AI future depends on resilient telecom infrastructure – ALTON Chairman
AI future depends on resilient telecom infrastructure – ALTON Chairman
The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr Gbenga Adebayo, has emphasised the need for robust telecommunications infrastructure to fully harness the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Speaking on Thursday at the West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE) 4.0 in Lagos, Adebayo noted that reliable and resilient telecom networks are essential for driving digital innovation, economic growth and technological advancement, stressing that AI future depends on resilient telecommunications infrastructure capable of supporting emerging technologies and increasing data demands.
The theme of the summit was: “The Resilient AI Fabric: Trust, Integrity and Sustainability in Next Generation Network Infrastructure.”
According to him, AI applications require enormous volumes of data, making ultra-reliable connectivity, low latency and high-capacity fibre networks indispensable.
“The AI revolution is fundamentally dependent on communications infrastructure. Artificial intelligence requires enormous amounts of data.
“The more we talk about AI, the more we must recognise that data consumption will continue to grow,” he said.
Adebayo said increasing adoption of AI, cloud computing, machine learning, fintech services and e-commerce was driving unprecedented growth in network traffic.
He noted that future applications, including intelligent systems, digital transactions and remote services, would rely heavily on robust telecommunications networks.
The ALTON chairman noted that AI would create new jobs, improve productivity and expand opportunities in healthcare, education and financial inclusion.
He, however, stressed that the benefits could only be realised through reliable infrastructure and strong cybersecurity safeguards.
According to him, trust remains the foundation of digital transformation and AI adoption across critical sectors of the economy.
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Adebayo warned that cyberattacks and data breaches could undermine public confidence in digital services and discourage innovation.
He urged stakeholders to prioritise transparency, accountability, privacy protection and cybersecurity as AI became more integrated into daily life.
The telecom industry leader also called for greater public participation in protecting telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
He said communication facilities should be regarded as shared national assets that support economic activities and digital services.
“It is important that we all protect the telecom infrastructure that supports all of us.
“We all must take ownership of communication infrastructure because it is the bedrock upon which digital services depend,” he said.
Adebayo identified energy costs, foreign exchange pressures, infrastructure vandalism and multiple taxation as major challenges facing telecom operators.
He advocated for stronger regional collaboration, harmonised regulations and investment-friendly policies to accelerate digital development across West Africa.
According to him, Africa’s youthful population, growing digital adoption and entrepreneurial ecosystem present significant opportunities for AI-driven growth.
He said governments, regulators, operators, investors and technology firms must work together to build sustainable and inclusive digital infrastructure.
Adebayo reaffirmed the telecom industry’s commitment to advancing connectivity, strengthening resilience and supporting Africa’s digital future.
