Nigeria National broadband penetration has increased by 10% in the last one year, from 33.3% to 43.3%.
This was revealed by the Honourable Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, via a tweet, as seen by Nairametrics.
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For 19 years, only 33% of broadband penetration was achieved in Nigeria. Within a year in office, we increased it by 10%. As at today, the penetration stands at 43.3%. The National Broadband Plan aims to provide broadband for 90% of Nigerians over the next 5 years. @DrIsaPantami pic.twitter.com/YIkATWTs61
— Fed. Min. of Comms, Innovation & Digital Economy (@FMCIDENigeria) November 9, 2020
Dr. Pantami stated that for 19 years, only 33% of broadband penetration was achieved in Nigeria. However, within a year in office, he has been able to increase the figure by 10%.
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Why this matter
The recent announcement is in line with the National Broadband goal aimed at providing broadband penetration for about 90% of Nigerians over the next 5 years. In lieu of this, the recent development is a welcome news given that the country is only 46.7% shy of the target. All things being equal, if the current tempo is sustained, the goal looks achievable.
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What they are saying
Commenting on the recent development, Dr. Isa said: ‘’For 19 years, only 33% of broadband penetration was achieved in Nigeria. Within a year in office, we increased it by 10%. As at today, the penetration stands at 43.3%. The National Broadband Plan aims to provide broadband for 90% of Nigerians over the next 5 years.’’
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What you should know
The new National Broadband Plan is designed to deliver data download speeds across Nigeria – a minimum 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90% of the population by 2025 – at a price not more than N390 per 1GB of data i.e. 2% of median income or 1% of minimum wage.
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In order to achieve these ambitious targets, the plan is focused on recommendations in 4 critical pillars, namely Infrastructure, Policy, Demand Drivers, and Funding & Incentives
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