Analysis of Power Supply Challenges Affecting Base Transceiver Station Uptime in Adamawa State

Reliable power supply is a critical prerequisite for continuous base transceiver station operation, yet Nigeria's chronic electricity deficits pose a persistent threat to network uptime, particularly in the North East geopolitical zone. This study analyzes the power supply challenges affecting base transceiver station uptime in Adamawa State, examining the relationship between power outage frequency, diesel generator dependence, and network availability. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data obtained from structured interviews with twenty-two base station engineers employed by MTN and Airtel, supplemented by operational logs from forty base transceiver station sites across six local government areas. Secondary data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on grid availability in Adamawa were also incorporated. Findings reveal that the average grid power availability at sampled base stations was only 8.4 hours per day, requiring diesel generators to supply between 60% and 75% of total station energy requirements. Fuel logistics challenges, including price volatility and delivery disruptions in remoter areas, led to periodic station shutdowns, reducing network availability below the NCC-mandated 99.5% threshold at 34% of sampled sites. The operational cost of diesel generation was found to constitute 42% of total site operational expenditure. Recommendations include accelerated deployment of solar-diesel hybrid power solutions, government-facilitated preferential fuel pricing for telecommunications sites, and investment in battery backup system upgrades. Keywords: base transceiver station, power supply, network uptime, Adamawa State, diesel generator.