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Broadbased Communications Set to Boost ICT Infrastructure Sharing(AllAfrica Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) In line with the strategy of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to drive critical infrastructure sharing among telecoms operators through the Open Access model it adopted, Broadbased Communications Limited has said its services would complement NCC's efforts in achieving the next generation fibre optics broadband network for the country. The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, had said two licenses would be issued for the Open Access Fiber Optic Network that would be provided by Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos), to cover Lagos State and the North Central Zone, allowing for the deployment of metropolitan fibre-optic infrastructure and associated transmission equipment on an open access, non-discriminatory and price-regulated basis. Broadbased Communications Limited, a Lagos based metropolitan fibre optic network operator seems to have predicted the direction that the NCC will eventually take in driving metropolitan network connectivity across the country, and has gone ahead to install its metropolitan fibre network connectivity across the length and breath of Lagos. The company says it is ready to collaborate with the NCC in providing broadband connectivity access to corporate organisations, to further increase broadband access in the country, in line with NCC's vision. The services of Broadbased Communications are expected to help address the challenges of fibre deployment in towns and cities, promote infrastructure sharing and reduce right of way issues. The company recently organised an industry luncheon in Lagos, to showcase its services. Present at the luncheon were top executives of the NCC, representatives of the major telecom operators, major banks and industry players. At the luncheon, the Chief Executive Officer of Broadbased Communications, Prince Henry Ise-Okojie, outlined, the history, strategy and growth of the company. In his presentation, he explained that the company's strategy was completely aligned with the NCC strategy to take fibre optics infrastructure to the last mile. He further noted that all 20 banks in Nigeria presently are either directly or indirectly utilizing the company's infrastructure. The company has been utilizing a fibre optics open access non-compete strategy since its formation five years ago. It was further noted that the company would clearly play a key role in the initial rollout of the Infraco strategy. In the NCC's Infraco strategy, they already anticipated having companies like Broadbased Communications who have existing fibre optic network infrastructure that can be leveraged by the Infraco to carry traffic to the last mile. The Chief Marketing Officer of Broadbased Communications, Mr. Chidi Ibisi, said the company remained a an open access fibre optic network infrastructure provider and does not compete against its clients by aspiring to provide last mile services to consumers of services. He explained that the company rather provides the infrastructure that makes it possible to reach the last mile. As the need for broadband connectivity expands, Broadbased Communications will be a major enabler to telecom operators and other industry players that are interested in providing services to the last mile, Ibisi said. According to Ise-Okojie, "In the next twelve to eighteen months we will continue to expand our reach and hopefully add 1500 to 2000 kilometers to our existing infrastructure. Again this is to make our platform available to all existing telecom operators and new players including InfraCos seeking to lease fibre optic links from an open access, non compete metropolitan fibre optic network operator". Hanging made extensive presentations to NCC, the telecom operators and some banks, Broadbased Communications, believes the company is one of the most strategically positioned companies in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry and clearly a company to watch. Copyright This Day. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). |