Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Eugene Juwah has said that the the new undersea cable operator, MainOne, could bring about greater broadband development in the African country on the heels of the commission's strategy. He said in a statement following the inspection of the new undersea cable that “we are confident that our ongoing broadband plans and initiatives will benefit from these international services promoted by indigenous investors and entrepreneurs and managed by indigenous experts.” He continued to say at the first anniversary of MainOne that national broadband efforts in the country would be aimed at expanding penetration and infrastructure throughout the country. He said that the new cable is already delivering relief for the region as a whole and is making West Africa a global telecommunications highway. “You may all be aware that for many years, this sub-region [West Africa] has waited to be delivered from the clutches of SAT3, the only existing, but unreliable submarine cable facility in the region, whose tariffs were also a big challenge,” he continued. “While it may not be appropriate to draw conclusions and comparison with other operators after a year in service, it is still important that such benchmarks and operational policies that give emphasis to quality consumer experience and quick response to all consumer issues must be recommended to all the operators, irrespective of the type of services rendered,” he added. BM
