For many countries in Africa, there is still a huge digital divide. This boundary between connected and unconnected translates into clear consequences for employment, education, family and social life, and access to information.
This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer of Tizeti (West Africa’s solar-based internet service provider), Kendall Ananyi, at the launch of its 4G LTE network in Oyo State on Tuesday.
According to him, the World Wide Web Foundation is ensuring fast internet in Africa to enable billions more to come online, and to take advantage of the life-changing socio-economic opportunities that access to the Internet provides.
He said, “Companies like Tizeti are playing a significant role in addressing the digital infrastructure deficits in Africa with innovative technology and capabilities, to improve development outcomes for millions of people.
“This launch will provide significant opportunities for cities in Oyo State, that have not had sufficient broadband infrastructure and will improve the state’s competitiveness with high-speed, and affordable broadband internet from Tizeti.
“Launching our 4G LTE internet offering in Oyo State is a strategic decision after we saw what the Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde is doing through the ICT & eGovernance ministry.
“Oyo State is a leading state in digital technology infrastructure development and digital technology human capital development, as evidenced by the state’s achievement in the area of ICT infrastructure development, harmonized fiber infrastructure policy, and proposed zero tariffs on Right of Way costs.
“The governor’s efforts at implementing reforms in investment promotion, prioritizing Information Communication Technology (ICT)-compliant digital skills for civil servants and students as well as individuals in rural clusters, persons living with disabilities, and other disadvantaged groups are signposts of the state’s agenda in enabling digital inclusion. When the efforts of the state are placed side-by-side with its large population of vibrant, young people, and its high number of higher institutions – a foundation for a robust and thriving digital ecosystem – it made sense to provide residents of Oyo State with our low-cost broadband service. This effort, we believe, will encourage employment, educational and economic opportunities in the state and help its government to quickly build digital leadership in Nigeria,” Ananyi said.
The company promised to expand to 10 new cities in Nigeria, building brand-new, solar-powered, 4G-capable towers in these cities and leveraging expansive fiber-networks built by some of its partners, including MainOne and Facebook, to bring millions of people online, and deliver the life-changing socio-economic opportunities that access to the Internet provides. Tizeti is currently available in Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Edo States.
“Tizeti was built to tackle poor internet connectivity not only in Nigeria but on the continent as a whole, by developing a cost-effective solution from inception to delivery, for reliable and uncapped internet access for potentially millions of Africans”, says Tizeti’s Chief Operating Officer, Ifeanyi Okonkwo.
The launch in Oyo State is a commitment to becoming the number one ISP in Africa. With this initial promo price of N2,222, this is the cheapest fixed internet package in Africa! This will go a long way in driving the adoption of broadband internet in Oyo State, with huge implications for online learning, eCommerce, and entertainment, especially interactive games, video, and music consumption. Interested users in Oyo State can pre-sign up at www.wifi.com.ng/oyo as installations will commence in Ibadan on April 1st, 2022.
