The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has intensified efforts to address the challenges hindering fibre broadband deployment across the country, with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, set to lead discussions at a high-level industry forum in Lagos.

ATCON announced that Maida will deliver the keynote address at its Critical Conversation Forum on Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) deployment scheduled for June 30, 2026, in Lagos.

The forum is expected to bring together regulators, state governments, telecom operators, infrastructure providers, investors, technology companies and policymakers to chart a sustainable path for broadband expansion in Nigeria.

According to ATCON, the event comes at a crucial period in the country’s digital transformation drive as stakeholders seek to deepen broadband penetration, accelerate digital inclusion and unlock economic opportunities enabled by reliable high-speed internet connectivity.

Speaking on the significance of the forum, the association noted that fibre broadband deployment presents unique challenges that require a different regulatory and policy framework from those traditionally used for mobile telecommunications services.

ATCON said existing regulations designed during the mobile telecom era may not adequately address the realities of Fibre-to-the-Home and Fibre-to-the-Premises deployments, which involve different investment models, infrastructure requirements and operational considerations.

The association identified multiple taxation, regulatory bottlenecks, high right-of-way charges, approval delays, infrastructure vandalism, fibre cuts, policy inconsistencies across states, high capital expenditure requirements and limited access to financing as some of the major obstacles slowing fibre network expansion nationwide.

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It warned that these challenges continue to limit broadband access for millions of Nigerians who depend on reliable internet services for education, healthcare, commerce, innovation, remote work and other digital activities.

To address the issues, the forum will focus on regulatory reforms, infrastructure protection, technical standards compliance, sustainable investment models, infrastructure sharing frameworks, consumer protection and service quality enhancement.

ATCON also stressed the need for greater collaboration among federal and state governments, regulators, investors and network operators to accelerate broadband infrastructure deployment across the country.

The association described broadband infrastructure development as a national economic imperative capable of driving innovation, improving public service delivery, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.

It added that a robust fibre broadband ecosystem would support the Federal Government’s digital economy agenda, improve educational and healthcare outcomes, empower small and medium-scale enterprises and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

ATCON expressed optimism that the forum would generate actionable recommendations to remove barriers to broadband infrastructure deployment, strengthen industry standards, promote investor confidence and accelerate broadband penetration nationwide.

The association also commended Maida and the NCC for their continued commitment to advancing broadband development and digital transformation in Nigeria. (The Sun)

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