The Galaxy Backbone (GBB) and Interra Networks have officially launched an Internet service provider, codenamed STORM.ng, for the benefit of the South East and South South regions of the country.
The project, under phase I of the National Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure (NICTIB), was launched on Tuesday in Enugu State.
The project was initiated by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami.
The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) recalled that Galaxy Backbone had deployed optical fiber in 17 major cities of the federation as part of the first phase of the NICTIB.
The GBB and Interra networks, via STORM, would cover Enugu, Ebonyi, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Awka, Onitsha and Asaba as part of its national fiber deployment program.
In his opening remarks, Pantami said he was delighted with the unveiling of STORM as a GBB-powered fiber connectivity and digital services platform, which aligned with the vision of the current administration.
The minister, who joined virtually, explained that STORM would open up massive opportunities for businesses, small businesses and homes looking to improve the quality of internet services in these regions.
“I would like to congratulate Galaxy Backbone and its project partners for achieving this great achievement, which will provide fast and efficient delivery of internet and hosting services for the South East and South South regions.
“Since 2019, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has championed the country’s digital transformation agenda with the aim of positioning it as one of the world’s leading digital economies.
“To achieve this goal, we have developed the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) (2020-2030) with the clear vision of ‘transforming Nigeria into a leading digital economy offering quality life and digital economies for all ”.
He said the mission was to “build a nation where digital innovation and entrepreneurship are used to create value and prosperity for all”.
However, he recalled that the STORM initiative was in line with the National Digital Economy Policy for a Digital Nigeria (2020-2030).
Pantami added that STORM was an important step in supporting the federal government’s efforts to accelerate broadband penetration in cities and underserved communities across the country.
He expressed optimism about expanding and strengthening the development of digital services as Nigeria has enormous potential.
He congratulated the GBB and Interra Network teams for setting up the launch and urged them to work together to ensure the expansion of wealth and prosperity in the country.
“In particular, it supports the implementation of Pillar 3 (the Solid Infrastructure Pillar). It is also in line with the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020-2025).
“Broadband connectivity plays a major role in the economic fortunes of countries around the world.
“A 10% increase in broadband penetration can lead to gross domestic product growth in the range of 0.6% to 2.8%.
“In addition, the use of broadband technology goes beyond facilitating socialization.
“On the contrary, it supports key sectors of the economy, such as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“These businesses are a vital part of the Nigerian economy and broadband access allows them to expand their services beyond their physical locations through the use of e-commerce platforms.
“It will support the government’s efforts to achieve the NNBP target, which aims to achieve 90% broadband penetration by 2025.
“Through platforms like STORM, we are expanding the provision of internet services beyond major cities across the country, deepening broadband penetration across the country to overcome the existing digital divide,” he said. declared.
Earlier, GBB chief executive Professor Mohammed Abubakar said the plan to launch the project in 2020 was aborted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abubakar, who also joined virtually, expressed optimism about the official launch of STORM, GBB and Interra Networks were ready to offer broadband services to organizations and homes in the South East and South South.
He informed that STORM would fill the significant market gaps in terms of reliable internet service.
According to him, change is the only constant thing in life and as people living in a rapidly changing digital world I’m sure you all know how important it is to make sure we embrace change,
“So that we are not left behind at the speed of the luminous transformations that are taking place all around us.
“We are convinced that by providing fast and reliable internet services in urban and rural communities, more job opportunities will emerge and we can lift more people out of poverty.
“History has shown that in every major pandemic, one or two sectors begin to flourish and lead to the transformation of the lives of entire communities and even the world.
“In this case, digital technology has taken center stage, especially in Nigeria, where we observed its great contributions to our country’s GDP in the last quarter of 2020.
“We are not unaware of the progress made by most of our competitors in this industry.
“We are convinced that the high-speed Internet connectivity and hosting service offered by STORM will allow you to have an efficient, reliable experience with excellent support. “
Speaking on “Partner to Serve: The Storm’s Value Proposition,” Interra Networks President David Onu said the service would enable greater youth participation in technology and the economy. digital.
According to Onu, ICT is considered the new global oil and it is very interesting to see that just 15 years ago the top six companies were oil companies.
“Today, those companies are no longer in the top 10. The only one that broke the top 10 record is Exxon Mobil.
“And you wonder what made it that way. What made it so were the IT services and data.
“It’s something interesting, far removed from the corporate world and the countries that were considered third world 20 years ago.
“It’s interesting how they erased their poverty index; by empowering people, creating jobs and creating wealth.
He lamented, however, the misnomer in Nigeria, which was over-reliance on natural resources, adding that the greatest strength had been intellectual resources.
“What is happening in the country today is this silent revolution and it will soon take the country by storm with the engagement of our young people in technology.
“We hear about our young people getting business investment abroad to grow; we hear about services that are used all over Africa and the world and we haven’t even started.
He articulated the launch of STORM on harnessing the capacity of young people and businesses in the regions to stimulate the economy.
Dignitaries attending the event included former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka; Commissioner, Enugu State Ministry of Science and Technology, Sir Carl Obi Kama; Commissioner, Imo State Ministry of Science and Technology, Prof. Boniface Nworgu.
Others were the director of ICT of the Delta State Department of Science and Technology, Rocky Ighoyota; Group Leader, Regional Offices, Galaxy Backbone, Abdul-Malik Suleiman; Head, Regional Business & Operations, Galaxy Backbone (Lagos and South West), Tope Dele-Oni, among others. (NAA)
