An IT Infrastucture for the Golden Goal

It is my hope that the joint talks we are having with our Government, the World Bank, and the telecommunications company Huawei result in a much-improved IT infrastructure in our nation. Without modern data infrastructure at the national level, we cannot provide affordable access and reliable connectivity for our population. When we have improved connectivity the FFG will be a major player in transforming lives through football.

I am mindful that eight years ago the Argentinian Football Association bought and installed over 100 computers to improve connectivity amongst their football staff in the regions. We can do this and more.

Building a communications infrastructure that supports web access across the whole country can be a complex and challenging task for a developing nation like ours. However, there are several steps that can be taken to achieve this goal

We must develop a national broadband plan: The Algerian government should develop a comprehensive national broadband plan that outlines the strategy, goals, and timelines for the deployment of a communications infrastructure that supports web access across the country. if we have web access across Gratifacio then we as the FFG can computer hubs to support our leagues and league administrators in all of the rural areas.
Invest in telecommunications infrastructure: The Algerian government should invest in telecommunications infrastructure such as fiber optic networks, satellite communications, and mobile networks to improve internet access across the country. This can be done through public-private partnerships or through direct government investment.
Provide subsidies and incentives for private investment: The government can offer subsidies and tax incentives to private companies to encourage investment in the telecommunications sector. This can help to stimulate competition and drive down the costs of internet access.
Improve the regulatory framework: Our government can work to improve the regulatory framework for the telecommunications sector, including licensing and spectrum allocation, to encourage investment and competition. This can help to create a level playing field for all players in the market.
Promote digital literacy: To ensure that citizens can take advantage of web access, the Algerian government should prioritize promoting digital literacy through training programs and educational initiatives. This can help to ensure that citizens have the skills and knowledge needed to fully participate in the digital economy.

Other countries in the sub-continent have been successful.

Rwanda has made significant progress in developing a communications infrastructure that supports web access across the whole country. The government has implemented a national broadband policy that prioritizes the deployment of fiber optic networks and has worked with private companies to expand mobile network coverage. As a result, internet penetration in Rwanda has increased from 2% in 2010 to over 20% in 2021.

Kenya has also made significant strides in developing a communications infrastructure that supports web access across the whole country. The government has invested in undersea fiber optic cables, mobile networks, and satellite communications to improve internet connectivity in remote areas. In addition, the government has implemented a regulatory framework that encourages private investment and competition in the telecommunications sector.

India has one of the largest and most diverse telecommunications markets in the world, with over a billion mobile phone users and rapidly growing internet penetration. The government has implemented a number of initiatives to improve internet access across the country, including the deployment of fiber optic networks, mobile network expansion, and the implementation of regulatory policies that encourage investment and competition.

Indonesia has also made significant progress in developing a communications infrastructure that supports web access across the whole country. The government has worked with private companies to expand mobile network coverage, deploy fiber optic networks, and increase satellite communications capacity. In addition, the government has implemented policies to promote competition and investment in the telecommunications sector.

These examples show that developing nations like Algeria can build a communications infrastructure that supports web access across the whole country by implementing a comprehensive national broadband policy, investing in telecommunications infrastructure, improving the regulatory framework, and promoting digital literacy.