Telcos deploy 8,526 network sites despite fibre cuts — NCC

Nigerian mobile network operators have installed 8,526 of the 12,179 sites they had committed to build for network expansion, despite ongoing fibre cuts that have disrupted telecommunications services, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reported. This deployment accounts for roughly 70% of the agreed-upon commitments and marks a notable increase from the approximately 5,000 sites reported during the commission's last board meeting.

The deployment was revealed at the 110th board meeting held on September 9, as stated in a statement by the commission's Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha.

The increase in deployed sites comes as operators strive to expand network capacity to improve coverage and service quality. However, the increased network disruptions in June, attributed to fibre cuts, highlight the need for a balance between expanding network infrastructure and protecting existing critical communications infrastructure. Fibre optic networks are vital for carrying large volumes of telecommunications traffic, and damage to these networks can result in widespread disruptions to voice and data services.

The regulator had previously expressed concerns over thousands of fibre cuts linked to road construction and excavation activities. In the first half of 2026, over 5,000 fibre cuts were recorded, according to earlier warnings from the NCC. Since the previous board meeting, operators have deployed about 3,500 additional sites, bringing the total to 8,526.

The latest NCC discussions have also focused on network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection, fair competition, and the sustainable growth of Nigeria's digital economy, emphasizing the importance of protecting fibre and other critical telecommunications infrastructure to translate new capacity into more reliable services for consumers.