Vandals cut MTN’s fibre network 70 times monthly - Goodluck

Leading telecommunications operator, MTN Nigeria, has condemned the rising incidence of vandalisation of telecommunications infrastructure, especially its fibre-optic network, which suffers about 70 times cut monthly.

MTN also warned of the long-term negative impact on quality of service and national security if the vandalisation is not curbed.

Corporate Services Executive at MTN, Mr. Wale Goodluck gave this condemnation in a statement in Lagos, saying MTN on average suffers more than 70 fibre cuts in various locations across the country every month.

Elucidating his position, Mr. Goodluck said about 42 per cent of the cuts are as a result of poor road construction practices, 25 per cent are traceable to willful damage perpetrated by criminal elements, while the remaining 33 per cent are traceable to other causes, including sabotage.

He maintained that in the past, MTN has lost network availability in over 1000 base stations cumulatively across the network as a result of these cuts.

“This has affected services predominantly in the South East, particularly, Onitsha and Port Harcourt, and also other areas such as Kano, Abuja, Kaduna, and Ibadan, with customers experiencing complete loss of service in some of the locations, while others experienced severe difficulties in making and receiving calls in other locations,” said Goodluck.

As said by him, Goodluck, relevant security agencies and the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) are aware of the development and have been supportive of MTN as the company grapples with the challenge.

He, therefore appealed to telecom consumers in the country to further assist by reporting any suspicious activity around telecommunications installations, which are critical national infrastructure.

“By so doing, you will play your part in protecting your right to good services and the full benefits of the ICT revolution,” he urged.

Goodluck reiterated MTN’s commitment to drive the socio-economic development of Nigeria through the provision of world standard telecommunications and ICT services.

Remmy Nweke

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