NCC Pushes Fair Pricing Framework for Shared Telecom Infrastructure

NCC Pushes Fair Pricing Framework for Shared Telecom Infrastructure

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating broadband infrastructure deployment by advancing the implementation of the Dig Once Policy, with plans to establish a transparent, equitable and cost-based pricing framework for sharing underground telecommunications ducts across Nigeria.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has intensified efforts to drive broadband expansion by engaging key stakeholders on the development of a cost-based pricing mechanism for sharing underground duct infrastructure built under the country's Dig Once Policy.

The Commission made this known during the Second Stakeholders' Consultative Forum on Developing a Pricing Mechanism and Cost-Based Structure for Sharing Ducts Built Under the Dig Once Policy, held at its Annex Office in Mbora, Abuja.

The forum brought together representatives of federal and state government agencies, telecommunications operators, infrastructure companies, industry associations, development partners and other stakeholders to review interim findings of the ongoing study and provide recommendations toward a fair and sustainable framework for duct sharing.

Speaking at the event, the NCC's Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, said the engagement reflected the Commission's commitment to an open, transparent and inclusive regulatory process that accommodates the interests of infrastructure providers, network operators, public institutions and consumers.

Shuaibu explained that the proposed framework is aimed at encouraging infrastructure sharing, improving asset utilisation, reducing broadband deployment costs and expanding telecommunications infrastructure nationwide.

He noted that the study seeks to establish a transparent pricing mechanism for sharing underground ducts installed during road construction and rehabilitation projects under the Dig Once Policy, thereby enabling future fibre optic deployments without repeated road excavations.

"The Commission remains committed to a transparent, inclusive and consultative process. Our objective is to arrive at a pricing structure that balances the interests of infrastructure providers, access seekers and, ultimately, consumers, while also encouraging continued investment in broadband infrastructure," he said.

He assured stakeholders that all observations and recommendations from the consultation would be reviewed and incorporated into the final report to ensure the framework is practical, commercially sustainable and responsive to industry realities.

Also speaking, telecom industry expert Olabiyi noted that underground duct infrastructure represents one of the most capital-intensive aspects of broadband network deployment globally, stressing that infrastructure sharing has become an effective strategy for reducing deployment costs, improving efficiency and accelerating broadband expansion.

According to him, Nigeria's adoption of the Dig Once Policy offers a significant opportunity to improve coordinated infrastructure deployment, minimise repeated road excavations, optimise existing infrastructure and expand broadband access nationwide.

He stressed the need for a predictable, transparent and equitable access framework, warning that inconsistent pricing models and unclear access conditions could discourage investment and undermine the benefits of infrastructure sharing.

"For Nigeria, where broadband expansion remains a national priority under the National Broadband Plan, successful implementation of the Dig Once Policy could become one of the most impactful infrastructure reforms in our telecommunications history," he said.

He added that infrastructure sharing can only succeed when access is guided by fairness, transparency, predictability and effective regulatory oversight, warning that excessive pricing or discriminatory access practices could create barriers to entry and frustrate the objectives of the initiative.

Olabiyi commended the NCC for pursuing a cost-based pricing framework, saying it would boost investor confidence among infrastructure companies, mobile network operators, internet service providers, fibre operators and other stakeholders within Nigeria's communications ecosystem.

Participants at the forum reviewed the study's interim findings and offered recommendations on the proposed pricing methodology, implementation strategy and cost elements. Discussions centred on ensuring that the framework promotes efficient infrastructure deployment while balancing the interests of infrastructure owners, access seekers and consumers.

The stakeholder engagement builds on previous consultations by the Commission and forms part of the NCC's broader regulatory efforts to promote broadband expansion, encourage infrastructure sharing and accelerate Nigeria's digital transformation agenda.