Google launches network of free Wi-Fi hotspots in Lagos

Oredola Adeola |

Google has launched network of free Wi-Fi hotspots in Lagos, Nigeria, partnership with 21st Century Technologies Limited and Backbone Connectivity Network (BCN), two Nigerian fiber cable network providers, to provide public Wi-Fi service called Google Station to Nigerians, in six places in Lagos, including the city’s airport.

The Google Station project was unveiled by Google's Vice-President for Product Management Anjali Joshi on Thursday at Google for Nigeria event which was also attended by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President.

Speaking about the new develop, Google’s VP disclosed that Nigeria is the fifth country to host the Google Station, after India, Indonesia, Mexico and Thailand. He added that the service is aimed at countries with rapidly expanding populations.

He said, “We are rolling out the service in Lagos, but the plan is to quickly expand to other locations. Google aimed to collaborate with internet service providers to reach millions of Nigerians in 200 public spaces across five cities by the end of 2019.

“ We plan to generate revenue from the service in Nigeria by placing Google adverts in the login portal. The revenue would be shared with our partners to help them maintain and deploy the Wi-Fi service," Joshi revealed.

In his remark, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, disclosed that the Buhari administration’s goal is to create a data-driven digital economy; one that will lead the way not just in Africa, but globally as well.

He affirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to democratising artificial Intelligence, as quantum leap in the African development story and part of the major contribution to Global stability and growth.

He said, “In order to solve the challenge of connectivity, the Federal Government is extending broadband reach. And as part of measure to make data cheaper, we asked the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), we have initiated the National Broadband Policy, license a number of Infrastructure Companies (Infracos), who will invest in rolling out broadband infrastructure across Nigeria.

“We believe we can extend broadband reach significantly in a year or two. We will partner in whatever way we can with Google and Nigerian broadband providers like 21st Century Technologies Limited and Backbone Connectivity Network, to quickly achieve extensive broadband coverage,” he stated this at the Google event.

Osinbajo however noted that the government is very clear about the potential of technology, adding that the administration is committed to unlocking that potential.

Comments

Ogun State Governor to conduct groundbreaking for reconstruction of Lagos Toll-Gate-Sango-Abeokuta expressway on Friday Aug 23

..as Craneburg continues interim repairs on Ilepa , Bosun , Pakoto, Ifo, Ewekoro, Itori, and Obada area Oredola Adeola Relief is in sight for motorists on the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway, as Craneburg, the contracting firm, has commenced the much-anticipated reconstruction of the heavily trafficked route. The official groundbreaking ceremony for the project is scheduled for Friday, August 23, and will be led by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. The Contractor , Craneburg Construction Company Ltd, began mobilizing its equipment to the site about 10 days ago, initiating palliative measures on one side of the road to ensure it remains passable while full-scale reconstruction commences on the opposite side. The interim repairs, which have already been carried out, span the Sango-Ota, Ilepa , Bosun , Pakoto, Ifo, Ewekoro, Itori, and Obada areas, with stone bases laid on the most deteriorated sections to ease the burden of travel during the construction period. The expressway

Rosatom's TVEL, AllWeld Nuclear, industrial agree to cooperate nuclear backend area

Allen Atwiine, Uganda The TVEL JSC, Managing Company of Rosatom's Fuel Division, and AllWeld Nuclear and Industrial, a South African firm, have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation which is focused on decommissioning and radioactive waste (RW) management at nuclear facilities in South Africa. The memorandum was signed by the party during the African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 in Cape Town on Tuesday. The Editorials gathered that the Memoradium outlined a framework for cooperation and the implementation of joint initiatives. Our correspondent gathered that the document was signed by Eduard Nikitin, Director for Decommissioning and RW Management at TVEL JSC, and Mervyn Fischer, CEO of AllWeld Nuclear and Industrial. Nikitin explained that the memorandum outlined plans for collaborative efforts in scientific, technical, and commercial activities related to the decommissioning of nuclear power plants and other facilities that pose nuclear and radiation hazards. He said, "The key aspe

Lagos Assembly mulls Ambode's impeachment

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have commenced an impeach move against Governor Akinwunmi Ambode , alleging him of gross misconduct. Speaker LHA Rt.Hon. Obasa and Governor Ambode The lawmakers who discussed the issue at the plenary session on Monday, however gave the state Governor a one-week ultimatum to appear before them to defend allegations of misconduct and infractions levelled against him. Advertisement They vowed to proceed with the impeachment process at the expiration of the ultimatum.

The Editorials

Search This Blog