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In a bid to enhance connectivity across the nation, particularly in rural regions, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) has announced plans to establish an additional 1000 base transceiver stations (BTS) in underserved communities.
The USPF aims to complete this deployment by 2030, working alongside development partners.
During a briefing in Lagos, USPF Secretary Yomi Arowosafe highlighted that to avoid any delays, there will be awareness programs conducted at both local and state government levels, at least quarterly.
To ensure wider rural populations gain access to connectivity, Arowosafe mentioned that USPF will seek partnerships and collaborations with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to facilitate the provision of affordable mobile devices for users in unserved and underserved areas.
This initiative of 1000 additional BTS is separate from the recently announced government plan for 7000 BTS. A report from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed significant telecom infrastructure advancements made by mobile network operators (MNOs) in 2022, encompassing 34,862 towers, 127,294 BTS, 289,270.48 kilometers of microwave links, 125 gateways, and 96,198 kilometers of fiber optics deployment.
Additionally, Arowosafe noted that Nigeria has reduced its connectivity gap by 57.97% from 2013 to 2024, with the number of unconnected clusters decreasing from 207 to 87, which has positively impacted 13.8 million individuals. Data from USPF indicated that in 2013, 36.8 million people lived in unserved and underserved areas, a number that has since decreased to 23 million. Arowosafe underscored the importance of continuing efforts to close this gap, emphasizing the necessity of universal connectivity.
At a telecoms forum organized by USPF, Arowosafe commended the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO) for their collaboration with the Nigerian government in enhancing rural connectivity for economic progress.
Arowosafe stated that this engagement reflects the shared vision and commitment of USPF to promote inclusive connectivity and highlighted that the involvement of various stakeholders at the event showcased the essential role of collaboration in fulfilling these objectives.
He mentioned that the theme of the workshop, ‘Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth’, illustrated the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide in line with NCC’s strategic priorities and the Ministry’s Blueprint and Presidential Priority Areas.
“By working together, we possess the ability to formulate sustainable and inclusive strategies to ensure no community is overlooked. This achievement necessitates robust partnerships among government entities, the private sector, NGOs, development partners, and community leaders. Through shared insights and resources, we can develop customized solutions that tackle both short-term and long-term connectivity obstacles,” he asserted.
In another related matter, over two billion people currently lack internet access, and an investment of approximately $400 billion is needed to achieve universal broadband access by 2030, according to the World Bank, which called for strategic collaboration between public and private sectors, emphasizing that the financial burden cannot be borne by either side alone.
In a blog post shared on its official X account, the World Bank pointed out the growing digital divide, noting that 2.6 billion individuals were still offline in 2023. The global institution remarked that while digitalisation is transforming industries and societies, low-income nations like Nigeria may risk falling further behind unless immediate action is taken to improve internet infrastructure.
The World Bank also highlighted the role of its Digital Transformation team, which collaborates with governments in developing countries to bolster digital economies and governance.
The organization stated: “To achieve universal broadband access, over $400 billion will be required by 2030, and neither the public nor private sector can independently accomplish this. Bold reforms are necessary from governments, while the private sector can help reduce costs, mitigate risks, and enhance efficiency and innovation.”
Moreover, the financial institution emphasized that in addition to infrastructure, digital skills development, data protection, and cybersecurity are essential for securing an inclusive and safe digital future. It called for strong public-private partnerships to expedite internet adoption and generate opportunities for businesses and individuals in developing economies.
The World Bank’s appeal for increased investment comes as artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies transform global markets, raising concerns that millions without internet access or digital skills could be marginalized.
The organization underlined that enhancing digital inclusion not only requires expanding broadband networks but also making internet access both affordable and reliable.
As the worldwide demand for connectivity continues to escalate, the World Bank cautioned that inaction could exacerbate inequality, inhibiting economic prospects for countless individuals.
The organization urged policymakers and investors to focus on creating an enabling environment and policy frameworks that will facilitate universal broadband access in the coming years.
