The history of internet in Ikere-Ekiti dates back to the early 2000s when the Nigerian government initiated the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to promote the development of information technology in the country. The agency was tasked with the responsibility of developing policies and guidelines for the deployment of internet infrastructure across the country.

The first internet service provider (ISP) to provide internet services in Ikere-Ekiti was Globacom Nigeria Limited, which launched its services in the town in 2003. The company’s entry into the market was a significant milestone in the history of internet in Ikere-Ekiti as it provided residents with access to high-speed internet services.

In 2005, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issued licenses to other ISPs to provide internet services in the country. This led to the entry of other ISPs such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and 9mobile into the market. The competition among these companies led to a significant improvement in the quality of internet services provided to residents of Ikere-Ekiti.

In 2010, the Nigerian government launched the National Broadband Plan (NBP) with the aim of increasing broadband penetration in the country. The plan set a target of achieving 30% broadband penetration by 2018. The implementation of the NBP led to the deployment of fiber optic cables across the country, including Ikere-Ekiti. This development significantly improved the quality of internet services provided to residents of the town.

The deployment of fiber optic cables in Ikere-Ekiti was a significant milestone in the history of internet in the town. The cables provided residents with access to high-speed internet services, which enabled them to access online services such as e-commerce, online banking, and e-learning. The deployment of fiber optic cables also provided a platform for the development of new businesses and the growth of existing ones.

In recent years, the Nigerian government has continued to invest in the development of internet infrastructure in the country. In 2019, the government launched the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) with the aim of promoting the development of a digital economy in the country. The policy set a target of achieving 70% broadband penetration by 2025.

The implementation of the NDEPS has led to the deployment of more fiber optic cables in Ikere-Ekiti and other parts of the country. This has led to a significant improvement in the quality of internet services provided to residents of the town. The deployment of fiber optic cables has also provided a platform for the development of new businesses and the growth of existing ones.

In conclusion, the history of internet in Ikere-Ekiti dates back to the early 2000s when the Nigerian government initiated the NITDA to promote the development of information technology in the country. The entry of ISPs such as Globacom Nigeria Limited, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and 9mobile into the market led to a significant improvement in the quality of internet services provided to residents of the town. The deployment of fiber optic cables in recent years has further improved the quality of internet services and provided a platform for the development of new businesses and the growth of existing ones. The Nigerian government’s continued investment in the development of internet infrastructure in the country is expected to lead to further improvements in the quality of internet services provided to residents of Ikere-Ekiti and other parts of the country.