Over 75 Million Telecom Subscribers Compensated for Poor Network Service – NCC
More than 75 million telecommunications subscribers across Nigeria have received compensation from mobile network operators following regulatory directives aimed at addressing poor quality of service, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed.
The commission made the announcement in a statement issued after the 109th meeting of its Governing Board, during which members reviewed the implementation of measures introduced to improve service delivery across the telecommunications sector.
The NCC had, in March, directed mobile network operators (MNOs) to compensate subscribers affected by poor service quality in locations where operators failed to meet the commission’s prescribed standards.
According to the regulator, the directive has recorded significant compliance from operators.
“The Board noted substantial progress in the implementation of the Commission’s directive, particularly the full compliance of mobile network operators, which has resulted in compensation being offered to over 75 million affected subscribers,” the statement said.
The development comes amid persistent complaints by telecom users over dropped calls, network congestion, poor voice quality and slow internet services in various parts of the country.
The commission urged consumers to continue engaging with the regulator as efforts intensify to improve service quality and safeguard subscribers’ interests.
The NCC also revealed that Co-location and Infrastructure Sharing Licensees, popularly known as Tower Companies (TowerCos), have only partially complied with a directive requiring them to fully fund escrow accounts with regulatory fines earmarked for infrastructure reinvestment.
While acknowledging progress made so far, the Board stressed the need for full compliance to ensure sustainable infrastructure improvements across the industry.
Infrastructure Expansion
The commission further commended mobile network operators for ongoing investments aimed at improving network coverage, capacity and overall customer experience nationwide.
According to the NCC, operators have planned the deployment of more than 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites, with over 5,000 sites already completed, representing more than 40 per cent of the target.
The Board also noted continued investments in telecommunications infrastructure, including the extension of fibre connectivity to over 700 sites to enhance network resilience, strengthen backhaul capacity and improve service reliability.
In addition, infrastructure providers have deployed new equipment across more than 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to support network expansion and improve quality of service.
Despite these gains, the NCC expressed concern over the persistent vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure, describing it as a major threat to industry growth and service delivery.
The regulator, however, noted that security agencies are continuing efforts to protect telecom facilities designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure, in line with government policy aimed at safeguarding the sector’s assets and ensuring uninterrupted services for consumers.