U.S. to Deploy Wireless Technology to Nigeria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria

U.S. to Deploy Wireless Technology to Nigeria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has announced plans to deepen the deployment of American wireless technology in West Africa, targeting underserved rural communities in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.

The agency said it is funding a feasibility study for the installation of about 1,500 turnkey mobile communications base stations using technology developed by Vanu Inc. as part of efforts to bridge the region’s digital connectivity gap and provide an alternative to Chinese-made telecommunications infrastructure that currently dominates the market.

According to the U.S. agency, the project is aimed at expanding trusted and secure broadband access to millions of people in off-grid and rural communities that still rely on outdated 2G and 3G networks or have no access at all.

Deputy Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, Thomas R. Hardy, said the initiative would unlock affordable internet access while also creating export opportunities for American firms.

“USTDA is bringing private sector solutions to unlock widespread, affordable, trusted internet access in off-grid communities across West Africa,” Hardy said.

“By helping American companies compete in these critical markets, we are offering an alternative to insecure infrastructure while creating export opportunities that make America more prosperous.”

The study will be undertaken for Vanu Côte d’Ivoire, with Vernonburg Group LLC providing technical expertise to assess the commercial viability of the large-scale rollout and mobilise financing for implementation.

Officials said the assessment would examine existing telecommunications infrastructure, market conditions, regulatory frameworks and financing options across the four countries.

The proposed deployment is expected to create opportunities for the expansion of U.S.-made wireless solutions, digital infrastructure systems and network management technologies across West Africa.

Chief Executive Officer of Vanu Inc., Andrew Beard, said the initiative would demonstrate that broadband connectivity in difficult and underserved markets could be profitable and sustainable.

He noted that the company’s systems were designed to help mobile network operators provide broadband internet and voice services in economically challenging locations using cost-effective technology built on open interfaces and architectures.

Beard added that the study would help stimulate investment, boost U.S. exports and accelerate the rollout of secure digital infrastructure globally.

The project comes amid growing competition between the United States and China over digital infrastructure development in Africa, where Chinese firms have played a dominant role in telecommunications expansion over the past decade.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency said the initiative aligns with its mandate of supporting critical infrastructure projects in emerging markets while promoting the deployment of trusted U.S. technologies and services.

U.S. to Deploy Wireless Technology to Nigeria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria