Telcos Challenge Senate to Tell Nigerians the Truth, Insist Country Has Capacity for Real-Time Transmission

• Telecom operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom and T2 Mobile, have rejected the Senate’s claims of inadequate infrastructure, insisting that over 70% of Nigeria has 3G and 4G coverage.

Telecommunication companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and T2 Mobile, have dismissed claims by the Senate suggesting that the country lacks sufficient telecom infrastructure to support electronic transmission.

The operators described the position as misleading and urged lawmakers to obtain verified data from the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), rather than relying on what they termed incomplete or outdated information.

Reacting to the development, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, questioned the basis of the Senate’s assessment.

“Upon which survey or statistics is the Senate coming up with its position of inadequate telecom infrastructure?” Adebayo asked.

According to him, current industry data shows that over 70 per cent of the country is covered by 3G and 4G networks, while 5G coverage stands at about 11 per cent. He added that the remaining areas are largely served by 2G networks, which he said are still capable of transmitting results electronically.

“I do not know where the Senate is getting its information but we can’t take that blanket ban on electronic transmission based on a half-truth about our infrastructure and investments,” he stated.

Adebayo acknowledged that there are security challenges in a few states affected by insurgency, where telecom operators sometimes face difficulties accessing and maintaining facilities. However, he maintained that such challenges are limited and should not be used as grounds to declare the entire country unprepared for electronic transmission.

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He suggested that stakeholders could collaborate to address coverage gaps in affected areas rather than dismiss the viability of digital processes nationwide.

His position aligns with that of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which in 2022 dismissed similar concerns. The electoral body had explained that where network challenges occur, results uploaded to its iREV portal would automatically transmit once devices return to areas with stable network coverage.

The telecom operators insisted that decisions affecting electronic transmission and digital development should be guided by verified technical data and consultation with the NCC, rather than broad assumptions about infrastructure readiness.