Broadbased Communications, a Lagos based metropolitan fiber optic network Operator, has applauded the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC’s) strategy on Open Access Fiber Optic infrastructure, tipping it as the way to go.
The telecommunications sector has so far attracted over N6.4 trillion ($40 billion) in invest-ments, 13 years after its liberalisation, according to the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE). In spite of the tremendous scale and size of this industry, broadband penetration remains low at 6.8 percent. With 10 terabits of bandwidth emanating from submarine cable infrastructures, the country’s internet access market is still characterised by the slow and exasperating access to the cyberspace. Telecoms operators have not been able to move available international bandwidth capacity from the shores to the hinterland due to under-developed, and limited terrestrial fibre capacity.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) strongly believes that the Open Access shared Fiber Optic Network infrastructure, is the right way to go. According to Eugene Juwah, executive vice chairman of the NCC, Open Access Fiber Optic Network Infrastructure (InfraCos) will cover Lagos State and the North Central Zone, allowing for the deployment of metropolitan fibre-optic infrastructure and associated transmission equipment on an open access, non-discriminatory and price-regulated basis. As outlined by the regulator’s ‘Open Access Next Generation Fibre Optics Broadband Network’ paper, which was published late last year, the InfraCos will be responsible for providing a national broadband network to service providers.
NCC added that the Open Access Model for fibre-optic network deployment is best suited to bridge the digital divide, facilitate the development of local content, and deliver fast and reliable broadband services to households and businesses.
It is expected to help address the challenges of fibre deployment in towns and cities, promote infrastructure sharing and reduce right of way issues.
Broadbased Communications Limited at a luncheon recently, hosting top executives of the NCC, representatives of the major Telecom Operators, Major banks and industry players, commended NCC’s efforts to address the infrastructure deficits in the nation’s telecom industry through the InfraCo model. Speaking at the luncheon, Prince Henry Ise-Okojie, managing director and chief executive officer, Broadbased Communications, outlined, the history, strategy and growth of the company.
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It was obvious in his presentation that the company’s strategy is completely aligned with the NCC strategy to take fiber optics infrastructure to the last mile. Ise-Okojie noted that all 20 banks in Nigeria presently are either directly or indirectly utilizing the company’s infrastructure. He said that the company has been utilizing a fibre optics open access non-compete strategy since its formation 5 years ago.
The MD/CEO said that the company will clearly play a key role in the initial rollout of the Infraco strategy. In the NCC’s Infraco strategy, Broadbased already anticipated having companies like Broadbased Communications Ltd who have existing Fiber Optic Network infrastructure that can be leveraged by the Infraco to carry traffic to the last mile.
Also speaking, Chidi Ibisi, chief marketing officer (CMO) of the Company noted that the company is a pure play Open Access Fiber Optic Network infrastructure company and does not compete against its clients by aspiring to provide last mile services to consumers of services, rather, Broadbased Communications provides the infrastructure that makes it possible to reach the last mile.
“As the need for broadband connectivity expands, Broadbased Communications will be a major enabler to Telecom Operators and other industry players that are interested in providing services to the last mile.
“During the informal interactive session, the NCC Representatives communicated their excitement about the progress made thus far by Broadbased Communications, the speed with which we have deployed over 500 kM of fiber in Lagos and the methodology utilized which uses the horizontal directional drilling technology to prevent damage and disruption to city infrastructure. They expressed a strong desire to stimulate the industry to support other companies like Broadbased Communications Ltd who are interested in providing shared infrastructural services to the telecommunications industry,” the CMO said.
According to the MD/CEO of Broadbased Communications Limited, “In the next twelve to eighteen months we will continue to expand our reach and hopefully add 1500 to 2000 kilometers to our existing infrastructure. Again this is to make our platform available to all existing Telecom Operators and new players including InfraCos seeking to lease Fiber Optic links from an Open Access, Non Compete Metropolitan Fiber Optic Network Operator”.
Ben Uzor
