The much awaited launch of the Measurement Lab (M-Lab) Network Diagnostic Tool in Nigeria was actualized today (Thursday, June 4, 2015). The event held at two locations, viz: Freedom Park, and IXPN offices on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
In a statement recently released to the media, the MD/CEO of Internet eXchange Point of Nigeria, Muhammed Rudman, disclosed that the Internet eXchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) began a process of obtaining and hosting the M-Lab Network in 2014 in recognition of the critical role of independent Quality of Service measurements towards achieving policy and regulatory needs.
While noting that the hosting of the Measurement Lab Network in Nigeria and the launching of the service has been made possible with the support of Google, an M-Lab consortium partner, and Glo 1, he reiterated that the M-Lab Network is a Diagnostic Tool which employs a combination of variables to analyze the performance of ISPs.
As he expressed his delight at the fact of the full installation of M-LABs in Nigeria, and with the support of Google, he did not fail to elaborate on the next steps of the service. Rudman spoke of unfolding plans to build the necessary capacity and sensitize key stakeholders on M-Labs, which has been set rolling by the one-day training and Media Launch on Measurement Lab (M-Lab) today, Thursday, June 4, 2015 for stakeholders in the industry. He opined that provision has been made to fund some research in some tertiary institutions in the country in the area of broadband.
Speaking further, the CEO, pointed out that all the parties involved in the installation of the M-Lab independent Quality of Service Measurements are rendering a social service to the community. “Although the motive is not profit-driven, it is expected that consumers and the ICT public will be better served by it”, he added.
The CEO opine that mobile internet penetration in Nigeria hovers between 28% and 38%, while emphasizing the fact of its growing impact on the Nigerian economy (7.8% of GDP in 2013). He, therefore, called for the doubling of efforts at ensuring that the quality of service does not fall short, and that verifiable local data that can address any gaps and improve on success points is in place, especially, in view of the critical role access to the Internet is now playing in all sectors of society, the life and work of the citizens.
Amongst other benefits, the collaborating organisations said that the event and the service would be particularly beneficial to/for regulators in the industry, consumer advocacy groups, research institutions, the media and ICT reporters, ISPs, and the general public.
Reiterating the activities of the launch, he noted that the one-day training and Media Launch was strictly by invitation, and was in two parts, viz: a Training and Demonstration session which held between the hours of 10.00 am – 3.00 pm at the Art Gallery, Freedom Park, 1, Hospital Road (Between Broad Street and Campbell Street), Lagos Island; and was followed by a Media Launch/Facility Tour on the same day (Thursday, June 4, 2015) at 3.00 Pm – 5.00 pm, and with its venue as Internet eXchange Point of Nigeria, 8th Floor, NCR Building, 6, Broad Street, (Near the General Hospital), Lagos Island. The two-part event held on the same day – Thursday, June 4, 2015.
Members of the public who have any questions or points of clarification on the subject should email info@ixp.net.ng.