BENEFITS OF GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION (GSM) SERVICES: CAN IT BE SUSTAINED?

Telecommunication in Nigeria has blossomed since 2001 when Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) services were introduced. This study investigated the benefits and challenges that subscribers have experienced in the sector. The Neoliberalism and Rational Choice theory was adopted. The study was largely cross sectional survey design and utilized a sample of 1600 respondents selected from Ibadan Main City (MC) and Less City (LC). This consisted 800 sample selected from MC and 800 sample from LC. Also, 34 In-depth interviews (IDIs) and 4 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted. GSM services were utilised for multipurpose functions such as connecting family and friends (94.0%), source of income (84.6%), access to information resource (75.7%), education resource (79.6%), economic empowerment (66.7%) and internet services (82.8%). However, tariff (89.0%), network disruption (78.9%), call drops (82.4%), cheats (45.7%), Kidnapping (59.8%) and indiscriminate GSM mast erection (65.7%) constituted major challenges. Qualitative data showed that subscribers expressed concerns over fraudulent utilisation of GSM services despite the registration of SIM cards. Poor infrastructure base continued to inhibit provision of quality services. GSM promotions were identified as exploitative. Deregulation increased access and utilization of telecommunication services in Ibadan, although with a number of benefits and challenges. Regulatory agencies should be proactive in mitigating the challenges in the sector and protect subscribers from abuse and exploitation from service providers.