• Broadbased Communications Limited pioneers open-access fibre network and no-dig installation across major Nigerian cities
• Challenges include high capex, widespread cable vandalism and need for policy support
Broadbased Communications Limited’s strategic rollout and innovations
Broadbased Communications Limited, licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission as a Metropolitan Fiber Optic Network Operator and ISP, pursues an open-access fibre-optic network across Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Rivers and Akwa Ibom. It has installed over 3,500 km of fibre in ring- architecture self-healing networks with multiple Points of Presence, serving submarine cable landing stations, banks, ISPs, telcos and data centres. The company also pioneered a no-dig deployment using Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), reducing environmental disruption and speeding installation.
Broadbased Communications’ open-access fibre strategy allows wholesale distribution to major operators such as Dolphin Telecom. Dolphin utilizes the ACE submarine cable landing station to provide reliable internet access to further ISPs and telecom providers by using BBC’s last-mile infrastructure. This model supports fair competition all through the market while also to raising broadband penetration. Furthermore, it completes all of this without reciting expensive infrastructure expenses, guaranteeing efficient use of resources and network adaptability for to come digital demands.
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Broadbased Communications Limited’s challenges and future vision
Despite its innovations, Broadbased faces considerable challenges. Managing Director Henry Iseghohi highlighted the capital-intensive nature of fibre deployment, and frequent destruction of underground cables by road works and vandalism, urging coordinated regulatory and government support. Executive leaders including Chidi Ibisi and Chris Erewele Sr emphasised these obstacles as constraints to scaling up fibre access across Nigeria.
BBC’s leadership remains optimistic. John Mercado, in a 2016 interview with ZTE, described the network as the backbone for high-capacity LTE and broadband growth, noting rapid early expansion and plans to replicate Lagos successes in other states. The company’s vision is to deepen metro coverage, support content delivery via local exchange points and reinforce Nigeria’s digital infrastructure through its open-access fibre and no-dig deployment approach.
