UNN: Google Begins N3bn Wireless Network
Work has commenced on building of the largest wireless network in Africa across the four campuses of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Google Inc., is the lead sponsor of the project to provide an internetbandwidth of 25 megabytes per second (25mbps) from an initial 8mbps.
At the groundbreaking ceremony at the Nsukka campus last week, Google’s Office Lead, English Speaking West Africa, Mr. Nyimbi Odero, disclosedthat the UNN wireless network infrastructure project is the first thecompany would execute as part of its Google University Access Programme in Africa.
Officials say the project would be delivered inthree months at the end of August 2010.
The University of Nigeria wireless network project aims to enablestudents and staff participate actively in the digital economy of the 21st century and use internet as well as Information and Communication Technology to drive teaching and research, according to , Prof. Bartho Okolo. He said the project is “one of the major milestonesin the quest to make the University of Nigeria a global centre oflearning.”
The project is projected to cost N3billion. The university is funding theambitious project through “a network of friends of the University”,being corporate organisations, governments as well as institutions andindividuals.
Google Inc, lead sponsor, will provide international internetbandwidth of a minimum 25mbps over an initial three-year period.
MTNNigeria Communications has committed to installation of the fibrecapacity for the Nigerian end of the programme to link the UNNcampuses at Nsukka, Enugu and Ituku Ozalla, with a microwave uplink tothe Aba campus.
Governor Sullivan Chime’s Enugu State Government hasalready granted right of way to MTN for laying of the fibre opticcables to the three campuses in Enugu State.
source: thisdayonline.com
