LAGOS: The development of broadband services in Nigeria is key to the continued growth of the telecommunications industry in the country and will boost shareholders' confidence in the country's market, MTN Nigeria CEO Brett Goschen wrote in a paper. He argued that the Internet would be vital in attracting much-needed foreign investment into the country and could propel the country forward based on an improved Internet. The paper, which was published in full on Monday, titled “The Future of Telecommunications: Ten Years Ahead,” gives an overview of the industry over the past decades, and notes the increase in penetration countrywide, but also says that the telecom sector over the coming decade will largely depend on Nigeria's ability to move forward on Internet development. In the paper, he called on all companies, including MTN, to look for ways of increasing accessibility, affordability, availability “for the service and raising public awareness about” Internet in the country. There is much room for growth, he said, and Nigeria “must be willing to make the effort to bring the Internet to rural areas.” BM
