Galaxy Backbone launches STORM ISP to provide High-Speed Internet Connectivity

The Galaxy Backbone, GBB and Interra Networks have officially launched an Internet Service Provider, code named STORM.ng, for the benefit of the South East and South South regions of Nigeria.

The project  was launched in Enugu State by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami.

The Galaxy Backbone had deployed fibre optics to 17 major cities across the federation under the first phase of NICTIB.

The GBB and Interra Networks through STORM, would cover Enugu, Ebonyi, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Awka, Onitsha and Asaba, under its national fibre roll out programme.

Dr Pantami, who expressed delight over the unveiling of STORM as a fibre connectivity and digital services platform powered by GBB, said that it aligned with the vision of the present administration.

The Minister explained that STORM would open up massive opportunities for corporates, small businesses and for homes looking to improve the quality of internet services in these regions.

Pantami congratulated the GBB and Interra Network teams for putting the launch in place.

He urged them to work together in order to ensure that wealth and prosperity was expanded in the nation.

He said, “I would like to congratulate Galaxy Backbone and its project partners for achieving this great feat, which will provide fast and efficient delivery of Internet and hosting services for the South-East and South-South regions.

“Since 2019, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has championed the country’s digital transformation agenda in efforts to position it as one of the leading Digital Economies in the world.

“To achieve this aim, we developed the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) (2020-20230) with the clear vision ‘to transform Nigeria into a leading Digital Economy providing quality life and digital economies for all.

“And a mission to ‘build a nation where digital innovation and entrepreneurship are used to create value and prosperity for all.”

National Digital Economy Policy
He, however, recalled that the STORM initiative was in line with the National Digital Economy Policy for a Digital Nigeria (2020 – 2030).

Pantami explained that the STORM was a significant milestone in support of the Government’s efforts to accelerate broadband penetration across cities and underserved communities in the country.

He expressed optimism that Digital Services would expand and strengthen the development of these potentials, since Nigeria was endowed with enormous potentials.

“In particular, it supports the implementation of Pillar 3 (the Solid Infrastructure Pillar). It is also in alignment with the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020 – 2025),” he said.

Broadband Penetration
He reiterated that Broadband connectivity plays a major role in the economic fortunes of countries around the world and a 10 per cent increase in broadband penetration can lead to growth in Gross Domestic Product in the region of 0.6 to 2.8 per cent.

“Furthermore, the use of broadband technology goes beyond facilitating socialization.  Rather, it supports key sectors of the economy, such as the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). 

“These enterprises are a critical part of the Nigerian economy and broadband access enables then to extend their services beyond their physical locations through the use of e-commerce platforms.

“It will support government’s effort in meeting the target of the NNBP, which aims to achieve a 90% broadband penetration by 2025.Through platforms like STORM we are extending the provision of internet services beyond major cities in the country, thereby deepening broadband penetration across the country to overcome the existing digital divide,” the Minister explained.

Earlier, the Managing Director of GBB, Professor Mohammed Abubakar, said that the plan to launch the project in year 2020 was aborted by the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Abubakar, however, expressed optimism that with the official launch of STORM, GBB and Interra Networks were ready to unleash broadband services to organisations and homes in South East and South South regions.

He maintained that STORM would bridge the notable gaps in the market in terms of reliable internet service.

According to him, “Change is the only constant thing in life and as people living in a fast changing digital world, I am sure you all know how important it is to ensure we embrace change, so that we are not left behind at the ‘speed of light’ transformations taking place all around us.”

He affirmed that “We are confident that by making fast and reliable internet services available in urban and rural communities, greater number of job opportunities will emanate and we can lift more people out of poverty.

“History has shown us that in every major pandemic, one or two sectors begin to thrive and lead to the transformation of the lives of entire communities and indeed the world.In thus case, Digital Technologies has taken centre stage especially in Nigeria, where we have noted its great contribution to the GDP of our country in the last quarter of the year 2020.”

The Managing Director added that “We are not unmindful of the strides recorded by most of our competitors in this industry.We are confident that the broadband internet connectivity and hosting service being offered by STORM will lead to an experience that you will find efficient, reliable and with great support.”

Speaking on ‘”Partnering to Serve:  The Storm Value Proposition”, the President, Interra Networks, Mr David Onu, said that the service would enable greater youth participation in technology and digital economy drive.

Mr. Onu stressed that ICT was considered to be the new oil worldwide and it is very interesting to see that just 15 years ago, the top six companies were oil companies.

“Today, those companies are no more in the top 10. The only one that has broken the top 10 record is the Exxon Mobile.And you ask yourself what has made it so. What have made it so are the IT services and data.It is something interesting, taken away from the corporate world and countries that were considered to belong to the third world 20 years ago.It is interesting to see how they have erased their poverty index; by empowering people, creating jobs and creating wealth.”

He assured that the launch of the project would also harness  the capacity of young people and businesses in the regions to boost the economy .

He said, “What has been going on today in the country is that silent revolution and it will soon take the country by storm with the engagement of our young people in technology.We hear of our young people getting investments from companies outside the country to expand; we hear of services that are been used Africa-wide and worldwide and we haven’t even started.”

Dignitaries present at the event include the former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka; Commissioner, Enugu State Ministry of Science and Technology, Sir Carl Obi Kama; Commissioner, Imo State Ministry of Science and Technology, Professor Boniface Nworgu, Director of ICT, Delta State Ministry of Science and Technology, Rocky Ighoyota; Group Head, Regional Offices, Galaxy Backbone, Abdul-Malik Suleiman, Head – Galaxy Head, Regional Business & Operations, Galaxy Backbone (Lagos and South West), Tope Dele-Oni and among others.

 

 Confidence Okwuchi