The Nigerian communications services company, Main One
Cable Company has secured USD550,000 grant
from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to support a feasibility study on the
extension of a fibre optic network from Lagos to Port Harcourt.
The Chief Executive Officer of Main One,
Ms. Funke Opeke said the signing ceremony that the
grant will enable Main One to evaluate the technical and financial feasibility
of extending approximately 300 miles of undersea fiber optic cabling and
supporting infrastructure between two of Nigeria's most important commercial
centers.
Opeke informed DigitalSENSE Business News
that project will connect Port Harcourt which is the centre for oil and gas to
the existing Main One cable system, which spans approximately 4,500 miles and
provides capacity for international and internet connectivity, thereby bringing
down the costs of bandwidth for both businesses and consumers.
“We are appreciative to the USTDA for this important
grant towards furthering the development of broadband services and thus
economic development in the oil-producing Niger Delta region," she said.
The Regional Director for sub-Saharan Africa, Paul
Marin also said that the project serves as an example of Main One's commitment
to bring high-speed broadband access to Africa, adding that "We are proud
to be supporting Main One in their efforts to provide the infrastructure for
broad-based economic growth in Nigeria."
Highlight of the event was the signing of the grant by
U.S. Consul General Jeffrey Hawkins on behalf of USTDA and by Funke Opeke for
Main One at the residence of the Consul General.
AN/GEE
Pix:Chief Executive Officer of MainOne, Ms. Funke Opeke
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