Nigerian mobile operators have blamed power problems and vandals for their poor quality of service.
This follows the regulator’s imposition of heavy fines against GSM operators in the country for failing to comply with the minimum standards of service.
MTN Nigeria and Etisalat Nigeria have both pointed to problems with erratic power and sabotage as being some of the main reasons for poor quality of service.
Etisalat Chief Executive Steven Evans said roadworks, sabotage and a lack of electricity were industry challenges. But a lack of reliable power was the biggest issue the telco faced, he said.
Akinwale Goodluck, Corporate Services Executive at MTN Nigeria, said: “MTN continues to employ the greatest effort to overcome the infrastructural and environmental challenges that impede the delivery of consistently good quality of service.”
He reiterated the challenges that exist in Nigeria including those related to unavailability of regular power supply, the insecurity of property, vandalisation, and the menace of multiple taxation and over-regulation.
Goodluck estimated that MTN suffered more than seventy cuts to its fibre on a monthly basis. In addition, he said insecurity in several parts of the country had limited MTN’s ability to carry out routine maintenance and emergency repairs.
