University of Nigeria Nsuka is to get a massive wireless internet connection, first of its kind in Africa. The project will be completed in August. Companies joining forces to make it a reality; led by Google, then MTN Nigeria, Hewlett Packard, HP, and Cisco Systems as well as the project contractors, Business Connexion of South Africa. Network infrastructure would be provided by Xirrus Inc of USA and Wavion Technologies of Israel.

The report said;

Google is said to have committed to provide a minimum 25megabytes per second (mbps) of international Internet bandwidth to the university over an initial three-year period, as well as also contributing US$40 000 for the last mile/local loop costs, and another US$15 000 for consultancy and training to ensure optimal utilization of the IT services. The company would also made available its email and collaboration tools and guidance to them.

In a short breakdown;

It will offer Internet connectivity of 1-4mbps per 1000 students and staff, and have a central storage area network of at least 10-400 Terabytes on which students and faculty can store data

Now this is broadband!

Cisco will provide training and certification for staff and student and also establish a model incubator programme to stimulate entrepreneurial development.

This is a welcome development and achieving it will be a milestone. What if we dash down to Enugu to have a broadband access? Cool!