NCC says tower firms upgrade over 2,000 base stations to boost network quality

Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure companies NCC have upgraded equipment across more than 2,000 base transceiver stations to strengthen network capacity and improve service delivery, the Nigerian Communications Commission has said.

The disclosure was made in a communiqué issued after the NCC’s 109th board meeting. The commission said colocation and infrastructure-sharing licensees, commonly known as infracos or tower companies, had sustained investment in network upgrades to support operators’ expansion efforts and help meet quality of service obligations.

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“Colocation and infrastructure-sharing licensees have sustained their investment in infrastructure upgrades, deploying new equipment across over 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations to support operators’ network expansion efforts and improve compliance with QoS obligations,” the NCC said.

The upgrade is part of a broader industry investment drive. Mobile network operators, tower companies and other players spent N2.13tn on capital expenditure in 2025, and the sector has projected spending of about N1.86tn for 2026.

The NCC also said operators have planned the deployment of over 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites, with more than 5,000 already completed, representing over 40 per cent completion.

Fibre connectivity was also extended to more than 700 sites, the commission noted, with the board acknowledging this as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen backhaul capacity and network resilience.

“The board further noted the continued strengthening of transmission infrastructure, with fibre connectivity extended to more than 700 sites, improving network resilience, backhaul capacity and service reliability,” the NCC said.

Nigeria’s telecom sector has come under sustained pressure from surging data demand, recurring fibre cuts, infrastructure vandalism and widespread complaints over service quality, prompting the NCC to push for greater investment and stricter compliance with performance standards.