Yemisi Izuora
The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, is deepening dialogue with the federal government to lower the charges per linear meter on Right-Of-Way, RoW, to hasten provision of broadband services in the country.
Engr. Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Commission had identified, RoW, charges as 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.
Addressing the Anambra State Broadband Infrastructure Development Stakeholders Forum, Danbatta, said the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim and the Commission’s Management have strengthened dialogue with the Federal and State Governments to lower the charges to N145 per linear meter earlier agreed or waive the charges entirely as that is the path to progress in the country’s 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.
Speaking on the subject “facilitating Broadband Access in Anambra State through a favourable Right of Way Regime through a Favourable Right of Way Regime” the EVC, said that testimony shows that Anambra State is cruising on the path of digital economy
The two Policy and Strategy require the inputs and support of key stakeholders such as the Federal and State Governments, MDA’s and the Private Sector. Indeed the policy and Strategy assigned responsibilities to relevant stakeholders.
“I am particularly delighted to inform you that the Commission in the drive for Broadband has licensed Infrastructure Companies a.k.a Infraco for the South East and five (5) other zones of the Federation including Lagos as a special zone.
Under this initiative, the South-East Infraco licensee (Messrs. Zinox Technologies Ltd.) will be required to provide at least one (1) 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).” he said.
He applauded the Governor of the State Willie Obiano, who is one of the two states that have not just reduced the Right of Way charges offered to operators, but waived it completely.
This action, is sure, to put Anambra State on the global map of Digital Economy, he said.
Result of study has shown that for every 10 percent increase in Broadband penetration, there is a corresponding 1.38 percent 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 stated that the Commission has always encouraged Governments to include Telecommunications infrastructure like ducts and others as they plan their cities and towns adding that a well planned city is one of the keys to the Digital Economy, a planned city anticipates future development, opens new revenue streams for government and safeguards roads, water pipes, bridges and other infrastructure from unnecessary destruction and re-adjustments to fit-in additional infrastructure in the future.
The Commission he added is confident that the efforts of the Government and people of Anambra state will usher in a new technological vista for the state by providing enabling environment for Entrepreneurs and Innovators in the field of ICT. This, 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.
“I also do urge His Excellency to be our advocate to his other colleagues to emulate their elimination of RoW charges. 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 e.t.c”
