The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami has stated that the Federal Government is making arrangements to make the Internet cheaper and more affordable.
Pantami, who disclosed this on Thursday at the 10th edition of the Nigerian Internet Governance Forum organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission held in Abuja, added that the government was working to ensure that the average price of broadband goes down to enable low income earners to afford it.
The Minister said the issues responsible for increased cost of production such as tax, RoW and the security of Information Communication and Technology infrastructures were being addressed.
“There is a lot to be done in terms of broadband penetration because as it is today, in rural communities, only 10 per cent globally have access to fixed broadband infrastructure.
“Because of this, we are working to ensure that broadband infrastructure is accessible and affordable in the rural communities. It is for this reason that most of our policies are arranged to address the challenges that make the internet expensive.
“In addition, we have been addressing the issue that increases the cost of production. Before now the charges for RoW was 6000 per linear metre now has dropped by more than 98 per cent, some states charge as low as 145.
“Also, Mr. President has directed the office of the Nigerian Security Adviser to give protection to all ICT infrastructures for free. This lowers the cost of production.
“We are also engaging with the ministry of finance, Governors Forum and the Federal Economic Council to address the issue of multiple taxation and we have recorded tremendous success.” Pantami said.
