UUNET has further expanded its reach into Africa by signing a partnership agreement with 21st Century Technologies, a Nigerian telecoms and Internet service provider. The core focus of the agreement is to enable enhanced delivery of Internet services, international capacity and business solutions through 21st Century Technologies as an accredited UUNET business partner, as of 1 September 2003.
21st Century Technologies owns an infrastructure platform that provides a full spectrum of telecommunications and Internet services and has licences required for the introduction of Internet service provider (ISP) services, VSAT, international voice, data and fixed wireless services.
The partnership agreement will enable 21st Century Technologies and UUNET to utilise the world-class infrastructure 21st Century Technologies has installed to provide Internet and communication solutions to businesses in Nigeria, as well as managing and supporting these implementations for the customer. 21st Century Technologies will also hold the position of an agent within the country to market and retail UUNET`s products and services to end-users.
"Nigeria is considered the up and coming Internet giant of Africa," says Rob Lith, Africa Business Development Executive at UUNET. "Nigeria has a population of over 120 million people and the country already operates in an environment that is conducive to a flourishing telecommunications market. This, coupled with UUNET`s continued commitment to communication and technology advancement and upliftment within Africa has resulted in this partnership agreement in Nigeria," says Lith.
An example of the huge growth potential for Nigeria and Africa as a whole is mobile technology capability where Nigeria already has in excess of 1.8 million mobile users.
"From our experience gained over the years through our already well-established subsidiaries in Botswana, Kenya, Zambia and Namibia, we have a solid understanding of the African market and its requirements. While we realise that all countries are different, the underlying principle of the need for technology advancement and growth to overcome the digital divide does not change. UUNET, with this existing experience and through the partnership with 21st Century Technologies, is intent on advancing capabilities within Nigeria, further cementing the country`s economic, social and financial growth," adds Lith.
"As 21st Century is fast becoming the leading and most stable provider of data and voice services to the business and residential sectors in Nigeria, we have signed a partnership agreement with UUNET to ensure we build on our existing service delivery and more importantly continue to deliver on our promises," comments Wale Ajisebutu, Executive Vice-Chairman, 21st Century Technologies Limited.
"We see massive benefits in this strategic relationship in the areas of increased productivity, cheaper and always-on connectivity, including a robust VSAT and wireless service" adds Wale.
UUNET is once again making a substantial investment into Africa, to ensure that the very real requirements of the corporate and consumer markets in Nigeria are understood through correct skills development and solution innovation. "Our presence in Nigeria is yet another example of our commitment to African development and through this partnership we hope to assist with the growth of technology innovation and the Nigerian economy," concludes Lith.
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