(COMMUNICATION) Telecommunication infrastructure can simply be defined as the physical and digital systems like towers, networks and cables used to enable communication and data services across places and distances.
While sustainability is the balance that allows plants and other organisms to thrive in a healthy environment.
Sustainability in telecommunication refers to the designs and operating systems that minimize environmental chaos and reduce energy consumption by opting for safer impacts like renewable energy, recycling, etc.
Telecommunication is the only way people connect. The only way businesses thrive and audiences are adequately reached across borders.
As much as this has done some good, it has come with a bit of challenges as well. Challenges like high energy consumption, e-waste management where cables and towers come with a short lifespan.
For example, a rural area in Nigeria can often lack proper network coverage due to a tower or cable that has not been replaced over time, leaving the community without basic telecom services.
Having witnessed this first-hand, I have come to a conclusion that an improvement needs to be done to improve the energy consumption, maximize the use of renewable energy and many more.
Even cities experience service disruptions from time to time due to the strain on existing infrastructure, maybe due to neglect or improper knowledge.
How can we enable growth for sustainable Telecom? Addressing these underlying issues require careful planning and action to prevent leaving a region or community, especially the rural areas in a loop.
First, people need to be more familiar with renewable energy. It is the order of the day yet many are still ignorant. It’s very important to maximize renewable energy sources, especially the use of solar systems.
This is particularly important for remote areas where reliable electricity and telecommunication are hard to come by.
The sun is widely distributed in a place like Nigeria, especially in the northern part of the nation, unlike some other parts of the world.
Powering these telecom towers with renewable energy not only ensures that people have continuous access to the network but also reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which aligns with global climate goals.
Another aspect to be considered is the policy and regulation support. To enable sustainable growth in telecommunication, regulatory frameworks must evolve.
What do I mean by this? There should be policies that will encourage infrastructure upgrades while promoting eco-friendly practices.
Incentives for companies that invest in green technology can help boost these efforts, creating a telecom sector that’s both innovative and environmentally conscious.
Additionally, the eco-system will benefit greatly when there are more bodies supporting it. For example, rural areas most especially, will benefit from reliable communication when telecom companies and the government collaborate to close coverage gaps, enhance service quality, and extend access. This is not leaving the cities out as well.
Lastly, it’s important to train professionals who can manage these systems effectively. A workforce equipped with the right skills will be able to handle challenges and support future advancements in the industry.
In short, ensuring the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure goes far beyond building more towers or extending coverage, it’s also about creating a strong, environmentally friendly network that will serve everyone, everywhere, in the years to come.
About Hassana Babawi Bulus Hassana Babawi Bulus is a dedicated telecommunications expert with over ten years of hands-on experience managing large-scale projects. She is best known for her expertise in regulatory compliance, improving operations and engaging with stakeholders.
Hassana is also excellent when it comes to working alongside government bodies and service providers to deliver seamless project results.
She is passionate about sustainability challenges. Hassana is a member of the American Economic Association (AEA) and the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN).
