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Main One Cable Company, Nigeria, has just received a $550,000 grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for the extension of marine fiber optic cables to the Niger Delta. Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins, US Consul General in Lagos, explained that the grant would connect Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to the existing Main One cable system. “The project involves extending approximately 300 miles of undersea fiber optic cabling and supporting infrastructure between two of Nigeria’s most important commercial centers. “The extension would connect to the existing Main One cable system, which spans approximately 4,500 miles and provides additional capacity for international and internet connectivity for its beneficiary countries, including Nigeria,” Hawkins said. By connecting Port Harcourt to the Main One cable system, costs of bandwidth will consequently reduce in addition to improving telecommunication services across the area. Paul Marin, USTDA Regional Director for sub-Saharan Africa, noted that the project is an expression of the agency’ commitment to providing high-speed broadband access to Africa. “We are proud to be supporting Main One in their efforts to provide infrastructure for broad-based economic growth in Nigeria,” he noted. Funke Opeke, Chief Executive Officer, Main One Cable Company, expressed gratitude for the USTDA’s support, noting that it will help foster organisational objectives in providing services beyond the coastal areas. “We are appreciative to the USTDA for this important grant towards furthering the development of broadband services and thus economic development in the oil-producing Niger Delta region,” she noted.