Post by colonial pikin on Jan 26, 2016 15:37:18 GMT
Plans are afoot by the federal government to reduce both public and private infrastructure deficit in the nation’s information and communications technology (ICT) industry by the activation of the deliverables of the National Broadband Plan 2013-2018.
The minister of communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, speaking at the weekend during the Communication Sector Retreat held in Ibadan, Oyo State, said that inadequate ICT infrastructure is the bane of ICT development in the country and a leading cause of quality of service deficiencies.
Shittu said that from broadband penetration to last mile fibre optic connectivity, this infrastructure deficit is preventing all Nigerians from gaining affordable and reliable access and that lack of affordability, due in part to the proliferation of taxes, fees and levies, and associated costs further inhibit investments in infrastructure.
“Our priority would be in enabling the infrastructure required to support and grow our boisterous ICT market. It does not need stating that the availability of infrastructure has a significant impact on the development of the ICT market. In addition to catalysing infrastructure development, we will pursue government and private sector time-bound investments in good quality infrastructure facilities and services. This will be led by our agencies like the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) and actively supported by both local and international investments. We will also explore the investment in a second backup satellite for NigComSat and actively engage other global infrastructure providers to invest in the sector,” said Shittu.
The minister said that “the new administration will expedite and deepen the implementation of the National Broadband Plan. Efforts will also be made to promote investments towards last mile access and improvements in the quality of existing networks as crucial steps. To our private sector infrastructure partners, we recognise many of the challenges you currently face. We are accessible. We make you this pledge: to listen to those critical issues and challenges. Finally, we commit to working earnestly to find ways to resolve them that are of mutual benefit to Nigerians and the health of the industry,” he said.
Source:Leadership
Source:Leadership