Expert tasks FG on improved rural Internet access

COVID-19: Expert wants FG to improve rural Internet access

Internet

By Philip Yatai
Kaduna, April 20, 2020 (NAN) Malam Yusuf Bashir, a Communication Technology Expert, has called for improved Internet access for rural communities in the country.

Bashir, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Kaduna ICT Hub (KAD ICT HUB), made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna Monday.

He said that improved nternet access for rural community dwellers had become more necessary with the outbreak of COVID-19.

According to him, rural dwellers will be given a sense of belonging in the emerging digital space if connected to internet services.

“It will enable rural dwellers to access information about business, education, health and others without travelling,” he said.

“Many business transactions, meetings and learning now occur online, virtual meetings significantly save costs on transportation and hotel accommodation,” he said.

Bashir said the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) had crucial roles to play in ensuring that rural areas enjoyed improved access and digital services.

The communication technology expert decried the low level of internet services in rural communities, saying, “nobody should be excluded from the gains available within the digital space”

“Many rural communities are without internet connectivity, it has been observed that connectivity is very slow in the few communities that have services.

“Apart from improving connectivity, access to internet data has remained very expensive and beyond the reach of most rural dwellers,” he said.

He urged the NCC to quickly partner telecom service providers to ensure short term internet services that would enable rural communities to cope with the realities of the moment. (NAN)
FDY/AZU/PDE
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(Edited by Azubuike Okeh/Peter Ejiofor)