The Forum, is another initiative of the Nigerian Communications Commission to engage state level stakeholders as regards the facilitation and provision of broadband penetration in Nigeria and also discuss the many challenges impeding the deployment of telecoms infrastructure such as Right of Way, Multiple Taxation and Multiple Regulation and delays in obtaining site acquisition permits.
While delivering the opening remark, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, represented by Engr. Bako Wakil, Head, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, stated that Broadband deployment is a key enabler of economic development, employment as well as public services.
He stressed that, "The National Broadband Policy (NBP-2013-2018) is a strategic Broadband map with a mandate to NCC, which is to drive the deployment of broadband infrastructure. To achieve this mandate the NCC developed Licensing Framework and instituted a subsidy scheme to enable Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) to roll out fibre optics in the Six Geo-political Zones of the country and Lagos which is regarded as a Zone due to its high level telecom activities".
Tony Ikemefuna, Head, Fixed Network and Converged services while delivering his paper stated that "the emergence of technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain Technology, Cloud computing, 5G network would enable effective resources utilization, reduce human effort, lower costs and increase productivity as well as enhance smart living".
The following presentations were made at the workshop to prepare ground for discourse:
Aggressive Broadband Strategy for National Development by Engineer Bako Wakil, Head, Technical Services and Network Integrity, NCC.
Introduction to Broadband and Emerging Trends in ICT powered by Broadband, a paper delivered by Engineer Tony Ikemefuna, Head Fixed Network and Converged Services, NCC.
Broadband in Nigeria: Transforming Nigeria's Digital Landscape, delivered by Ife Alakija, Mainone (Infraco Nigeria Ltd)
The workshop was well attended by representatives of InfraCos, Network Operators, Vendors, state ministries and other stakeholders who were given the opportunity to ask questions during the question and answer session.