The National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) on Friday partnered with the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) through its Rural Communication Development Fund (RCDF), the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Corning Optical Communications and ADVA SE to laun the pilot phase of the Electricity and Fiber to The Village (EFTTV) Project in Buhesi Sub-County in Bunyangabu District.
EFTTV is a shared infrastructure concept that combines the roll-out of electricity and ICT in rural areas of Uganda.
EFTTV leverages infrastructure sharing to exploit the cost synergies of simultaneously rolling out the grid and fiber while ensuring the productive use of electricity and broadband internet through the deployment of an ICT ecosystem in the village.
The beneficiary sites of the pilot project are Kiyombya Sub-County Headquarters, Kiyombya Health Centre III, Buheesi Senior Secondary School, and Buheesi Town Council.
These sites will receive unlimited broadband connectivity from NITA-U, training on the selected e-applications, and will take part in a monitoring and evaluation exercise to determine the impact of the intervention on their productivity.
UCC donated and installed 40 computers to the project whereas REA ensured Electricity supply.
ADVA SE donated its NVF Technology to the project. Speaking at the Event, NITA-U ED Dr.Hatwib Mugasa thanked the partners for ensuring the project was delivered.
“Let me thank our partners The Uganda Communication Commission through its Rural Communication Development Fund, the Rural Electrification Agency, Corning Optical Communications and ADVA SE. Today we have demonstrated how Government agencies are harmoniously working together to improve efficiency in providing services to Ugandans,” he said.
He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding internet connectivity to Ugandans.
“The Government of Uganda through NITA-U has so far laid more than 4000 kilometers of fiber across 49 districts and connected 609 sites to the network. We are currently implementing the last mile Project which will connect more than 700 sites including Government offices, hospitals schools and other installations,” he said.
“The project we are launching today presents yet another opportunity for the government of Uganda to further expand internet connectivity.’’
Gunter Landers, the in-charge of the Middle East and Africa ADVA SE noted that by simultaneously deploying the grid with aerial optical fiber, a cost saving of up to 40% is achieved arising from sharing rights of way and civil works which account for the largest expenditure in deploying linear networks.
It also enables the implementation of an ICT eco-system that is supported and further optimized by ADVA´s NFV technology.
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