By Adedapo Adesanya
West Africa’s pioneer solar-based internet service provider, Tizeti, is rolling out its 4G LTE network in Edo State.
This is coming as part of its commitment to ensuring access to affordable broadband connectivity and its monthly fixed broadband costs have been pegged at N4,000.
With this move, millions of people in Edo State previously outside the broadband envelope can now take advantage of high-speed broadband internet from Tizeti.
Announcing the rollout of its new low-cost unlimited 4G services in Edo, the Chief Executive Officer of Tizeti, Mr Kendall Ananyi, said that this 4G broadband internet will empower more Nigerians in the state, stimulate economic activities and provide unlimited access to affordable and reliable broadband services as well as complement the Edo State Government’s efforts in driving investment promotion and building a robust technology ecosystem in the state.
“Rolling out 4G LTE broadband internet in Edo at the cheapest fixed broadband prices in Nigeria, and possibly Africa is a strategic decision for us.
“We have been building brand-new, solar-powered, 4G-capable towers in Edo, starting with Benin City, which leverages Edo State’s expansive fibre-network built by some of our partners, MainOne and Facebook.
“Edo State has a large population of vibrant, young people and a high number of higher institutions, which provides a foundation for a robust and thriving ecosystem to enable digital leadership.
“And the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, is implementing reforms in investment promotion and determination to build a robust technology ecosystem in the state, with an agenda that prioritizes Information Communication Technology (ICT)-compliant pedagogy in primary schools, improves digital skills for students and graduates and revamps technical education to increase productivity.
“This has created a perfect environment for us to roll out our low-cost broadband service, starting in Edo State, but with plans to expand across the country over the next few months,” Mr Ananyi said.
Corroborating Mr Ananyi’s claims, Tizeti’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr Ifeanyi Okonkwo, stated that, “The launch in Edo State is personal to us as founders of Tizeti because we are alumni of the University of Benin.
“At N4,000 monthly costs with a one-off installation cost of N4,000, we believe the plan is affordable, especially to undergraduate students.
“This provides a huge opportunity for people in Edo to benefit from unlimited broadband internet for use in online learning, eCommerce and entertainment, especially interactive games, video consumption, and music”.
The company announced that installations are expected to commence in Benin City on April 1, 2021.
For many countries in Africa, there is still a huge digital divide. This boundary between connected and unconnected translates into clear consequences for employment, education, family and social life, and access to information.
According to the World Wide Web Foundation, ensuring fast internet in Africa will enable billions more to come online, and to take advantage of the life-changing socio-economic opportunities that access to the Internet provides.
Companies like Tizeti are playing a significant role in addressing the digital infrastructure deficits in Africa with innovative technology and capabilities, to improve development outcomes for millions of people.
Tizeti currently has 1.7 million unique users, with broadband services which include a new Skype-like personal and business enterprise communications service — WiFiCall.ng, and access to video streaming sites and services.
Aduragbemi Omiyale