Tech
The decentralisation of infrastructure to other parts of the country will deepen broadband penetration across Nigeria, Opeyemi Praise has said.
Praise, the Team Lead, Network Operations, Cyberspace Network Ltd., told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday that broadband infrastructure was mainly situated in Lagos State.
”Lagos is currently the hub for all international fibre landings, and this is not good for broadband acceleration in the country.
”Centralisation of fibre landing just in Lagos is not good, because of national security and high cost of long-hauling connectivity to the other parts of the country.
”Another reason might be job opportunities; because wherever you have infrastructure, there you have the jobs,” he said.
Praise described broadband penetration as a means to eradicate poverty; as it ensured inclusion and connect rural communities with urban communities, hereby facilitating trade and commercial exchanges.
He said that the country was left with no options, as it should either increase its broadband penetration and reduce poverty or play it down and enjoy being poverty capital of the world.
According to him, Nigeria’s poor broadband penetration is inhabiting technological advancement.
”It leaves a very large technological divide. You cannot deploy some solutions in the country except only in Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Abuja and maybe Kano.
”Thirty per cent in any country, by any denomination is not pass mark. We cannot go to sleep yet. It is good that we have moved forward, but it is pretty much a call to more work.
”There has been some improvement in the broadband space in the country, but we can do better.
“The implementation of the last National Broadband Plan (NBP) is just about 40 per cent or less, in my own assessment,” he said.
Praise said that the new plan should include having local contents and solutions to ride on the available infrastructure. (NAN)
– Jan. 3, 2019 @ 15:35 GMT |
Tags: Decentralisation of infrastructure will accelerate broadband penetration – Expert
