Amidst plans by major telecommunications service providers to increase tariffs, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to leverage their co-located infrastructure to reduce operational costs.
The NCC management emphasized the importance of collaboration among operators in the telecommunications sector to enhance service delivery and reduce costs. This advice comes in response to recent announcements by telecom operators, including the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), regarding their intentions to raise tariffs effective May 1.
During the 2nd edition of the West African Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition in Lagos, the Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, Aminu Maida, highlighted the potential for operators to improve efficiency through partnerships and infrastructure sharing. Represented by the commission’s Head of Next Generation Technology and Standards, Mr. Victor Adoga, Maida emphasized the need for collaboration among government, industry stakeholders, and academia to develop infrastructure models that reduce costs and enhance service delivery.
Maida stressed the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), infrastructure funds, and innovative financing models such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) to meet the growing financial demands of the industry. Additionally, he highlighted the integration of AI and Machine Learning (ML) in network management to optimize operations and enhance customer service.
Addressing the challenges faced by the industry, Maida acknowledged Nigeria’s large mobile subscriber base and tech-savvy population but noted issues such as uneven service distribution, infrastructure deficits, and regulatory uncertainties. He emphasized the need for innovative solutions and strategic navigation to overcome these challenges and position Nigeria as a key player in the global digital space.
The NCC’s call for infrastructure sharing reflects a broader effort to promote efficiency and sustainability in the telecommunications sector amidst tariff adjustments and evolving market dynamics.