Regulator urges responsible use of Internet, protection of telecoms infrastructure

*The Nigerian Communications Commission describes telecoms infrastructure  as essentially physical assets designed for telecommunications networks that connect and link cities, towns, highways in countries to ensure seamless telecoms services

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As part of the telecoms regulator’s continued consumer education and sensitisation programme, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has encouraged the Internet users in the country to be “intentional” about the content they post as well as comments they make, especially on social media platforms.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC in a blog post titled, “Be Intentional In Your Post And Comment”, urged telecoms consumers cum Web users “to ensure your post and comment pass the test of truth, goodness and relevance.”

NCC is the independent national regulatory authority for the telecommunications industry in the West African country.

In regard to the need for consumers to ensure they use the World Wide Web (WWW) positively, the Commission said: “The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is calling for a positive use of the Internet by subscribers for the benefit of all.”

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The telecoms regulator stated that it is “urging Internet users across the country to be more responsible in posting contents on the various platforms.”

Protection of telecoms infrastructure

Similarly, on the need for Nigerians to protect telecoms infrastructure as part of the critical infrastructure in the country, the regulator also said that it is “important for all to protect telecom infrastructure.”

Telecoms infrastructure

According to the Commission, telecoms infrastructure has been “identified as an important Critical National Asset, and it comprises Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) telephone wires, fibers, cables (including submarine cables), satellites, microwaves, and mobile technology such as fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks.”

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It is noted that telecoms infrastructure essentially connotes physical assets designed for telecommunications networks that connect and link cities, towns, highways in countries to ensure seamless telecoms services.

But why should Nigerians protect this critical national asset? NCC declares that it is significant to protect telecom infrastructure because of the following reasons:

• It is a Critical National Asset to be protected by all.
• It ensures better quality of service delivery and seamless customer experience.
• It increases the growth pace of telecoms services and attracts development.

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How do consumers protect telecoms infrastructure in the country?

According to the regulator, the following constitute the ways in which Nigerian consumers can play a role in protecting telecoms infrastructure in their respective areas around the country:

• See telecom infrastructure as a critical national asset to be protected by all.
• Shun the theft of cables and vandalism of telecom facilities.
• Do not encourage the sealing up of Base Stations in your areas. This will cut-off your community and its environs from communication service.
• Do not damage telecoms infrastructure to extort money from service providers.
• Allow installation of equipment and maintenance/repairs on sites by technical staff of service providers for quality telecoms service delivery.
• Guard against destruction of telecoms infrastructure, through prompt notification of service providers on any ongoing road construction activities by companies or other government agencies, where wanton cutting of fibre cables are sighted. This is to avoid service disruption or interference in service delivery in your area.

NCC added: “Remember, the protection of telecoms infrastructure is a collective responsibility; let’s work together to protect it.”

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