Dare Babalola
The Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Foundation has announced plans to commence the installation of digital infrastructure in three Local Government Areas of Kogi Central next week as part of the first phase of its Open Space Internet Project.
According to a statement shared on Friday by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan through her Facebook page, the project will begin in Ajaokuta, Okene and Okehi local government areas, with the aim of expanding internet access and improving digital connectivity across the senatorial district.
The foundation said the facilities to be deployed would include outdoor omnidirectional access points capable of covering a 500-metre radius, equivalent to a one-kilometre diameter.
It added that each installation would support up to 512 concurrent device connections and deliver throughput of up to 5.95 gigabits per second.
It further stated that beneficiaries would enjoy free internet access round the clock under a yearly subscription arrangement.
“Across Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and other regions of the world, free public WiFi access has become an essential tool for learning, business, communication and innovation,” the statement read.
The foundation noted that the initiative was designed to create more opportunities for residents, especially in education, entrepreneurship and communication, while helping to bridge existing connectivity gaps in the area.
“We are humbled to drive this forward-thinking technology initiative in Nigeria thereby opening digital opportunities for our people and bridging connectivity gaps across Kogi Central. The future is digital and Kogi Central must not be left behind,” the statement added.
The foundation also appealed to residents of the benefiting communities to safeguard the equipment when installed, stressing that the infrastructure was meant to serve the general public.
