By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The African
Telecommunications Union (ATU) has established the ATU–TowerCo Forum as part of
efforts to strengthen collaboration between governments, regulators and tower
companies to accelerate meaningful connectivity across the continent.
The forum was launched
during a special session held in Abuja, Nigeria, in partnership with leading
tower infrastructure providers including Helios Towers, SBA Communications and
American Tower Corporation. The session focused on the critical role of tower
companies in expanding mobile network coverage and improving digital access
across Africa.
ATU noted that while
telecommunications towers may appear to be simple structures, their ability to
deliver reliable connectivity depends on a wider ecosystem, including access to
power, supportive regulatory frameworks, infrastructure security and efficient
deployment processes.
The newly established forum
will provide a continental platform for ATU, tower companies, governments and
regulators to address key challenges affecting telecommunications
infrastructure investment and deployment.
The first areas of focus for
the ATU–TowerCo Forum will include improving access to reliable and
energy-efficient power solutions for tower sites, addressing rights of way and
permitting challenges, reviewing taxation issues and strengthening infrastructure
security.
ATU said the initiative
reflects a shared commitment to creating an enabling environment for
sustainable investment in digital infrastructure and supporting Africa’s
journey towards universal and meaningful connectivity.
The establishment of the
forum comes as African countries continue efforts to expand broadband access,
bridge the digital divide and build resilient digital economies driven by
reliable communications infrastructure.
