The National Information Technology Authority of Uganda (NITA-U) has defended itself against accusations that it is wasting public funds with its rollout of a national backbone network. Recent press reports have accused officials at the state-backed body of corruption and of mismanaging the network deployment.
A statement from NITA-U responded by saying: ‘The originators of the false news are obviously determined on downplaying Uganda’s progress in achieving widespread connectivity that has significantly lowered internet bandwidth costs to Ugandan individuals and organisations over the last ten years.’ The body says that at the start of the project in 2008 the cost-per-Mbps was USD1,200 but that has now dropped to USD70-per-Mbps. According to a report from PML Daily, the agency adds that 3,000km of fibre-optic cable has already been deployed and a fourth phase of the rollout is underway.
Uganda , National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U) , Broadband
