Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
A multimedia company, LEGEND, said it has deployed a municipal Wi-Fi network in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to enable it join over 100 cities across the world in enjoying limitless access to Wi-Fi network.
A Municipal Wi-Fi network is a chain of hotspots connected through a type of wired or wireless backhaul system using a cluster of Wireless Access Points (APs).
The Chief Marketing Officer of the LEGEND brand – Gabriel Gab-Umoden told journalists in an interview, that Abuja is now the 4th city to get this network in Africa, adding that Municipal Wi-Fi networks provides added advantages to the citizens.
Among the advantages according to Umoden is that wireless infrastructure can provide low-cost or free Internet access to those in need, and could aid in a program to make computers — and Internet access — available to disadvantaged families.
In addition, Umoden said: “CCTV security systems, access to emergency services and online city directories can ride on the back of a municipal Wi-Fi network, ensuring the security and safety of citizens.”
He explained that Wi-Fi hotspots are powered by fiber-optic cable connectivity, which means that these networks possess huge bandwidths that allow for heavy usage from multiple users without compromising speed.
For instance, he said that users who like to download or stream, will find these Wi-Fi networks very conducive for such activities.”
“Wi-Fi access can range from free to as low as N3,400 per month, for unlimited access, any time of the day. This represents significant value for money and relieves the citizens from huge monthly Internet Service Provider fees.”
“With such a widespread network, citizens can now have ubiquitous access to a high quality, affordable network and can be more flexible in their subscription plans, not having to tie themselves down to bulky contracts / monthly service fees.”
Gab-Umoden also explained that Legend has developed a robust network of fiber optic backbone across the Abuja metropolis, saying “this dense fiber-optic network is being used to power a chain of Wi-Fi hotspots with super-fast internet, accessible by thousands of users at a time. These hotspots are called Legend Zones and they are the building blocks of Abuja’s first Municipal Wi-Fi network.”
On where to get access, Gab-Umoden said that there are currently 50 Legend zones located in strategic locations across the Abuja metropolis, with another 50 in deployment.
Legend’s plan is to deploy 1,000 hotspots by June 2017, thereby creating a widespread and contiguous municipal Wi-Fi network in Abuja.
