Nigerians can finally breathe a sigh of relief as telecommunications operators (Telcos) restored full voice and data services nationwide on Tuesday, March 19th. This comes after a critical undersea fiber optic cable cut along the coasts of Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal disrupted services for millions earlier this week.
The disruption, first reported on Monday, caused widespread frustration as Nigerians struggled to make calls, send messages, and access the internet. Businesses reliant on online operations were also significantly impacted.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) took the lead in addressing the issue. ALTON chairman Gbenga Adebayo assured customers that mobile network operators (MNOs) were working diligently with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to restore services.
According to the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, MNOs were able to activate alternative connectivity measures to mitigate the disruption while permanent repairs on the undersea cables were underway.
While the swift restoration of services is a positive development, the incident raises questions about Nigeria’s reliance on undersea cables for international connectivity. Experts warn of the vulnerability of these cables to accidents or malicious activity.
There have also been calls for increased investment in redundant infrastructure within Nigeria to minimize the impact of future disruptions.
The cable cut serves as a stark reminder of Nigeria’s growing dependence on reliable telecommunication services. From facilitating business transactions to connecting families and friends, a functional telecom sector is critical for the nation’s economic and social wellbeing.
The swift response by ALTON and the NCC during this crisis is commendable. However, long-term solutions are needed to ensure Nigerians remain connected even in the face of future infrastructure disruptions. Only then can the country truly avoid getting cut off from the global communications landscape.