The national switching network mainly consists of three parallel networks for telephone, telex switching and cellular services. Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) have been introduced in the new digital exchanges. The nodal points of such networks are interconnected through a national transmission system comprising terrestrial radio-relay systems (analog/digital), optical fiber, cable and satellite communication links. The Common Channel Signalling System No.7 (SS7/ISUP) has been adopted for all digital and new exchanges while other exchanges continue to operate the older signaling system.

The telephone network is heirarchically structured in three levels, namely: top level, comprising secondary centers in 6 locations; intermediate level, represented by 45 primary centers; and low level, represented by local exchanges. A fully meshed network interconnects the nodes a the top network level while the other two levels form a star shaped network.

The Telex/Gentex Network consists of a system of telex exchanges and gentex stations, which are linked together at the local, national and international levels to provide telex telegraph services for national subscribers and the outside world.

The transmission network consists of terrestrial microwave, optical fiber, cable and satellite systems.

There are 152 microwave routes with 312 repeater stations spread across the country. The main trunk routes have been digitalized and operate in the 140 to 155 Mb/s configuration. The digitalization of the terrestrial system is ongoing. Seventeen trunk routes have been digitalized while ten are still outstanding.

A large capacity submarine fiber optics cable has been installed to link Lagos, Warri, Bonny and Port Harcourt. The same fiber has been extended from Port Harcourt to Enugu and Calabar through Aba. This system operates in the 622 Mb/s range. Another fiber optic link is under construction between Enugu and Abuja, the capital. Optical fiber ring networks have also been installed in Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, Kaduna and Abuja.

NITEL is also participating in the planned South Atlantic Telecommunications/West African Submarine Cable (SAT 3/WASC/SAFE) project linking Africa with Europe and Asia. The project is to be financed by a consortium of international telecommunication operators in Africa, Europe and Asia.

Satellites.

Five satellite earth stations are currently in operation Nigeria. Three of them are digital and used for international traffic. There are also 19 Domestic Satellite Earth Stations (DOMSAT) located in some state capitals. These operate on three leased INTELSAT transponders for national TV coverage. There are 110 INMARSAT terminals in operation in the country.

Source: Nigerian Communications Commission, 1999-2000.

Source: Africa ONE project

1998 Statistics:

Phone Lines per 1000 (fixed and mobile): 4.02

Fixed Lines: 417,682 (updated 1999)

Teledensity: 0.38 (updated 1999)

Mobile Lines: 15,000

Total Mobile Subscribers: 22,000 (updated 1999)

VSAT: Yes (very expensive)

X25 Subscribers: None

Local Phone call cost (U.S. $/hr.): 0.4

Monthly telephone line rental ($/month): $150 per setup, $1.2 per month

Mobile Operators: 2

Fixed Line Telecom Operators: 1

Telephone Country Code: 234

Outgoing International Code: 009

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