FG to develop ICT broadband network

In response to the growing demand for broadband internet access in the country, the Federal Government may soon develop a National ICT broadband network and another National network for Education and Research.If developed, it would require the setting up of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for implementation, Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson said in Lagos. The minister who was speaking at the 3rd West African Information & Communications Technology Congress said that the on-going ICT Policy harmonization would provide the necessary legal framework for the operation of the SPVs saying that interested stakeholders are expected to participate in this venture.While acknowledging Nigeria's current status in the provision of broadband infrastructure for the socio-economic development of the country, she called on all stakeholders 'to work together willingly, with the zeal of overcoming the challenges in industry and soar high as the eagle in no distant time'.She disclosed that government is willing to partner with stakeholders in the industry noting that although 'a number of efforts have been made by both the Government and the Private sector to develop the broadband industry but a lot more needs to be done to link up the unserved and the underserved areas of the Federation'. Johnson said that government is unmindful of its responsibility to provide the basic infrastructure for our development of the industry adding it realized the constraint on the available resources and would continue to provide the enabling legal framework for private sector participation.She recalled that the creation of the Universal Service Provision Fund was one of government plam to asist stakeholders explaining that the Fund was designed to assist interested stakeholders in ICT infrastructure development and to access some funds in line with the laid down regulations of the provisions of the Communications Act of 2003.The Minister called on the stakeholders in the industry to avail themselves of the various programmes set out to advance ICT development in the country and make judicious use of accessed funds by delivering the projects as agreed. She also pleaded with Nigerians to guard all installed equipment and basic infrastructure jealously saying that patriotism should be exhibited by all players to advance the country in this business.
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