L-R: Local Content Advocate, Nigerian Computer Society, Ahmad Tijani; Convener, WATISE, Isaiah Erhiawarien Head, Network and Solutions, ICSL, Tinuade Oguntuyi; and Representative of the Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Engr Victor Adoga, during the West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition in Lagos
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In the dynamic landscape of West African telecommunications, experts have unveiled a wave of groundbreaking innovations leveraging telecom infrastructure. With a keen eye on the future, they’ve highlighted pivotal strategies essential for nurturing the sustainability of this vital infrastructure, propelling the region towards a flourishing digital economy.
At the second edition of the West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE), hosted in the bustling city of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, industry pioneers convened under the theme “Shaping the future of the telecoms infrastructure industry: Trends and Insights for a Digital Economy.” Organized by the esteemed TechnologyMirror, an online beacon of telecoms news and information, the summit illuminated critical issues vital for the survival and evolution of the telecoms sector, with a spotlight on the dynamic Nigerian market.
Against the backdrop of innovation and progress, seasoned experts delved into the core of the industry’s challenges and opportunities. Through insightful discussions and thought-provoking analysis, the summit attendees navigated the intricate landscape of technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and consumer demands, charting a course towards sustainable growth and prosperity.
From the advent of 5G technology to the imperative of bridging the digital divide, each session resonated with a sense of urgency and optimism. Collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships emerged as linchpins for driving inclusive connectivity and fostering socioeconomic development across the region.
As the curtains drew close on WATISE, the echoes of dialogue and collaboration reverberated, leaving an indelible imprint on the telecoms landscape. Armed with newfound insights and renewed determination, stakeholders departed with a shared vision: to sculpt a future where innovation thrives, connectivity flourishes, and the digital economy empowers all.
In his keynote address at WATISE 2.0, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), illuminated a vision of Nigeria’s digital journey, highlighting both the vast opportunities and significant hurdles ahead. With a keen eye on the future, he emphasized that Nigeria’s stance in the global digital arena hinges on the strategic navigation of this transformative path. Dr. Maida’s words resonated with a sense of possibility and urgency, urging stakeholders to collectively shape Nigeria’s role in the evolving digital landscape.
During an exchange of ideas, Maida, eloquently voiced by Engr. Victor Adoga, the trailblazing Head of Next Generation Technology and Standards at the NCC, painted a vivid picture of the telecommunications infrastructure as the very sinew of the digital economy. With seamless connectivity at its core, it breathes life into a spectrum of services, from the humble voice call to the soaring realms of high-speed internet and cloud computing. As the backbone of our digital world, it bridges distances, connects minds, and paves the way for boundless innovation and progress.
In a world where the digital economy surges forward at lightning speed, one visionary speaks out, emphasizing the critical need for telecommunications infrastructure that is not only robust but also scalable and secure. Unveiling a landscape ripe with innovation, he illuminates several key trends set to carve the path for the future of telecom infrastructure.
In Maida’s vision, the unveiling of 5G networks emerges as a game-changer in the realm of telecom infrastructure. 5G holds the promise of turbocharged speeds, slashing latency, and expanding capacity, laying the groundwork for a brave new world of possibilities. Imagine a landscape where IoT devices seamlessly communicate, where autonomous vehicles navigate with unprecedented precision, where smart cities thrive with efficiency, and where augmented reality blurs the lines between the real and the virtual. This is the dawn of a digital revolution, where connectivity knows no bounds, and innovation reigns supreme
In the tapestry of regional telecoms infrastructure, a mosaic of emerging trends dances to shape its destiny. Among the threads woven into this intricate tapestry are the Internet of Things, a constellation of interconnected devices painting a digital skyline. Fiber Optic Expansion unfurls, a labyrinth of light guiding data’s journey. Data Localisation and Security stand sentinel, guardians of digital sovereignty amidst the vast expanse of cyberspace. Regulatory Frameworks sculpt the landscape, shaping the contours of connectivity. Cybersecurity, a silent sentinel, wards off unseen threats lurking in the digital shadows. And amidst it all, Energy Efficiency and Sustainability whisper promises of a greener tomorrow, where bytes and beams coexist harmoniously with the planet.
In urging telecom operators to stay competitive, he emphasized the necessity of strategic initiatives. He stressed the importance of collaboration, highlighting the power of partnerships among government, industry, and academia to foster innovation and propel development.
In a visionary address, he painted a tapestry of progress, weaving together strands of innovation, investment, and sustainability. With a keen eye on the future, he championed novel financing approaches, nurturing human potential, and harnessing the power of AI and machine learning. But his vision extended beyond mere technological advancement; he emphasized the vital importance of cultivating rural connectivity and embedding digital literacy into the very fabric of education. It was a call to build not just infrastructure, but bridges to a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
In the trend of technological advancement, Mr. Chidi Ajuzie, the visionary CEO of WTES Projects Limited, added his voice, beaming in virtually from the vibrant landscapes of Ethiopia. With the eloquence of a maestro, he painted a picture of connectivity: a tapestry woven by submarine cables, bridging Nigeria to the heartbeats of Europe and the far reaches of the globe.
In his narrative, he paints a picture of a sprawling landscape devoid of a centralized national transmission backbone. Instead, licensed Operators have forged their own paths, weaving intricate transmission networks tailored to their individual whims and necessities. Yet, amidst this labyrinth of connectivity, a curious phenomenon emerges – a tapestry of duplicity, with routes crisscrossing in an elaborate dance of redundancy
In a groundbreaking revelation, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) has unveiled the results of an extensive study aimed at pinpointing the gaps in basic telephony and ICT services across the nation. Through meticulous analysis, they’ve identified 97 clusters spanning diverse population densities, totaling a staggering 27.91 million individuals, all grappling with significant connectivity shortcomings.
But that’s not all. The digital broadband gap looms even larger, enveloping over 100 million people in its shadow. However, this revelation isn’t a harbinger of despair; it’s a clarion call for action. Armed with this knowledge, stakeholders can now embark on a journey to bridge these chasms and usher in an era of equitable access to telecommunications and digital opportunities for all citizens.
The findings serve as a roadmap, guiding policymakers, telecommunications companies, and community leaders in crafting targeted interventions to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age. By harnessing innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to inclusivity, we can transform these challenges into opportunities and build a more connected, empowered society for generations to come.
In unlocking the vast potential of broadband, Ajuzie emphasized the imperative of addressing the discernible divides within the urban middle- and last-mile stretches of the connectivity spectrum. A fresh wave of connectivity innovations emerges as the solution, poised to span these gaps and fulfill the ambitious aspirations set forth by the National Broadband objectives
In a cozy fireside dialogue centered on “Empowering Rural Connectivity: Innovating Telecom Infrastructure,” Tinuade Oguntuyi, the luminary Head of Network and Solutions at Information and Communications Services Limited (ICSL), passionately advocated for the transformation of rural landscapes through enhanced network services. With fervor in her voice, she championed the imperative of robust communication networks as catalysts for holistic development in remote communities. In her vision, every hamlet and village would pulsate with the lifeblood of connectivity, fostering economic growth, educational opportunities, and social cohesion. Oguntuyi’s words ignited a spark of hope, illuminating a path toward a future where every corner of the countryside thrives in the digital age.
Oguntuyi passionately advocated for government support to extend network services into rural areas, recognizing their untapped potential for national growth. With a flicker of hope in his eyes, he painted a vivid picture of connectivity bridging the gap between urban centers and the remote countryside, fostering innovation and prosperity in every corner of the nation.
Similarly, Ahmad Tijani, a passionate advocate for local ICT initiatives, lauded the Federal Government’s efforts in bridging the digital gap for rural communities. He emphasized the crucial importance of actively engaging local government leaders in these endeavors, recognizing their invaluable role in ensuring the success and sustainability of such projects.
Tijani, who represented Dr. Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo, National Secretary of ICTLOCA, eloquently addressed the pressing issue of data gathering. He emphasized the crucial role of local governments in tackling this challenge, urging grassroots involvement to drive national growth through value addition
In conclusion however, Isaiah Erhiawarien, the mastermind behind WATISE, hailed the dawn of the event’s second chapter as a pivotal stride towards fortifying the telecommunications landscape of the region. With gratitude overflowing, he extended heartfelt appreciation to the stalwart supporters of the venture: the Nigerian Communications Commission, Open Access Data Nigeria Limited, Digital Realty, ICSL, HyperSpace Limited, and OneData Limited. Their unwavering belief in the organizers’ vision breathed life into the dream, igniting a beacon of innovation and connectivity for generations to come.
