Posted by Everest Amaefule, Abuja on
The Federal Government's to roll out its rural telephony networks currently under construction, in phases, according to the Director, Post and Telecommunications at the Ministry of Communications, Mr. Anthony Ozodinobi.
The Federal Government's to roll out its rural telephony networks currently under construction, in phases, according to the Director, Post and Telecommunications at the Ministry of Communications, Mr. Anthony Ozodinobi.
In an interview with our correspondent in Abuja, he said that most of the 108 locations where the projects are being allocated across the country, would constitute a separate network.
He said, 'Except for the locations that are contiguous, each of the locations would constitute a network that does not have to wait for the rest to begin to function.
'Because of this, what we plan is a phased rollout of the networks. Each one that is ready will be switched on without waiting for the time the entire project would be completed."
He said that the Abuja location of the project was ready for inauguration but would have to wait for two contiguous locations in Nassarawa and Niger States.
Ozododinobi explained, 'The Kwali (Abuja) location has a Main Switching Unit. It is ready for inauguration. We are holding on from inauguration because there are two Remote Switching Units located in Nassarawa and Niger States.
'These three locations constitute a network and will be switched on as soon as the Remote Switching Units are completed. This network will be interconnected with the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited and therefore, does not need the other locations to function."
Our correspondent learnt that linking the rural networks to the existing telecommunications networks in the country might, however, run into hitches because interconnection requirements were not factored into the original budget.
It was also learnt that the Ministry of Communication will approach the National Assembly Committees on Communications to raise about N500million that is required for interconnection with NITEL.
The first rural telephony project being handled by a consortium of Alcatel Shanghai Bell Co Limited, and the China Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Corporation, will yield 512 lines in each of the 208 rural locations selected from all the states of the federation.
The PUNCH, Tuesday, July 26, 2005