The Federal Government has pledged to reduce the cost of internet enabled
mobile phone so as to get more Nigerians online.
The Minister of
Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson dropped the hint at an
International Forum On Accelerating Nationwide Broadband Access in Nigeria
organised by OpenMedia Group in conjunction with Atlantic Telecoms and Media in
Lagos.
Speaking during a
Ministerial Platform anchored by Esther Ugbodaga of CNBC Africa, the minister
said that government is passionate about increasing internet penetration in the
country.
The minister
disclosed also that President Goodluck Jonathan is backing the move by the
ministry to de-gazette a law by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to
impose a two per cent tax on mobile devices in case they are used to infringe
on copyright laws in the future and that they will need the money to regulate
that.
The minister
however urged the private sector to come out with plans on how to manufacture
low cost devices that will enable more Nigerians have access to the internet
stressing that “reduction in taxes on devices will not increase internet
penetration.”
She explained,
“Penetration goes up when there is relevant content and people see the need to
get on the internet and so people will buy a N2000 phone if it will get them
onto the internet.”
The minister
assured that she will not advocate for the imposition of taxes on devices while
pushing for affordable broadband internet access for Nigerians at same time
adding that the Federal Government is poised towards tackling the challenges of
broadband access in the country.
