressed optimism that MTN would restore the affected sites in the coming weeks, bringing telecommunications coverage back to the targeted 100 percent.

He said locations that have benefited from the newly deployed infrastructure include Aba-Umuahia Road in Isiala Ngwa South; Umuako Health Centre in Isiala Ngwa North; the St Theresa’s School axis in Umuahia South; Osundi-Ibunda-Abo Nkporo in Ohafia; Umuozo Community and Ikeduru Street in Aba; and Isiaku Primary Health Centre, Alayi.

“The belief is that in the coming weeks, we will go back to 100 percent coverage, so that in every part of Abia State where you are, you will be able to make use of the internet, both voice and data. This is a project that is expected to redefine the business landscape of the state,” he said.