The latest telecommunications statistical indicators released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday have shown a drop in broadband penetration and teledencity but a steady rise in active voice and internet subscriptions.
The indicators contained in a statement signed by Reuben Mouka, Director of Public Affairs at the telecom regulatory body show that Broadband penetration witnessed a drop from 45.47% to 40.85%, while the nation’s teledensity dropped from 115.63% to 102.30% in September 2023.
Also, the nation’s teledensity dropped from 115.63% to 102.30% in September, while the active voice subscription statistics witnessed a marginal growth from 220,361,186 to 221,769,883 in the same month. In addition, Internet subscriptions also enjoyed a marginal growth, from 159,034,717 in August 2023 to 160,171,757 in September 2023.
According to the statement, the statistical indicators have been adjusted to reflect the latest population growth figures and align with international best practices, and cover September, October, and November 2023.
The adjustment was predicated upon the Nigerian Population Commission (NPC)’s projection of Nigeria’s population at 216,783,381, as of 2022, replacing the previously used 2017 projection of 190 million people.
Explainer:
Teledensity is an index prescribed by the International Telecommunications Union, ITU, for the measurement of telephone penetration in a population by a factor of one line per 100 individuals in the population.
Why the adjustment?
The adjustment by the Commission is consistent with Section 89 Subsection 3(d) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA 2003), in which the Commission is mandated to monitor and report on the state of the Nigerian telecommunications industry, provide statistical analysis and identify industry trends concerning services, tariffs, operators, technology, subscribers, and issues of competition.
Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, affirmed the nation’s telecom statistical adjustment process as an appropriate step to maintain the integrity of data about the Nigerian telecom industry as collected, collated, and published by the Commission. He noted that this will also ensure the accurate measurement of the Commission’s progress towards attaining increased broadband penetration rates, improved quality of service, and increased population coverage, among other targets set out in the Strategic Plan for the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
He also said such data provides information for both the International Telecommunications Union to which Nigeria belongs, and other development agencies as well as the operators, investors, multilateral agencies, and the public.