As part of efforts to achieve its mission to provide cost-effective satellite broadband services to Nigerian consumers and SMEs, Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited has selected Belgium-based satellite specialist Newtec to provide a Ka-band hub platform, including terminals, to offer B2B (business to business) and B2C (business to consumers) broadband services.
The broadband platform will enable optimal and cost-effective voice, data and video, internet and application service solutions in Nigeria via the NigComSat-1R satellite. NIGCOMSAT Limited was founded in 2006 by the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology with a mission to become the leading communication satellite operator and service provider in Africa and to leverage that for the benefit of the nation.
Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai, managing director/chief executive, NIGCOMSAT, said, “High-speed and reliable internet will transform the economy and lead to more and better opportunities for many individuals. In 2011 we successfully put our own high throughput satellite in the sky and I am pleased to welcome now our new technology partner, Newtec. We are teaming up with Newtec because of its track record of delivering reliable, fast and easy-to-use satellite solutions at an affordable cost.”
The installation of a first Newtec broadband hub is already complete. NIGCOMSAT plans to operate several thousands of satellite modems within the first year of operation. “I am delighted to say that our new Ka-band technology will help to close the digital divide in Nigeria by using the latest broadband technologies to achieve the highest broadband experience and availability,” said Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec.
FEMI ASU
