Open Access National Broadband Networks (NBN) – Strategic Planning for Infrastructure and Services Deployment

Nigeria, like many other countries, is grappling with the challenge of bridging the digital divide and providing affordable, high-speed internet access to its citizens. One potential solution is the implementation of an Open Access National Broadband Network (NBN).

The Nigerian government has recognized the importance of broadband infrastructure in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for its citizens. In 2013, the National Broadband Plan was launched, with the goal of providing broadband access to at least 30% of the population by 2018.

To achieve this goal, the government established the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to regulate the telecommunications sector and promote investment in broadband infrastructure. In 2015, the NCC awarded licenses to several companies to provide broadband services in the country, with the goal of increasing competition and driving down costs.

Despite these efforts, Nigeria still lags behind many other countries in terms of broadband penetration. As of 2021, only 43.9% of the population has access to the internet, with the majority of these connections being slow and unreliable.

One potential solution is the implementation of an Open Access NBN. This network would be owned and operated by the government or a public-private partnership and would provide a neutral platform for ISPs to offer high-speed internet services to end-users.

The benefits of an Open Access NBN in Nigeria would be significant. It would provide affordable, high-speed internet access to previously underserved communities, driving economic growth and improving social inclusion. It would also provide a platform for innovation, allowing Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs to compete on a global scale.

However, there are significant challenges to implementing an Open Access NBN in Nigeria. These include funding and financing, regulatory frameworks, and competition from existing ISPs. Additionally, the country’s poor infrastructure and security challenges may make it difficult to deploy and maintain a nationwide network.

Despite these challenges, the Nigerian government has taken steps to promote the development of broadband infrastructure. In 2020, the government launched the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, which aims to promote digital literacy, increase broadband penetration, and develop a digital economy that is inclusive and sustainable.

Although Telecommunication in Nigeria have grown rapidly in last two decades, thanks to the hard work of NCC and courageous investor willing to take the risk, the time is now ripe to move to the next level, one which will involve structural development that will stimulate a optimally controlled market competitiveness.

Despite the growth in the telecoms sector in the last 2 decade, there are still so much Investment opportunities within this sector. From installation of fibre optics for backhaul to improving QoS for development of 5g technology in preparedness for next level of application development.

Open Access NBN has the potential to transform the digital landscape in Nigeria, providing affordable, high-speed internet access to all citizens. While there are significant challenges to implementing such a network, the government’s commitment to promoting broadband infrastructure and the development of a digital economy is a positive step in the right direction.

It was a great privilege to host this great team from Nigerian Communications Commission to discuss strategic planning for infrastructure and service deployment for open access broadband in Nigeria. Technology changes rapidly, reason we must strive to keep up with our CPD in order to take advantage of these changes and even lead this changes for better economic productivity. Kudos to NCC.