• Thu. Feb 13th, 2025

Telecom Experts Discuss Future Trends At West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit

ByHybridNewsNg

May 4, 2024

The second edition of the West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE 2.0) concluded with key insights into emerging tech trends that could revolutionize the telecommunications sector. The event, held in Lagos and organized by TechnologyMirror, brought together experts to discuss the sustainable deployment of telecom infrastructure to bolster the region’s digital economy.

L-R: Ahmad Tijani, Local Content Advocate, Nigerian Computer Society, Convener, WATISE, Isaiah Erhiawarien Tinuade Oguntuyi, Head Network and Solutions, ICSL, Representative of the Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Engr Victor Adoga, at the West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition

Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), delivered the keynote address, represented by Engr. Victor Adoga, Head of Next Generation Technology and Standard at the NCC. Dr. Maida emphasized that robust, scalable, and secure telecom infrastructure is crucial for supporting the rapid growth of the digital economy. He highlighted transformative trends such as the rollout of 5G networks, which promises enhanced speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity, essential for powering new applications like IoT, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities.

Other significant trends identified include the expansion of fiber optic networks, data localization and security, regulatory frameworks, cybersecurity, and the integration of AI and machine learning into telecom services. Dr. Maida called for strategic collaborations between the government, industry, and academia to foster innovation and ensure the telecom sector’s resilience.

Chief Executive Officer of WTES Projects Limited, Mr. Chidi Ajuzie, spoke virtually from Ethiopia about the connectivity challenges, particularly the lack of a centrally managed national transmission backbone, which has led to duplicated efforts and inefficiencies. He pointed out the need for new connectivity to bridge gaps and achieve national broadband targets, emphasizing the crucial role of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in identifying and addressing these gaps.

The summit also featured a fireside chat on ‘Enhancing Rural Connectivity: Strategies for Expanding Telecom Infrastructure,’ led by Tinuade Oguntuyi, Head of Network and Solutions at Information and Communications Services Limited (ICSL). Oguntuyi stressed the importance of improving network services in rural areas to spur national growth and urged government support for network providers in these regions.

Ahmad Tijani, representing Dr. Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo of ICTLOCA, highlighted the importance of involving local government leaders in federal projects aimed at connecting rural communities. He noted the critical role of data gathering at the grassroots level to enhance national development.

Isaiah Erhiawarien, the Convener of WATISE, expressed gratitude to the supporters and sponsors of the summit, emphasizing that this year’s event marked a significant step towards developing a reliable telecom infrastructure for West Africa.

The discussions and presentations at WATISE 2.0 underscored the dynamic nature of the telecom industry and its pivotal role in shaping the future digital landscape of the region.

Leave a Reply