FG increases Broadband subscription to 4,061,731 October

Etim Effiong

The Federal Government on Wednesday said it increased broadband penetration in Nigeria to 45.43 per cent at the end of October 2020.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, stated that the rise hike was caused by an increase of 4,061,731 broadband subscriptions between September and October 2020.

According to the minister, the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy led to the rise in broadband subscriptions across the country during the review month.

A statement signed by Pantami and made available to journalists by his Technical Assistant, Information Technology, Femi Adeluyi, showed that the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 had impacted significantly on broadband penetration.

Pantami added that the plan was implemented alongside the harmonisation of Right-of-Way charges in all states and the protection of critical national infrastructure across the country.

The minister stated that broadband was critical to sustainable economic growth, noting that it grows the economy by enhancing efficiency in business processes, as well as accelerating innovation.

A report titled, ‘How Important Are Mobile Broadband Networks for Global Economic Development,’ showed that 10 per cent increase in mobile broadband penetration results in approximately 0.6 per cent to 2.8 per cent rise in Gross Domestic Product.

He added: “In some countries, it increases the GDP by over six per cent.”

The statement further stated that Pantami had directed the Nigerian Communications Commission and the National Information Technology Development Agency, as the regulators of Internet services, to ensure that quality of service improves nationwide. Pantami urged stakeholders to keep supporting his ministry in the implementation of the broadband plan for the overall benefit of the Nigerian economy.