The Nigerian Communications Commission has called on operators in the telecom sector to consider infrastructure sharing to reduce costs and boost service delivery.
This was disclosed by the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Commission, Aminu Maida who was represented by the Head of Next Generation Technology and Standards at NCC, Victor Adoga during the 2nd edition of the West African Telecoms Infrasture Summit and Exhibition held recently in Lagos.
Maida said industry players should consider public-private partnerships, infrastructure funds, and innovative financing models such as infrastructure as a service, given the capital-intensive nature of the development of infrastructure.
Commenting on Infrastructure challenges Maida said, “Today, we boast of over 219 mobile subscribers and a burgeoning tech-savvy population eager to harness digital technologies.
“However, while our growth has been remarkable, it has not been without its challenges. Issues such as uneven service distribution, infrastructural deficits, and regulatory uncertainties have occasionally hindered our progress.
“Yet, each challenge also presented a unique opportunity for growth and innovation.”
In addition, he said “Integration with AI and machine learning to optimize network management, predict maintenance needs, and enhance customer service through automation and advanced analytics is also necessary.
“Another strategy is developing smart infrastructure, because as cities become smarter, telecom infrastructure must evolve to support an array of smart city applications, from traffic management systems to public safety solutions.”