Airtel Calls for Implementation of National Broadband Plan

Airtel Nigeria, leading telecommunications services provider, has thrown its full weight behind the immediate implementation of the recently approved National Broadband Plan (NNBP), saying speedy execution of the strategy document can contribute about N190bn to the country’s GDP in 2015.

Segun Ogunsanya, chief executive officer and managing director of Airtel Nigeria made this call in Lagos, while speaking at the Nigerian Telecoms Development Lecture (NITDEL).

Mr. Ogunsanya said Airtel is committed to partnering with the Federal Government to deliver excellent broadband services and also develop the Nigerian economy.

He described the issuance of the Broadband Plan as a right step in the right direction and assured that the Telco is deeply committed to partnering with the Government to implement the plan and facilitate Broadband realization for Nigeria, in support of the Transformation Agenda of Government.

Beyond policy direction, the Chief Executive, also 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, 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.