NCC highlights dangers of fibre-optic cuts, impact on network quality and consumer experience

*The Nigerian Communications Commission, as part of consumer education and sensitisation initiatives, restates the significance of fibre-optic technology, emphasising the technology remains the backbone of modern telecommunications in the country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In continuation of its consumer education and sensitisation initiatives, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated that fibre-optic technology forms the backbone of modern telecommunications in the country.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC, in a recent consumer education material published on its corporate Web site, explained the fibre-optic technology enables fast Internet, clear voice calls, and reliable digital services in the telecoms ecosystem.

The Commission regulates fibre optic cable deployment through licensing and policy, requiring operators to obtain a Multi-Frequency Communications Network (MFCN) licence and supporting infrastructure development via schemes like the InfraCos subsidy programme.

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The telecoms sector regulator also works to protect fibre infrastructure from damage caused by vandalism, road construction, and other factors by fostering public awareness and inter-agency collaboration, as fiber cuts negatively impact network quality and the digital economy.

It explained that fibre-optic technology actually involves the use of thin strands of glass or plastic (optical fibres) to transmit data.

Unlike traditional copper cables, fibre provides extremely high bandwidth, faster data transmission, and low latency (fewer delays in file transfers).

This makes it very useful for carrying out businesses, education, banking, healthcare operations, and other human endeavours.

What is a fibre cut?

According to NCC, a fibre cut refers to a physical break, bend, or severe damage to optic fibre cables that interrupts the transmission of data.

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Since fibre optic networks are extremely sensitive, even small disruptions can cause complete service outages.

Depending on the severity and location, a single fibre cut can impact a few users, entire neighborhoods, or even large regions.

Major causes fibre cuts

The Commission explains that fibre-optic cuts can happen due to several reasons, both accidental and intentional.

Some of the most common causes include the following:

• Construction Activities: Excavation, road works, drilling, and trenching are the leading causes of accidental fibre damage. A single strike from heavy equipment can sever underground fibre cables.
• Animal Damage: Rodents sometimes chew on fibre cables, especially if they are not properly armored or buried deep enough in the ground.
• Weather and Natural Disasters: Floods, landslides, earthquakes, storms, and intense winds can damage aerial or underground fibre.
• Vandalism and Theft: While many fibre cuts are accidental, some unfortunately happen on purpose. This involves destroying cables or stealing cables to sell them in the black market, which disrupts internet service for everyone.
• Aging Infrastructure: Older fibre deployments that were not properly maintained may degrade or break over time.
• Accidental Human Errors: Mistakes during maintenance, relocation, replacing, or repairing of cables can lead to fibre damage.

How does a fibre cut affect telecoms consumers?

The NCC said when a fibre cable is damaged, the impact on telecoms consumers and other stakeholders could be significant in the following ways:

1. Service Outages: Consumers may lose access to internet, phone, and TV services entirely until repairs are completed.
2. Reduced Speeds: If the network reroutes traffic through backup paths, users may experience slower speeds while browsing.
3. Business Downtime: Enterprises relying on fibre for cloud services, video conferencing, or financial transactions can face operational and financial losses.
4. Mobile Network Degradation: Since mobile towers depend to a large extent on fibre backhaul, a fibre cut can lead to poor call quality, dropped calls, and slower mobile data speeds.
5. Consumer Dissatisfaction: Prolonged or repeated cuts damage trust in Service Providers, leading to frustration and churn.

In order to minimise the challenges, however, the Nigerian Communications Commission has assured the telecoms regulator is working together with the industry stakeholders to protect fibre infrastructure.

The Commission stated this includes “raising public awareness, collaborating with state governments, and treating fibre as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) that must be safeguarded.”

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