Presentation of Background and the Framework Documents for the Broadband for Nigeria (BB4NG) Forum
byTiti Omo-Ettu
[email protected] 322 4572
On the occasion of a Stakeholders Forum on Broadband for NIGERIA
Abuja, July 28, 2010
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Appreciation
To Partnership for Higher Education in Africa, PHEA, Association for Progressive Communications, APC, for providing the support funding for this effort.
To all the supporting Institutions– ng ICT Forum– Fantsuam Foundation– Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria,
ATCON– Telecom Answers Associates
All delegates who are here for this assignment.
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Why the Subject?
An interest of .ng ICT Forum in ngREN– To facilitate collaborative research and development
and incubate technology
A study of 1997 vis-à-vis the realities of today
It is time for CHANGE
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The 2 Issues
Objectives of the NGREN
To facilitate collaborative research and development and incubate technology
The Study of 1997 Study subject “Investment opportunities & technology options
for rural telecommunications in Nigeria” Results
– Investment into rural communications is not viable– No technology that can be appropriate to address rural coverage
at affordable costs
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2007!!
The story is different The technologies exist The business can be viable The people can be mobilized and
empowered for national development 69% of us are in the rural communities They have to be empowered and mobilized
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TWO Documents
The BACKGROUND Document The FRAMEWORK Document
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The Background Document
Background to key elements in the Framework document
Basis on which decisions were made Facts, not general knowledge, on which the
recommendations of the Framework document were made
Extent of accessibility, affordability and dependability
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Our MODUS Operandi here today
We shall present the Case We shall present the Background Document We shall present the Framework Document We shall request that
– We do not get emotional about our deficiencies but seek to discuss the solutions rather than our frustrations
– We shall not disparage any of our public institutions (FG, N/A, Agencies, Universities, Students, traders and job seekers etc)
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What is Broadband?
“broadband is a descriptive term for evolving digital technologies that provide consumers a signal switched facility offering integrated access to voice, high-speed data service, video-demand services, and interactive delivery services”.
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Why Broadband
Access to information is capable of promoting & accelerating development of the country
“...in a typical developing country, a rise of ten mobile phones per 100 people boosts GDP growth by 0.6 percentage points”;
“... for every 10 percentage point increase in penetrations of broadband services, there is an increase in economic growth of 1.3 percentage points.” (Qiang 2009)
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Economic Value/Social Value
What do our people want? Bread or broadband They want bread Broadband makes bread but bread does not
make broadband If we have a choice to make let us choose
Broadband because bread will follow
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Existing Initiatives in Broadband
3 submarine cables now available– SAT-3, Glo 1, MainONE
WIN, SABI– Both still under implementation.
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The Background Document
How we arrived here and what next A study of other countries approach and
documentation Engagement of a Consultant to prepare the
documents Review of the Consultant’s work Presentation of Review to stakeholders Ratification by Stakeholders Presentation Stakeholders Framework Document to
Federal Government
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Ultimate Goal
Broadband internet access with speed of at least 4Mbps that is accessible, affordable and dependable to all citizens regardless of their status, station or location.
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5 Key objectives
To enhance the equitable distribution of the value and/or benefits of telecoms infrastructure (in general) and broadband (in particular) amongst the Nigerian population.
– Addressing network Infrastructure and end user devises
To enhance the capabilities of the Nigerian population to make use of and contribute to broadband, and in so doing increase its relevance to the social development of the country/populace.
– Awareness and ability to use. Closure of the literacy gap.
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Awareness & Abilities
To “mainstream broadband” by enhancing understanding of its contribution to social development objectives and thereby enhance collaboration between relevant public agencies.– Awareness and ability to use within government
and public agencies
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Investments by Federal Government
Liberalization yes Abdication of responsibility, No Recoup investment
– Private sector is in business to make profit Investment by Government
– Empower the people for productivity– Deliver social good– Protect critical investment– Ensure equity
Public services are critical and requiring intervention of government
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Monitor Delivery
To establish a methodology for assessing the progress of broadband development in Nigeria in a structured way that (i) highlights and (ii) seeks to address bottle-necks along/across all layers.– Awareness of people– Accountability of public servants
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The Private Sector is Key
To maintain an enabling environment for the continued (key) role of the private sector in the deployment of broadband in Nigeria.
– To avoid waste– To ensure sustainability– To promote investment– To facilitate accountability
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Background Document: The Facts
Nigeria can be categorized as ‘emerging ‘or ‘developing’ The economy is growing fast comparatively within Africa There is uneven distribution of benefits Access to health, education, literary, water, shelter all poor Poverty rate 74% in 2009 Populous at 155million Large at 909,890 square km Access to telephone confined to urban communities with less
than 30 million users Internet access is poor.
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Plugging the GAPS
Haves and have-nots Rich & Poor Literate and illiterate Urban and rural e-literate and illiterate Access and no access Narrowband & Broadband
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Coverage
Existing networks cover some Market Forces cover some Some are not covered and may never be
covered until there is deliberate intervention Expanding access & coverage beyond what
is economically feasible requires direct intervention of government.