PSnet involves the development of a National Information Backbone (NIIB) for IT development in Nigeria. It will form the bedrock of other technology initiatives in the country. It envisions at providing standard best effort IP end-to-end service and offers premium mega end-to-end IP service with richer deployment of e-governance. Thus, scalability is key in the implementation. It involves the deployment of:
i) A VSAT hub at NITDA’s head office.
ii) Wireless Hot spot in Abuja Federal Public Service (comprising WI-FI for phases I,II and III of the federal secretariat complex ).
iii) Interconnection of the above-mentioned three building using fibre optics cables
iv) VSAT Remote terminals in 36 states(15 states are already covered).
v) Broad band wireless extensions in 27 states.
vi) Routing and switching facilities at NITDA’s Head office in 36 states.
vii) Collaboration applications Video Conferencing, Messaging, Distance Learning, Security, etc.
The central hub will ensure:
 • Central and efficient management of Bandwidth nationwide.
• Low cost single point of interconnect to states and federal public service.
• Central consolidation for the integration of services.
• Makes for seamless integration of other IT based programme of the government including: Rural Internet Access, Video Conferencing, Messaging, Distance Learning, Security, etc.
The central hub will ensure:
• Central and efficient management of Bandwidth nationwide
• Low cost single point of interconnect to states and the Federal Public Service
• Central consolidation for the integration of services
• Makes for seamless integration of other IT based programme of the government including: Rural Internet Access, Video conferencing, Distance Education etc.
Deliverable of the PSnet:
Internet access
Messaging, collaboration an Virtual Private Network
Switching and routing (traffic prioritizing)
• The PSnet will provide the much desired backbone infrastructure upon which the e-government application would ride.
• It also will facilitate the optimal functioning and better interaction of all the institutions attached to the three major wings of government (Executive, Legislative and Judiciary)
Through this project, internet connectivity is already being provided to the presidential villa, National Planning Commission, and federal ministries of finance; and science and Technology, amongst others in Abuja. Some are also being assisted in the development of their websites in order to have online presence. PSnet is currently operational in 15 states. Some of the states have even set up their Ministries of Science and Technology or Information Technology Units/Departments under the supervision of the governors’ office.
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