The Nigerian Communications Commission has told telecom operators that billions invested in network expansion must now translate into noticeable improvements in service quality for consumers.
The Commission said the position followed growing complaints from subscribers over dropped calls, slow internet speed, unstable data services, and network disruptions in parts of the country.
In a statement signed by the Commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, the NCC said improving Quality of Service has remained a major regulatory priority over the last two years.
The regulator disclosed that it had intensified monitoring of Mobile Network Operators, Internet Service Providers, and Tower Companies, while also strengthening data-driven oversight to track network performance and hold operators accountable.
According to the NCC, the telecom sector is undergoing one of its biggest network expansion and modernisation cycles in recent years.
Mobile Network Operators invested over N2.13 trillion in network infrastructure and upgrades in 2025, while Tower Companies committed an additional N373.8 billion across the sector.
The investments supported the addition and upgrade of more than 2,800 telecom sites nationwide.
The Commission noted that the interventions include the deployment of additional 4G and 5G layers on existing sites, fibre backhaul expansion, targeted upgrades in high-demand urban areas, rollout into underserved communities, and replacement of ageing network equipment.
It added that operators have committed to adding or upgrading more than 12,000 telecom sites in 2026, with close to 3,000 already delivered.
The NCC also disclosed that more than 730 additional 5G sites have been deployed across 27 states so far this year.
The regulator further said it facilitated the reallocation of idle and underutilised radio spectrum among the three major Mobile Network Operators under its Spectrum Trading Guidelines.
According to the Commission, spectrum blocks were also rearranged to improve contiguity, spectral efficiency, network capacity, and overall service performance.
The NCC said its Quality of Service and Quality of Experience assessments showed gradual improvement in network performance across several locations.
It stated that 4G penetration increased from 45 per cent in January 2024 to 54 per cent currently, while national median download speed improved from 16.5Mbps to 20Mbps within the same period.
Power availability at telecom towers also improved from a national average of 99.3 per cent in January 2025 to 99.7 per cent currently.
Despite the progress, the Commission admitted that subscribers in several locations still experience poor call quality, congestion, slow data speeds, and unstable service.
The Commission stressed that network investments would only be meaningful if consumers experience clearer calls, faster internet speeds, and more stable service delivery.
