MTN Hinges Internet Penetration on LTE-Smartphone Technology

THE massive roll-out of LTE broadband technology, coupled with the increased rollout of smartphones at affordable rates in Nigeria, would further drive broadband penetration in the country, beginning from 2017.

Senior Manager, Transmission Access Planning Network Group at MTN, Mr. Olusegun Salami, who disclosed that at the quarterly industry agenda setting seminar organised by the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association, NITRA, disclosed that the actual journey of broadband penetration started in 2007, with the launch of the third generation technology called the 3G, which he said, put an end to the narrow band service being provided through the 2G networks.

In a paper presentation titled: ‘Foreign Direct Investment-An Impetus To Achieving Ubiquitous Broadband Penetration,’ he said Nigerians were beginning to see significant improvement in broadband penetration, but explained that by 2017, when more service providers must have launched their LTE services the broadband landscape would change.

According to him, Nigerians would experience faster browsing speed and navigation, while on the internet stressing that smartphone, which would help drive the use of broadband internet, must come cheap.

“It is for this reason that MTN decided to come with low pricing smartphone that will enhance increased use of the internet, through mobile devices,” Salami said.

He disclosed that fibre system remains the best way to achieve broadband penetration in an economy with population like Nigeria, adding that MTN is appreciative of Government efforts in employing policies to further open up the economy in a manner that the economy will be able to attract more FDI noting that further devaluation of Naira will attract FDI.

Salami lauded Government for moving in the direction of increasing its investment in the development of the nation’s infrastructure particularly in the areas of electricity power supply, roads, telecommunication saying that such would reduce the cost of doing business thereby wooing more FDI.

He called on the Government to encourage production activity via production incentives and/or subsidies in order to increase the nation’s GDP.

Chairman of the event and Group Chairman, Teledom Group, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem kicked against the devaluation of the naira in order to encourage FDIs noting that it place indigenous investors at disadvantage.