Anambra State is cruising to the cruising on the path of digital economy with the launch of two key Policies: the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025; and the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030 by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
Speaking at a forum by the Anambra State Government with theme, “Facilitating Broadband Access in Anambra State through a Favourable Right of Way Regime”, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta said he was particularly delighted to inform the Government of Anambra State that the Commission in the drive for Broadband had licensed Infrastructure Companies a.k.a Infraco for the South East and five other zones of the Federation including Lagos as a special zone.
Under this initiative, he said the South-East Infraco licensee (Messrs. Zinox Technologies Ltd.) would be required to provide at least one Point-of-Access (PoA) in each of the 95 LGA’s that constitute the region and interconnect them with 1,314Km of Optic Fiber Cable(OFC).
According to him, Right-of-Way (RoW) charges is a major limiting factor to provision of broadband services in Nigeria, as it slows down network deployment with the cost of the limited capacities ultimately passed to the subscribers.
Knowing this, he disclosed that the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami and the Commission’s Management led by him are committed to keep dialoguing with the Federal and State Governments to lower the charges to N145 per linear meter earlier agreed or waive the charges entirely as they know that it is the path to progress in our drive for Broadband propelling rapid roll-out of services and better the livelihood of Nigerians through the myriads of services that come with the Digital Economy where Fibre Infrastructure play a major role.
He applauded Governor Obiano and Anambra state, who is one of the two states that have not just reduced the Right of Way charges offered to operators, but waived it completely.
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His words, “For this, we are eternally grateful. This action is sure, to put Anambra State on the global map of Digital Economy. Result of study has shown that for every 10 percent increase in Broadband penetration, there is a corresponding 1.38% increase in GDP. This RoW waiver, will also make Anambra State more attractive to Network operators and attract investment in the infrastructure needed to support economic wellbeing of your Excellency’s economic jurisdiction”.
He reiterated that the Commission had always encouraged governments to include Telecommunications infrastructure like ducts and others as they plan their cities and towns.
A well planned city according to him is one of the keys to the Digital Economy.
The Commission he further stated is confident that the efforts of the Government and people of Anambra state would usher in a new technological vista for the state by providing enabling environment for Entrepreneurs and Innovators in the field of ICT.
This he noted will complement the renowned Nnewi Hardware Technology Hub.
He called on the other state governors to emulate the two states that have entirely waived the RoW charges for Network operators.
“This for sure will unleash economic wellbeing tomorrow; turning our teaming youths to job creators instead of seekers, for those that choose to be innovators and entrepreneurs and millions of technology jobs for those that choose to seek white collar jobs.
“Giving up the RoW fees today is like separating seed that you will sow to guaranty a prosperous future (Digital foundation) in numerous thematic areas; Commerce, Education, Agriculture, Finance and Trade Education Health and Social, Business and Industry, Transport and energy, Safety and Security”.
