ICT expert advocates for more broadband in the country

Henry Osakwe, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) expert, spoke on economic prospects of e-commerce calling for more broadband construction in the country, to cater for the increasing demand from internet users.

He also said broadband penetration was a core driver of the economy.

“Broadband penetration is the economic development driving innovation, and directly impacting on all sectors of the economy.”

“It enables the establishment of more Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and creates social advancement.”

“It also directly empowers young entrepreneurs by increasing their access to information and eliminating frustration associated with internet access.”

“Many rural dwellers, unlike their city counterparts, have to travel kilometres to access the net, thereby increasing the cost of doing business in such areas,” he said.

According to Osakwe, who is the Managing Director of an IT firm, MilleniumNet, there is an increasing need for all players in the ICT sector to actively address the issues of cost, speed, reliability and quality of service.

He noted with more broadband constructed, affordable devices and competition, the country would be better off on all fronts.

He appealed to government to implement the Nigeria National Broadband Plan of 2013 to 2018 to the letter, saying that it would increase the penetration of broadband.

NAN