By Prince Osuagwu

TELECOMMUNICATIONS operators have been urged to help improve on the quality of service and safeguard the environment, by following the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standards.

Head of Compliance at Critical Infrastructure Services Ltd, Mrs. Gloria Ogunbiyi, gave the advice in view of investigations that telecommunications service providers in Lagos State are indiscriminately installing fiber optic cables in gutters and on trees as right of way (RoW), contributing to flooding and other economic loss to the State.

Recall that Lagos State Infrastructure Management and Regulatory Agency, LASIMRA, had on February 26, 2016 consulted Critical Infrastructure Services Limited, to conduct the Utility Network Audit which covers the underground utilities network within the geographical boundaries of Lagos State and ensure that all utilities providers are in compliance with statutory provisions with regard to all underground communication infrastructures”.

Mrs. Gloria Ogunbiyi, said that in the process of preparing the “As Built Database” of all underground facilities in Lagos, the company found that several Telecoms Service Providers have had a free ride in Lagos and could have even avoided the payment of right of way to LASIMRA by installing their cables in gutters and drains.

According to her,   key areas such as, Saka Tinubu St., Kofo Aboyimi St., Saka Tinubu/Akin Adesola St. junction., Ozumba Obamdiwe St.,  Ajose Adeogun St., all on the Victoria Island, Lagos, were hit by  indiscriminate installation of telecoms cables.

Quality of Service:  She advised telecoms service providers to ensure they provide quality services to customers by disconnecting those cables in gutters, drains and on trees, paying LASIMRA for right of way, installing their cables according to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standards and utilizing duct space provided by Lagos State in several parts of the State to ensure that residents enjoy quality telecom services.