Huawei Honoured @ WAFICT as 'Best Technology Vendor' in Nigeria

 
Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, has received the ''Best Technology Vendor Award' by West Africa Information& Communication Technology Conference (WAFICT) in recognition of its achievements in the Nigeria telecom market.
 
In presenting the award to Huawei, the committee of West Africa Information& Communication Technology Conference highlighted the Huawei ICT solutions for telecom operators, noting the company's strong research and development capability, customer-centric innovation, well-stratified channel structure and its localized strategic focus towards the development of a cost-effective and efficient product portfolio for Nigeria.
 
As a result of the significant increase in voice and data services, Huawei has seen a corresponding growth in demand upgrading networks and expanding coverage across all sectors.

To make the communication access much easier and more affordable, Huawei has introduced a series of its latest technologies and solutions for Nigeria, for example, its world awarded Single Fixed Access Network (Single FAN) solutions and Hybrid Power Solutions.
 
Huawei emphasized the importance of deploying Broadband network especially the Mobile Broadband (MBB) Networks for Nigeria during the conference.

Mr. Julius Akhalumenyo, general manager of Huawei Nigeria said, “A World Bank study shows that GDP of low to middle income countries can grow an extra 1.38% if the usage of broadband is up by 10%. Another study suggests that raising broadband penetration in emerging markets to levels currently in Western Europe could add $300 to $420 billion in GDP and create 10 to 14 million new jobs".

According to data released by International Telecom Union, an estimated 10.9% of Africans have active mobile broadband subscription.

That percentage drops to 0.3% when it comes to fixed broadband. On the other hand, the number of Internet users grew 40% in less than two years, from 101 million in 2011, to 140 million in 2013.

The implications are twofold. First, the potential demand for broadband is huge in Nigeria.

Second, mobile broadband is an opportunity to bring more Nigerians online.”
 
Huawei believes that the mass deployment of the fourth generation mobile broadband, or the LTE, is an answer to Nigeria’s growing demand for broadband connection.

In Julius’s speech, he noted that constructing LTE networks could make effective use of existing equipment and technologies and could therefore lower the cost of initial investment.

Building mobile networks can significantly enlarge broadband coverage to people living in rural and underprivileged urban areas.

And LTE enabled smart phones become increasingly more affordable.
 
There is no doubt that higher capacity is needed in the near future.

That also suggests that the public and private sectors should work more closely to continue the momentum of rolling out more advanced networks in Nigeria.