Nigeria progresses in bridging digital divide
Nigeria is consistently on the move to bridge digital divide as Swift Networks has keyed into the Federal Government target of achieving this and deepening the broadband penetration with its unique innovation.
The innovation, Red Cheetah Free Wi-fi App introduced across various locations in Lagos, is assisting Nigerians, especially the youth population access internet, a development that is narrowing the wide gap of internet users in Nigeria. Statistics show that in 2018, Nigeria had 92.3 million internet users, the figure that is projected to grow to 187.8 million in 2023 on account of innovations like that of Swift Networks.
So far, the Android version of the Red Cheetah Free Wi-fi App has crossed the 100,000 downloads mark and this is excluding the users of the web and Windows versions of this innovative platform.
In addition, the usage of the App has hit an all-time high of 50,000 sessions per day. The app, which provides up to 1 Gigabyte of free Wi-fi internet access per day per user is available at its dedicated 500 hotspots across Lagos State.
The platform is currently supported by advert revenues from iconic brands like Milo, Nokia, Quickteller, Shoprite, UBA, and many others, who use it to connect to and engage with this important demographic group. This is in ad
dition to the SMES who now use Red Cheetah to reach their target prospects relying on its high level of profiling and geo-targeting precision leading to minimal media waste and outstanding return on investment.
Speaking on this milestone achievement, Chukwuma Okoye, chief operating officer of Swift Networks, said in a statement that the accelerating adoption rate for the innovative service was a clear testament that it was meeting a critical need in the life of its users.
“We gave ourselves the tall order to help close the digital gap in the country starting with Lagos state and we are well on our way to achieving this feat. It’s been a challenging undertaking given the complexity of the technology and project management skills required to deliver this service model but the rewards so far outweigh the sacrifices, especially now that users and advertisers are warming up to the platform,” Okoye said.
According to Bolaji Ige, SWIFT’S general manager, Swiftmedia, “My team will not rest on its oars in our quest to reach every nook and cranny of this country with the Red Cheetah Free Wi-fi service and while continuously improving the user experience.”
Red Cheetah hotspots are currently located across Lagos, especially on tertiary institution campuses, the malls, hotels, restaurants, clubs, hospitals, over 200 BRT buses, among others.