2015: Implement broadband plan, add N190bn to GDP

ITRealms:

Airtel Nigeria has called on the federal government to speed-up the implementation of the recently approved National Broadband Plan.

Making this call at the 2013 Nigerian Telecoms Development Lecture (NITDEL), weekend, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya told ITRealms in Lagos, that the quick execution of the strategy could translate into about N190bn contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within the next two years.

Ogunsanya said Airtel is committed to partnering with the Federal Government to deliver excellent broadband services so as to develop the Nigerian economy.

He said the approval of the Broadband Plan was a right step in the right direction and assured the telco’s deep commitment to partnering with the government to implement the plan and facilitate broadband realization for Nigeria, in line with the Transformation Agenda of Government.

Beyond policy direction, the Chief Executive, called on the government to focus on driving broadband adoption and utilization, noting that government’s patronage of readily available local applications and solutions will be a great boost just as partnerships with telecoms operators, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) players and development partners will also help drive utilization.

“As it concerns broadband adoption and utilization, there should be Government’s affirmative action targeting the delivery of social and public services over Broadband. The zeal applied by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Federal Government in E-Payment and Cashless Policy initiatives should also be replicated in driving adoption and utilization by the populace,” he said.

 

He also noted that the implementation requires long-term commitment and significant action by Federal, States and Local Governments, as well as the Executive and Legislative arms of government – alongside strong private sector participation.

Specifically, Mr. Ogunsanya who spoke on the theme, “The Nigerian Telecoms Market: Championing the African Cause through Broadband,” said Airtel is providing the government with support on different fronts including further expansion of its 3.75G Network footprints to cover even more cities and upgrade of its network to 4G on Long Term Evolution (LTE) as soon as spectrum becomes available. 

He added that Airtel is in partnership with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in a bid to make smart phones more affordable for consumers.

The Chief Executive disclosed that Airtel has partnered with five State Governments to implement a number of e-Social Services initiatives vis-à-vis E-Education, E-Government and E-Health. According to him “Airtel is willing to partner with all 36 States Governments and the Federal Government to deliver Broadband solutions that meet their requirements, since we have the largest and widest 3.75G coverage across Nigeria.”

The event, which held yesterday at the Agip Recital Hall of the MUSON Centre attracted several bigwigs including the Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Director of Corporate Communications, Airtel Nigeria, Emeka Oparah and Director of Legal & Company Secretary, Airtel Nigeria, Ibirobo Adekola.

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Pix: Director, PAD, NCC, Ojobo, Gov. Aregbosola and Airtel CEO, Ogunsanya