Anambra State govt crackdown on illegal internet service providers

 

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

The Anambra State Government, on Thursday, vowed to crackdown on authorised Internet Service Providers (IPS) operating in the State.

The government, in a statement jointly signed by the Executive Chairman/MD, Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB), Barr. Chike Maduekwe and the MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, explained that the move follows numerous reports of illegal road and sidewalk excavations, and unauthorized erection of poles defacing environment.

The illegalities, according to the government agencies, pose serious risks, including data breaches, poor service quality, and the defacement of public infrastructure,.while running contrary to governor Chukwuma Soludo's efforts to develop Anambra State as a liveable and prosperous.

"Investigations have since revealed that several ISPs have been operating without the required submission of deployment plans and approvals. Left unchecked, such activities not only compromise residents' safety but also undermine legitimate ISPs who are registered with the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and are prepared to follow due process to provide reliable services.

"The objective of this crackdown is to sanitize the state’s digital landscape by ensuring that only properly registered and certified ISPs are allowed to operate in the State. This initiative is part of the broader vision of the Soludo-led administration to promote responsible technology use for the collective good," the government added.

The statement, however, urged the residents to report any suspicious or unlicensed ISP activity by calling the dedicated hotline: 02014143039

According to the Executive Chairman/Managing Director of ANSPPB, Barr. Chike Maduekwe, the initiative was not targeted at any individual but aimed at ensuring that all play by the rule.

"If you want to offer internet services in Anambra, go through the proper channels. We will support those doing the right thing, but we will not fold our arms and watch people cut corners.” Maduekwe concluded.

Also speaking, the Managing Director/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), while noting that the Internet was no longer a luxury but a necessity which must be enjoyed by everyone without rancour.

"This is because our people deserve services from providers they can trust. We are  committed to protecting our citizens while enabling fair competition in the tech ecosystem." Agbata concluded.