A critical review of fiber-optics technology development and deployment in the Nigerian telecommunications industry

Abstract

Optical fiber is a major building block in modern telecommunications infrastructure. Its high bandwidth capabilities and low attenuation characteristics make it ideal for high data-rate transmission. Due to its advantages over electrical transmission, optical fiber has largely replaced copper-wire communications in core networks in many developing economies. Despite the numerous advantages, the effective deployment of fiber-optics technology for efficient and functional ICT in the Nigerian telecommunications industry is still faced with several drawbacks. This study therefore investigates the growth and development of fiber-optics communications system in Nigeria, focusing on the current transmission technologies employed and data transmission speed. It also highlights the challenges facing network operators in deploying fiber-optics technology across the Nation. The design-related challenges towards higher bit rates and current management techniques were considered. The study was carried out in two phases. The first phase involved literature search and interview. In the second phase, a questionnaire was developed and distributed among staff of Huawei Technologies Limited and staff of MTN Nigeria Telecommunications Limited. Findings show that some peculiar and inherent factors strongly hinder the deployment and rapid penetration as well as affect the growth and development of fiber-optic communications systems in Nigeria. Findings also show that fiber-optics infrastructure in Nigeria is concentrated only on certain routes connecting state capitals and ‘big’ urban cities, while the rural areas are left out. Furthermore, despite the large amount of bandwidth already available at the various landing points, connection of fiber to the base stations and Metropolitan Area Networks in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory is still very low. The study therefore provides a necessary framework for effective upgrade and deployment of fiber-optics technology as well as for efficient and functional ICT delivery in the Nigerian telecommunications industry.