The Nigerian communications commission has said that The vandalism of telecommunication infrastructure has a negative effect on the community, individuals and businesses as a whole. The effects of telecommunication infrastructure vandalism is felt through poor quality of network, reduced coverage areas which leads to dead spots on networks and an overall bad experience to users.

The second edition of the village square dialogue with a focus on ‘protection of Telecom infrastructure for improved quality of service: The Role of Residents’ was held where the NCC disclosed this facts.

Speaking at the event The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC revealed this facts as an issue of concern that affects both the telecommunication Industry and communities at large.

This was revealed in a statement signed by the director, Public Affairs, NCC, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde.

Danbatta, who was represented by NCC’s Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Bako Wakil, appeled with the communities to protect telecommunication infrastructure by notifying service providers of ongoing road construction activities by companies or government to ensure that service disruption is avoided from damage caused to the infrastructure by these activities.

Danbatta stated, “Today, you simply need a computer, smartphone, and the Internet connection to do so many things and telecom infrastructure in your communities provides the critical facilities that support Internet access to these devices and therefore, you are expected to protect the infrastructure.”

He stated that members of respective communities must guard against the destruction of telecoms infrastructure by promptly notifying service providers of ongoing road construction activities by companies or government agencies to avoid service disruption that may arise from damaged infrastructure.

He said protecting telecom infrastructure is now important in any community, as the ability to connect and communicate is fundamental to human existence considering its centrality in improving businesses, government services, education, communities, and families to share information through seamless connections.

He added that protecting telecom infrastructure helps to create jobs, promote e-commerce, assist farmers in the villages to connect with potential buyers in the cities, as well as enhance connectivity in both rural and urban areas.

He said, “Therefore, as a community, you are expected to report cases of telecoms infrastructure vandalism to the nearest law enforcement agents such as the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and share adequate information received from NCC with your family, friends, neighbours. We believe that together with your cooperation as critical stakeholders in the telecoms sector, we can all work with the law enforcement authorities in protecting telecom infrastructure in your community.”