Google and Backbone Connectivity Network (BCN) have launched three free high-speed and public Wi-Fi hotspots in Abuja.
The partnership, aimed at accelerating increase broadband access in Nigeria, would enable members of the public in the areas to surf the internet freely.
The areas include Wuse Market, Enab Plaza, and Banex Plaza – all located within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The launch was part of Google’s goal to rollout free internet service in Northern Nigeria.
Speaking on the launch, the CEO of BCN, Mr. Ibrahim Dikko, said the BCN is working with Google to activate more sites in Abuja and Northern Nigeria next year.
He recalled how excited some wheelbarrow pushers in Wuse market were when they learnt about the free Wi-Fi availability in the nation’s capital.
He added that the BCN, through Fleek Networks Limited, who’s the North West Infraco licensee, plans to build approximately 10,000 km broadband fibre optic network in 2019 to link about 200 Points of Access across all local government areas in the 7 North-western states.
He said the states are Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara, adding that they would be integrated with BCN’s Tier III Data and Co-location Centre in Kaduna.
“This is in furtherance of the National Broadband Plan to increase broadband access in Nigeria from its present 22 percent to over 30 percent by the end of 2018.
“We strive to bridge access gaps by providing the requisite infrastructure, one that can yield the quality of service the customer desires and one that enhances digital inclusion,” Dikko said.
It would be recalled that BCN currently owns and operates a network of over 2,000 km of fibre optic broadband cable with the largest broadband fibre infrastructure in Abuja serving telecommunication operator’s (Telcos), Network Broadband Carriers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), business enterprises and retail households.
Recently, the firm was also selected by the Kaduna State Government to build fibre metropolitan broadband communications networks in the three key economic zones of Kaduna, Zaria and Kafanchan respectively including Northern Nigeria’s first Tier III Data and Co-location Centre in Kaduna town.
Dignitaries at the event include representatives of key government agencies such as Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), National Immigration Service (NIS), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Transport and the US Embassy.
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