West Africa’s solar-based ISP, Tizeti, has partnered with Microsoft to roll out unlimited high-speed internet infrastructure in Nigeria starting with Oyo State.
With 40 per cent broadband penetration in December 2021, millions of Nigerians are still excluded from the global digital economy. Through the Microsoft Airband Initiative, Tizeti and Microsoft will leverage its low-cost wireless technologies to make it easier and cheaper for people, especially those in underserved communities, to access the internet and get connected to the digital economy.
The Airband initiative supports Microsoft’s and Tizeti’s shared goal of connecting more people to the internet in a cost-efficient way, starting with Oyo State. It is focused on advancing digital equity - access to affordable internet, affordable devices, and digital skills - as a platform for empowerment and digital transformation across the world.
Speaking on the partnership, Tizeti’s chief executive officer, Kendall Ananyi, said that Microsoft Airband collaboration will complement the company’s existing initiative in Oyo State -Tizeti recently launched its fixed wireless network in the state to provide significant opportunities for cities that have not had sufficient broadband infrastructure. ‘We are happy to work with Microsoft on the Airband Initiative as it extends our mission of bringing affordable and reliable internet to more Nigerians outside the digital envelope,’ Ananyi said.
Microsoft Airband general manager, Vickie Robinson added: ‘Communities need reliable, affordable internet access in our increasingly digital world. That’s why Microsoft is working with providers like Tizeti to connect the unconnected, expand opportunity, and close the global digital divide.’
