IHS Telecoms Conference 2019

The Telecommunications Conference, supported by IHS Towers seeks to drive broadband and power solutions with the theme: ‘The Power and Telecommunications Synergy: Building Strategic Alliances for Broadband Penetration and Inclusive Prosperity,’ in Lagos, Nigeria.

Nigeria with a population of over 190 million and an internet penetration rate of 62.89% has its current broadband infiltration figure at 33.70%. It is estimated that the number of internet users will rise to over 187 million by 2023 given the population increase in the country. These figures pose both opportunities and challenges for sectoral growth and national development.

According to recent GDP figures by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the telecommunications sector contributed 10.11% to the national GDP in the 1st quarter of 2019 thereby entrenching the sector as a key driver of economic growth and national prosperity.

However, when compared with the rate of growth in developed nations and the economic impact that broadband services have on their economies, a lot needs to be done in Nigeria to bridge the gap. The Nigerian Broadband Plan (NBP) 2013 – 2018, sought to address this by connecting communities with high-speed internet and broadband access in order to facilitate faster socioeconomic advancement through improved learning, increased job creation, better community and civic engagement and improved trade and commerce.

The conference will address issues and concerns around broadband penetration in Nigeria focusing on the Nigerian Broadband Plan (NBP) viz-a-viz the target of the NCC in achieving a 70% penetration rate in the next 5 years.

It will also provide a platform for key stakeholders in the Power and Telecoms sectors to collaborate towards the actualization of the broadband growth forecasted in the NBP and explore the inherent benefits that would be accrued to all.