The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Google Global Services Nigeria have agreed to partner towards advancing broadband access in Nigeria.
The two organisations made the commitment when a delegation from Google Nigeria paid a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja recently.
The meeting was intended to deliberate on viable collaborative interventions to improve digital transformation across Nigeria and the African continent.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, while receiving the Google delegation stated that the Commission’s projections, initiatives, and vision towards increasing broadband penetration, quality of service, advancement of a digital economy and commitment to improving national security through technological advancement are at the front burner of its regulatory interventions.
Danbatta, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS), NCC, Engr. Ubale Maska, said the Commission looked forward to making the initiatives of both parties more impactful by enhancing cooperation between the NCC and Google Nigeria for quantifiable and remarkable impact.
Director, Google West Africa, Juliet Ehimuan, who led the delegation to NCC, commended the NCC for its consultative approach in formulating regulatory policies, as engine room for optimal delivery of telecommunications services that will in turn impact the digital economy drive of the government.
The Equiano cable system is the third private international cable owned by Google and the 14th subsea cable invested by Google. Equiano connects Portugal and South Africa, running along the West Coast of Africa, with branching units along the way that can be used to extend connectivity to more African countries. The first branch is expected to reach Nigeria in two weeks.