The United States, U.S Trade and Development Agency is funding a feasibility study to deploy 1,500 U.S-made mobile base stations across Nigeria, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana in a bid to connect off-grid communities and offer an alternative to Chinese wireless infrastructure.
In a statement by the U.S mission in Nigeria,
the grant will support Massachusetts-based Vanu Inc. as it works with Georg-based Vermont Group LLC to assess the commercial viability of large-scale deployment.
The study will evaluate existing networks, market conditions, and regulatory frameworks across the four countries, and map out a financing plan.
“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,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA Deputy Director.
Vanu, which specialises in software-based radio technology, says its systems are designed for rural and economically challenging markets. The project aims to close West Africa’s urban connectivity gap and expand access to 2G and 3G voice and data services in areas that are largely offline.
“Vanu is proud to partner with USTDA to show how our systems enable mobile network operators to deliver broadband in West Africa,” said Andrew Beard, CEO of Vanu Inc. He added that the company’s FCC-certified software radio and open-architecture ecosystem could make connectivity in these markets “profitable, sustainable and scalable.”
The initiative is expected to generate opportunities for U.S. wireless solutions, network management systems, and other digital infrastructure as implementation moves forward.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
