Universal internet acess
- 1. Universal Internet Access THE NIGERIAN BROADBAND PLAN FUNMI WILLOUGHBY
- 2. Universal Internet Access It has been estimated that about four billion people still lack internet access. By end 2016, 3.9 billion people - 53% of the world's population – is not using the Internet. While almost 75% of people in Africa are non-users, only 21% of Europeans are offline.1 It states further that “Data show that in 2016, over two thirds of the population lives within an area covered by a mobile broadband network and that ICT services continue to become more affordable. Despite these unprecedented opportunities, more than half of all people are not yet using the Internet and large differences in terms of broadband speeds and quality exist.” Internet connectivity is critical for sustainable development. “A world where every citizen is connected to the internet needs to happen. In today's digital economy, connectivity is crucial for equality and sustainable development. The positive news is the world is off to a good start in its commitment to broadband. Mobile broadband is now the fastest-growing technology in human history and recognized as a key driver of growth and an important catalyst. 2 1 .ICT facts and Figures http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/facts/ICTFactsFigures2016.pdf 2. Universal access to internet can be new path to growth http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/3rdWuzhenWorldInternetConference/2016-11/18/content_27415840.htm
- 3. Barriers to universal internet access In the GSMA Capacity Building Course on the Principles of Internet Governance, the following barriers were identified, these include: Inadequate network coverage Affordability of basic internet connection or devices by low income people High cost of international connectivity Lack of expert by the Government to set up and monitor capacity building activities Lack of internet experts
- 4. How can this digital divide be bridged? It has been suggested that “With the right ICT, and policies that support innovation and fair competition, countries can help connect the world’s unconnected populations and narrow the digital divide.”3 The Author further suggested that: Broadband should be regarded as critical national infrastructure that supports economic growth and raises living standards. Public-Private Partnerships is an effective way to create the infrastructure Infrastructure should be shared with power company and other utilities Radio spectrum should be allocated in a way that increases supply while reducing cost. The development of application software Technology providers must design inexpensive yet advanced smartphones suited to the needs of developing markets. He concludes that “Connecting the unconnected is a problem with no single solution. As such, it requires governments, operators, equipment vendors, and app developers to work together. The top priority is to build digital infrastructure, which serves as the basis for nearly all innovation in the digital realm.” 3.How can we achieve universal internet access? https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/09/how-can-we-achieve-universal-internet-access/
- 5. How can this digital divide be bridged? The following strategies were proposed for Governments in the GSMA Capacity Building Course on the Principles of Internet Governance: Network Coverage: the promotion of network competition, provision of spectrum including digital dividend, lower taxes, passive infrastructure sharing, PPPs and neutral subsidies Service and device affordability: Lower taxes especially for telecom specific services and devices, foster network competition, allow tariffs aimed at low usage customers International connection costs: Promotion of national/regional IXPs, ease landing of submarine cables, the opening of international traffic to competition, remove obstacles to regional backbones.
- 6. The Nigerian Broadband Plan Nigeria has attempted to bridge the digital divide by development of the Nigerian Broadband Plan (NBP). On September 20, 2012, former President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated the presidential committee on the national broadband strategy and roadmap. From inception, the committee was mandated to come up with a five-year strategic roadmap for Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (2013-2018). As stated in the NBP, “the Federal Government of Nigeria recognizes the immense socio-economic importance of broadband services to national development and therefore seeks to ensure that the infrastructure necessary to provide ubiquitous broadband services is available and accessible to all citizens at affordable rates. The transformative benefits of having broadband available to all are clear and include improved learning, increased job creation, better community and civic engagement, improved trade and commerce, and a positive impact on GDP.”4 The NBP is a very robust document which was developed to promote pervasive broadband deployment, increase broadband adoption and usage, and ensure availability of broadband services at affordable rates. These are aimed at maximizing the socio-political and economic benefits of broadband to the people. It was also targeted at achieving a fivefold increase in internet and broadband penetration. It specifies the roles of the different players and identifies the various challenges faced by operators in rolling out infrastructure. 4. The Nigerian Broadband Plan Page 12 http://www.commtech.gov.ng/Doc/The%20Nigerian%20National%20Broadband%20Plan%202013_19May2013%20FINAL.pdf
- 7. The Nigerian Broadband Plan: challenges with implementation Although the broadband plan, as submitted by the committee was rich in content with achievable targets, its penetration level was largely hindered by the weak implementation process that characterized the broadband plan. For instance, the target was to increase broadband penetration in Nigeria from six per cent in 2013, to 30 per cent in 2018; but as at January 2015, the country was able to achieve only 10 per cent broadband penetration, a situation that heightened the fears of industry stakeholders to conclude that Nigeria was not likely going to achieve the projected 30 per cent broadband penetration as captured in the National Broadband Plan.5 Unsatisfied with the implementation process of the NBP, which has a five year longevity period, the federal government has said it will review the plan by the end of 2018, when its longevity period will elapse.6 Hopefully, when the NBP is reviewed in 2018, it would be implemented speedily and provide the much needed socio-economic development. 5. Entrenching Broadband Policy in Nigerian Telecoms Sector https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/04/14/entrenching-broadband-policy-in-nigerian-telecoms-sector/ 6. FG to Review National Broadband Plan in 2018 https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2017/05/11/fg-to-review-national-broadband-plan-in-2018/