Follow Us on Google
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has strongly condemned the destruction of telecommunication infrastructure and facilities, noting that over 50,000 cases have been recorded within the last five years.
Speaking at the 2022 edition of the youth civil society and stakeholders’ summit (YCSSS), which was held in Abuja over the weekend, NCC Executive Chairman, Umar Danbatta, said such action had resulted in substandard services and a decrease in the quality of telecoms services in Nigeria.
He lamented that the increased incidents had continued to affect the quality of experience (QoE) of consumers, and called for concerted efforts by members of the public, and security agencies, to stem the tide.
Represented by Nnena Ukoha, Head, Corporate Communication unit, NCC, the EVC said: “The negative impacts of incessant vandalism of telecom equipment, evidenced in fibr e cuts, theft of telecom facilities like generators at sites, vandalism of base stations, among other vices, have become a major burden on the service providers, while telecom consumers have continued to suffer unwarranted disruptions of their hard-earned services.
“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 further said it was necessary to know that the ability to connect and communicate was fundamental to human existence, improvement in business processes, government services, education, as well as social and family networking.
Speaking further, charged everyone in the community to get involved in safeguarding the vital infrastructure that enabled the services if they were to enjoy seamless connectivity.
“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” he said.
