Telcos Promise Better Network Service As FG Mounts Pressure On Operators

The President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Emoekpere, has assured Nigerians that ongoing efforts by telecom operators and regulators will significantly improve network quality before the end of the year.

Speaking on the persistent challenges facing the telecommunications sector, Emoekpere stated that several projects and reforms had already been initiated by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to address poor connectivity and service-related complaints.

“There have been positive things already being done, projects have already been put in place, and commitments have already been made to regulators by the Mobile Network Operator. Most in general, I don’t think these issues should surpass this year,” he said.

According to him, telecom operators, infrastructure providers, service providers, and regulators are working together to tackle the recurring network problems affecting subscribers across the country.

“We continuously engage with the regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and have been having several meetings across all stakeholders within our sector,” Emoekpere explained.

He added that discussions involving operators, infrastructure providers, and other industry players were ongoing to ensure lasting solutions to poor network services.

For years, Nigerian telecom subscribers have complained about weak network signals, rapid data depletion, high tariffs, and unstable internet services.

The Federal Government recently intensified pressure on telecommunications companies to improve service delivery and ensure consumers receive value for the money they spend on telecom services.

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, stated on Sunday that the government had already introduced major reforms aimed at stabilising the telecom sector.

According to the minister, operators must now address the persistent network failures affecting millions of Nigerians.

Responding to concerns over data subscription renewals, Emoekpere clarified that unused data is usually rolled over once subscribers renew their plans.

“What happens is once you renew your subscription, your existing data is added to your new data. Data does not expire; once you renew your subscription, your data gets added to your new subscription,” he stated.

The ATCON president also urged consumers experiencing service-related issues to report them through the NCC’s consumer protection channels.

“There is a consumer arm of the regulator where all these things are being handled. NCC has a consumer arm where reports are made by consumers, and if there are issues like this, they are being tackled by the operators,” he explained.

Emoekpere maintained that telecom operators have no interest in delivering poor services to customers, stressing that improving service quality remains a priority for the entire industry.

“It’s no operator’s best interest to provide poor services. No operator wakes up in the morning to provide a service and is resting, seeing that my service is poor, and they sit down and relax,” he added.

He concluded by saying that all stakeholders within the telecom ecosystem remain committed to resolving the challenges facing the sector and improving user experience nationwide.