MTN, Glo, Others Invest Over N2.5tn to Tackle Poor Network Services – NCC

Telecommunications operators in Nigeria, including MTN Nigeria, Globacom, Airtel Nigeria and other industry players, invested about N2.5 trillion in network infrastructure and service expansion in 2025 as part of efforts to improve service quality across the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission has disclosed.

The telecom regulator said the investment covered network upgrades, deployment of new telecom sites, broadband expansion and additional 4G and 5G infrastructure aimed at addressing persistent complaints over dropped calls, slow Internet speed and unstable data services.

In a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs at the NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, the Commission acknowledged growing public concerns over network disruptions and service failures, assuring consumers that measures were underway to improve service delivery nationwide.

According to the NCC, Mobile Network Operators committed more than N2.13 trillion to network expansion and modernisation projects in 2025, while Tower Companies invested an additional N373.8 billion in telecom infrastructure support services.

The Commission described the development as one of the largest investment drives in the sector in recent years, coming after what it termed a prolonged period of under-investment in telecommunications infrastructure.

The NCC stated that the investments enabled operators to add and upgrade more than 2,800 telecom sites across the country to improve network coverage, boost capacity and enhance service reliability.

It explained that the projects included deployment of additional 4G and 5G sites, fibre optic expansion, equipment upgrades and targeted rollout of telecom infrastructure in densely populated urban centres and underserved communities.

According to the regulator, operators have also committed to adding or upgrading over 12,000 telecom sites in 2026, with nearly 3,000 sites already completed.

The Commission further disclosed that more than 730 new 5G sites had been deployed across 27 states in 2026 as operators intensify broadband penetration and high-speed Internet access nationwide.

The NCC noted that broadband penetration rose from 47.7 per cent in 2025 to 54.3 per cent in 2026, while 4G penetration increased from 45 per cent in January 2024 to 54 per cent currently.

It also said the national median download speed improved from 16.5 megabits per second to 20 megabits per second within the same period.

According to the Commission, improvements were also recorded in power availability at telecom towers, which rose from a national average of 99.3 per cent in January 2025 to 99.7 per cent.

Despite the investment surge, the NCC said the industry continues to face major operational challenges affecting service quality.

The regulator identified vandalism, theft of telecom equipment, fibre optic cuts, power disruptions and denial of access to maintenance teams as some of the major obstacles slowing improvements in network performance.

It disclosed that over 27,000 avoidable fibre-cut incidents were recorded in 2025, largely caused by road construction activities and vandalism.

The Commission said it had strengthened collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders to protect telecom infrastructure classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure.

According to the NCC, operators have also been directed to promptly inform subscribers about major service outages and ensure timely restoration of services.

The regulator noted that enforcement of the updated Quality of Service Regulations 2024 commenced in November 2025, including provisions for consumer compensation in cases of prolonged poor service.

It warned that sanctions would continue against operators that fail to deliver measurable improvements in service quality.

The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring affordable, reliable and efficient telecommunications services for Nigerians as demand for digital connectivity continues to rise.