MainOne, the Nigeran subsea cable operator; Tezeti, the solar powered mast operator and Facebook have launched a joint development project to expand internet services in Lagos, Nigeria.
The project will use MainOne’s fibre connectivity, Tezeti’s twenty brand new solar powered towers and Facebook’s Express Wifi.
A partnership between Facebook and Tezeti was recently announced, in which the Facebook’s Express Wi-Fi leverages Tezeti’s 60 solar powered base stations creating hotspots that provide fast and affordable public wifi services in areas such as markets, cafes, and public outdoor spaces.
Speaking on the partnership, Kendall Ananyi, CEO of Tizeti, said: “Access to fast and reliable unlimited Wifi connectivity has been a problem for most Nigerian residential customers and small businesses for too long. This partnership aims to demonstrate a sustainable and cost-effective solution to the under-served areas of Lagos State through our solar-powered, always-on Wifi towers, and robust internet bandwidth from MainOne.”
As a result of the project, internet services across Lagos will be improved as well as in the areas of: Ajao Estate, Surulere, Ikeja, Omole, Magodo, Gbagada, Oworonshoki, Bariga, Anthony Village, Ogudu, Ojota, Ketu and Alapere. “This project leverages our Internet capacity, investment in terrestrial fibre-optic infrastructure and points of presence for service delivery across Lagos State. We’re committed to improving the quality of access and accelerating the digital transformation of small businesses,” added Funke Opeke, CEO of MainOne.
Tizeti will operate its solar powered wifi towers across Lagos, MainOne will provide multiple Gbps of internet bandwidth to the outdoor towers using a combination of fibre optic and microwave backhaul connections.
The internet service will then be delivered to the end user via wifi including the Express Wifi hotspots rolled out by Tezeti in Lagos. “We are committed to working with partners across Africa and elsewhere to support connectivity initiatives and develop better internet infrastructure in communities that lack reliable and affordable access,” concluded Ibrahima Ba, head of Facebook Connectivity Programs.
The partnership is said to support the three partners’ shared goal of connecting more people to high quality internet services in the most cost-effective way.