-Dissects the Value Chain in Envisioned Broadband Provision.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) today October 18, 2018 held a Broadband Engagement Forum at the Bristol Hotel in Kano, to discuss the deployment of infrastructure for Broadband Service provision in the country and, the socio- economic impact of Broadband as an enabler for employment, economic growth and evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities as well as smart living.
The Executive Vice Chairman/ CEO Nigerian Communications while delivering the opening remarks talked extensively and gave the topic of Broadband an in-depth dissection. He noted that the Nigerian Communications Commission is committed to enabling service and access provision of Broadband to all Nigerians employing the tripartite As of Availability, Affordability and Accessibility.
The National Broadband Policy 2013- 2018 is a plan and a document roadmap of the Federal Government of Nigeria, a compendium that maps out the need for the provision of Broadband as a key driver of economic and technological development.
Inline with the Policy Document, the Nigerian Communications Commission initiated the idea of Infrastructure Companies (Infracos) to provide Metropolitan Fibre Optics for the transmission of Broadband. An open access model, it has a design of a value chain, where both small and big players in the telecoms industry will be engaged, said Danbatta.
Also the Management’s 8- Point Agenda of NCC, recognizes facilitating Broadband Penetration as topping the list; this underscores the importance of Broadband in our socio- economic development as a nation.
Three separate papers were presented to set the workshop in tone:
1. Introduction to Broadband and Emerging Trends in ICT powered by Broadband, a paper delivered by Engineer Toni Ikemefuna, Head Fixed Network and Converged Services, NCC.
2. Aggressive Broadband Strategy for National Development by Engineer Bako Wakil, Head Technical Services and Network Integrity, NCC.
3. Broadband Deployment Perspectives from a licensed Infraco, MainOne.
The workshop enjoyed a fruitful discourse, ending in a question and answer session involving all the stakeholders.