Telcos Deploy 8,526 Network Sites Despite Fibre Cuts — NCC

Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have deployed 8,526 of the 12,179 coverage and capacity sites committed across the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission has disclosed.

The figure represents approximately 70 per cent of the commitments made by the operators and marks a significant increase from the roughly 5,000 sites reported at the commission’s previous board meeting.

The latest update was contained in the outcome of the NCC’s 110th board meeting held on September 9, where the commission reviewed developments in the telecommunications sector.

The increased deployment reflects efforts by operators to expand network capacity, improve coverage and enhance the quality of telecommunications services across the country.

However, the NCC said progress in network expansion was being undermined by continued damage to critical fibre infrastructure.

The commission noted that fibre cuts contributed to a sharp increase in network disruptions in June, highlighting the need to protect existing telecommunications infrastructure alongside the deployment of new network sites.

Fibre-optic networks carry significant volumes of voice and data traffic, meaning damage to major fibre routes can affect telecommunications services across wide areas.

The regulator has previously raised concerns about fibre cuts associated with road construction, excavation and other infrastructure activities.

More than 5,000 fibre cuts were recorded during the first half of 2026, according to earlier figures released by the commission.

At its previous meeting, the NCC had reported that operators had deployed more than 5,000 of the over 12,000 committed sites, representing slightly more than 40 per cent implementation.

The latest figure therefore indicates that operators have deployed about 3,500 additional sites since the previous assessment.

The commission said discussions at the latest meeting also covered network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection, fair competition and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s digital economy.

The NCC stressed that expanding telecommunications infrastructure must be matched by stronger protection of existing facilities.

The development comes amid continuing complaints from telecommunications users over service disruptions, with fibre damage identified as one of the factors affecting network reliability.

The latest deployment figures indicate substantial progress by operators, but the commission’s warning underscores the importance of protecting fibre infrastructure if increased network capacity is to translate into more stable and reliable services for consumers.