The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has abolished right-of-way (RoW) charge policy for broadband deployment across the state as part of efforts to attract telecommunications investment and expand internet access.
The policy when implemented, is expected to reduce the cost of deploying broadband infrastructure, and consequently give telecommunications operators and internet service providers (ISPs) opportunity to extend their networks to more communities across the state.
Governor Mohammed has also advised telecommunications companies and internet service providers to invest in the state, assuring them of a favourable environment to establish and expand their operations.
The decision aligns with broader efforts being pushed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to improve Nigeria’s digital infrastructure through reducing the cost impediments that hamper the laying of fibre-optic cables and deploying other broadband facilities by telecommunications companies.
Right-of-way charges are fees imposed by government for the use of public land, roads and other designated corridors for telecommunications infrastructure across the states and local government areas.
It has been agreed by stakeholders that reducing or eliminating such charges can lower the cost of expanding networks and consequently lower tariffs.
For the Bauchi State, the zero-charge policy could attract investors to lower commercial expectations and increase ability to expand their services to the rural communities.
The decision by the state government addresses one of the potential cost barriers to broadband infrastructure deployment.
By removing right-of-way charges, Bauchi is encouraging telecommunications towards expanding connectivity across the country pointing out that such impediments can be resolved easily.
