NCC’s data release has indicated a shift in Nigeria’s teledensity from 115.63% in August 2023 to 102.97% in November 2023. The adjustment, endorsed by Director of Public Affairs Mr Reuben Muoka, aligns with international best practices, using the latest population projection of 216.7 million in 2022 by the NPC, replacing the previous 2017 estimate of 190 million.
Teledensity, an ITU index, measures telephone penetration at one line per 100 individuals in the population. A higher teledensity percentage indicates a greater level of telephone service availability in a population. It is often used as an indicator of the extent to which a country or region has adopted and integrated telecommunications services into its society. Teledensity is a key metric for assessing the telecommunications infrastructure and connectivity within a given area.
Teledensity fluctuations, subscription growth, and broadband challenges
Presenting additional insights into the industry’s performance from September to November 2023, the NCC, as mentioned in the statement, reported the following:
“Following the consequential adjustment, aligned with the ITU’s teledensity calculation, the nation’s teledensity declined from 115.63% to 102.30% in September. Simultaneously, broadband penetration also decreased from 45.47% to 40.85% in the same month.
Active voice subscription statistics saw a marginal increase, rising from 220.3 million to 221.7 million as of September 2023. Additionally, internet subscriptions experienced a marginal growth, moving from 159 million in August 2023 to 160.1 million in September 2023. In October 2023, the industry witnessed a 0.19% growth in active voice subscriptions, with teledensity at 102.49% and a 0.60% increase in internet subscriptions compared to September 2023.
By November of the same year, there was a 0.46% growth in active voice subscriptions. Teledensity stood at 102.97%, accompanied by a 0.57% increase in internet subscriptions compared to October 2023.
Read More: New NCC EVC Aminu Maida vows to improve broadband penetration from 70% to 90% by 2025
NCC’s adherence to legal mandates and goals for telecom statistical adjustments
The Commission’s modification aligns with Section 89 Subsection 3(d) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA 2003), where the Commission is obligated to oversee and report on the state of the Nigerian telecommunications industry. This includes providing statistical analyses and identifying trends in services, tariffs, operators, technology, subscribers, and issues of competition.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, expressed the telecom statistical adjustment as a necessary measure to uphold the integrity of data collected, compiled, and published by the Commission. He emphasized that this ensures accurate measurement of the Commission’s progress in achieving higher broadband penetration rates, improved quality of service, and increased population coverage, aligning with goals outlined in the Plan for the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
Potential impacts of teledensity shifts in the telecommunication landscape
In recent months, Nigeria has witnessed a notable transformation in its telecommunications landscape, marked by a huge decline in teledensity and challenges in broadband penetration. Beyond the numbers and statistics, this shift holds implications that reach far and wide, affecting individuals, businesses, and the nation’s digital aspirations.
This teledensity shift is not just a numerical adjustment; it has real-world implications for the everyday lives of Nigerians. As teledensity decreases, questions arise about how accessible and affordable communication services will remain for the general populace. Businesses relying on robust telecommunications infrastructure may also face challenges in ensuring seamless operations.
As Nigeria navigates this telecom shift, from teledensity adjustments to broadband challenges, it stands at a critical juncture in shaping its digital future. The impact on individuals, businesses, and the nation’s connectivity goals underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of these changes and a collective effort towards sustainable solutions that ensure a connected and technologically empowered Nigeria.
Read More: NCC suspends January 18 disconnection of Globacom services by MTN for 21 days
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