So far, 26 ICT partners have endorsed an initiative to bring broadband access to all major cities in Nigeria. This is according to Ndukwe Kalu, CEO of Amsco Telecom, a Nigerian telecommunications company co-ordinating the initiative.
The project, known as Naijawifi, costs more than $60 million and will cover 47 cities in 36 states in the West African country by the end of the year, he says.
Naijawifi has the backing of local financiers, and stakeholders will talk to international financial groups to secure additional financial backing.
The initiative began about two years ago, as it was evident Nigeria needed to do something drastic about the lack of affordable high-speed Internet access, explains Kalu.
Stimulating growth
The consortium recently called on the government of president Umaru Yar'Adua to urgently address the poor state of broadband access in Nigeria to spur economic development in the region.
"It is obvious that broadband access in Nigeria will benefit the country economically," says Kalu.
He cites India and Morocco as experiencing high gross domestic product and economic growth due to strong technological infrastructure, such as broadband networks. Affordable and accessible broadband solutions would help set up Nigeria as a profitable offshore solution centre destination, he adds.
Nigeria's independent regulatory telecommunication body, the Nigerian Communications Commission, recently introduced the State Accelerated Broadband Initiative (Sabi) in a bid to fast-track broadband access and roll-out in the country.
Kalu believes Sabi will accelerate broadband initiatives and spark another revolution like GSM, which will have positive benefits for the Nigerian economy.
Nigerian broadband is hindered by three factors: last mile access, and local and international backhaul connections, Kalu adds.
Traffic jam
There are huge issues in moving traffic internally between cities, and out to the Internet landing sites in US or Europe.
"This is one area we feel that Nigcomsat-1 [Nigerian Communications Satellite] will play a prominent role," says Kalu.
Government launched Nigcomsat-1 earlier this year in a bid to create satellite technologies aimed at creating broadband growth on the African continent. The satellite has a strong footprint in Nigeria, making broadband access affordable.
"The Nigerian satellite will now ensure that intra- and inter-city traffic will become efficient and affordable," says Kalu.
He explains the project proposed by the consortium will go hand-in-hand with national and international fibre optic projects. "This will provide the ultimate broadband capacity that Nigerians desire."
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