IHS Nigeria expands fibre optic network to 10,000 kilometers across Nigeria

Joy Agwunobi

IHS Nigeria, a subsidiary of IHS Towers,  has completed the rollout of over 10,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria through its subsidiary, Global Independent Connect Limited (GICL).

In a statement, IHS Nigeria stressed that the achievement is an important milestone in the company’s efforts to support the Federal Government’s goal of achieving 70% broadband penetration by 2025, as outlined in the National Broadband Plan. The company disclosed that it has continued to deploy Fibre-to-the-Tower (FTTT) to increase transmission capacity and improve the performance of fibre access networks. This,it stated,will pave the way for the introduction of next-generation technologies such as 5G services, which require high-speed and reliable broadband infrastructure.

IHS  also noted that its fibre rollout is not only about connecting towers, but also bringing fibre infrastructure to core metropolitan areas and expanding digital services to homes, businesses, and public institutions.

In addition to the fibre optic network, IHS Nigeria has also implemented mobile network coverage in over 580 rural communities through its rural telephony programme. The programme  aims to extend coverage to previously unconnected areas, and meet the rollout targets of mobile network operators (MNOs).

Commenting on the development, Kazeem Oladepo, vice president  at GICL, noted that limited metropolitan and long-haul fibre optic networks continue to be an obstacle to the improvement of existing communication services, and the introduction of emerging technologies and digital services in Nigeria.  To address this, he said IHS’s approach to fibre optic cable deployment concentrates on implementing networks on an open access, shared infrastructure basis, providing robust and scalable fibre pairs and alternate ducts to ensure multiple operators can utilise the infrastructure.

 “Through collaborations with multiple stakeholders, including our customers, state and federal agencies, we have achieved a significant volume of fibre optic cable network delivery in under three years. We are committed to supporting the federal government’s digital economy objectives, and this milestone demonstrates the possibilities of accelerated critical infrastructure roll-out when key stakeholders align their objectives,”Oladepo added.