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Tag: NigComSat

  • NIGCOMSAT, military collaborating to fight insecurity

    NIGCOMSAT, military collaborating to fight insecurity

    State-run satellite company, Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NICOMSAT) yesterday said it has been collaborating with the Defence Ministry to deploy technology via NigComSat 1-R to assure the success of ongoing military campaign against banditry, insurgency and other criminal acts against the Nigerian state.

    It also promised to launch another satellite, NigComSat 2-R, a move it said represents the next phase in its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s space capabilities and providing world-class satellite services.

    Speaking at a-one-day media training forum for ICT editors held at the company’s Lagos Business Regional Office, Ikoyi, it said contrary to misrepresentations, NiComSat R-1 is basically a communication satellite and not a camera satellite, adding that it is therefore only able to meet the necessary communication needs of the military battling criminal elements in different war theatres.

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    Its Managing Director, Mrs Jane Nekechi Egerton-Idehen, said the organisation has embarked on a significant journey to reposition itself as a leader in satellite communications and space technology, not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.

    In a presentation, Deputy Manager, Technical, at NIGCOMSAT, Bello Olasunkanmi, said to enhance seamless communication among the various military agencies prosecuting the military campaigns in the country, the collaboration the company has with the Defence Ministry has resulted in the mounting of antennae on automobiles used by the military at the various fronts to facilitate communication among the troops.

    Also speaking on the coming satellite, Mrs Egerton-Idehen, said: “I am excited to share with you our plans to launch a new satellite, NigComSat-2, in the near future. This satellite represents the next phase in our commitment to advancing Nigeria’s space capabilities and providing world-class satellite services.

    “NigComSat-2 satellite will significantly enhance our capacity to deliver robust, high-speed communication services across Nigeria and beyond. It will support a wide range of applications, including broadband internet, telemedicine and e-learning, among others.

    “This new satellite will also enable us to better serve critical sectors such as agriculture, security, health and education, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

    “The launch of NigComSat-2 satellite is not just a technological milestone; it attests to Nigeria’s growing prowess in the global space industry and underscores our resolve to harness the power of space technology for national development.

    “As we continue on this path of growth and innovation, our commitment to providing reliable, high-quality satellite communication services are unwavering and we are continuously innovating to meet the growing demands of our digital economy.”

    She said the remarkable transformation unfolding is a direct result of the renewed vision and strategic direction brought in by the new executive management team, the leadership and the staff at NIGCOMSAT which she is privileged to lead.

    “This is clearly stated in the Strategic Blueprint we launched last year with the support of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. The pillars contained in the strategy document are Strategy, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Infrastructure, Branding and People.  Our collective efforts have focused on enhancing our technological capabilities, expanding our service offerings and strengthening our partnerships with government agencies, private sector enterprises, academic institutions and the general public to better serve the needs of our diverse clientele and broaden our market reach.

    “We have been working diligently to upgrade our infrastructure, our Hubs at Lagos and Abuja, to provide communication solutions that meet global standards. We have launched a service delivery team to ensure we support our clients and our of services are reliable for all our offerings such as broadband internet, direct-to-home (DTH) services, transponder leasing, broadcast services, etc.

    “We have forged new partnerships to provide connectivity in rural and underserved areas, partnerships to support startups and innovative enterprises in the satellite industry with our NIGCOMSAT Startup Accelerator programme. There has been a lot of focus in creating awareness for our brand, what we stand for and our value offerings both in the traditional and digital media space. In recognition of the importance of human capital, we continue to invest in training and capacity-building programmes for our staff, ensuring that we are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving industry. We have achieved all this transformation because of our determined leadership and reliant people at NIGCOMSAT,” the CEO said.

  • NigcomSat, Dimension Data sign MoU on improved internet services

    NigcomSat, Dimension Data sign MoU on improved internet services

    The Nigerian Communication Satellite Ltd. NigComSat has signed a partnership agreement with Dimension Data, a leading IT solutions company and internet solutions service provider to deliver quality services to Nigerians.

    In the partnership agreement, NigComSat Ltd will provide Dimension Data with internet Service on NigComSat-1R network platform for one year in the first instance on Ku dedicated band.

    The partnership was sealed by Chief Executive Officers of the companies – Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, representing NigcomSat Ltd, and Olugbenga Olabiyi, Country Director, representing Dimension Data.

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    Mrs. Egerton-Idehen hoped the companies, through the partnership, would provide the most excellent services to Nigerians following the upgrading of their facility to cutting-edge technology. 

    “NigComSat is competing well in the global satellite market with the view to taking its rightful position. We just finished a pilot scheme with this client and signed a Master Service Agreement. We are glad that the Country Director, Gbenga Olabiyi, and his team were happy with the results of our pilot. We shared all the work we are doing to reposition NigcomSat Ltd, and ensuring that our service delivery is excellent, our infrastructure reliable and our technology continuous.”

    Olabiyi noted that the firm is focused on creating unique and bespoke IT solutions to Nigerians while delivering services that are value-driven.

  • NigComSat, Hotspot sign MoU on rural connectivity

    NigComSat, Hotspot sign MoU on rural connectivity

    The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, (NigComSat) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hotspot Technology solutions to provide internet access to rural communities in Nigeria.

    According to NigComSat, the strategic collaboration would revolutionise access to reliable and affordable internet services in underserved communities.

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    The terms of the agreement included that NigComSat and Hotspot would leverage their respective platforms to deploy cutting-edge satellite technology and innovative connectivity solutions to connect remote and rural areas that have traditionally lacked access to internet connectivity.

    NigComSat Managing Director, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, expressed NigComSat’s committment to leverage its ‘technological capabilities to drive digital transformation and improve the lives of Nigerians, especially those in underserved regions’.

  • NigComSat, Hotspot sign MoU on rural connectivity

    NigComSat, Hotspot sign MoU on rural connectivity

    The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) has entered into partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding with Hotspot Technology solutions to provide internet access to rural communities in Nigeria.

    According to authority of NigComSat, the strategic collaboration would revolutionise access to reliable and affordable internet services in underserved communities across the country.

    The terms of the agreement indicated that NigComSat and Hotspot would leverage their respective platforms to deploy cutting-edge satellite technology and innovative connectivity solutions to connect remote and rural areas that have traditionally lacked access to internet connectivities.

    By combining NigComSat’s extensive satellite infrastructure and Hotspot’s expertise in rural connectivity, this partnership would empower communities to bridge the digital divide and unlock new opportunities for socio-economic development, NigComSat Managing Director, Jane Egerton-Idehen said at the weekend.

    Speaking at an event for the signing of the agreement, Mrs Egerton-Idehen expressed the commitment of NigComSat to leverage its ” technological capabilities to drive digital transformation and improve the lives of Nigerians, especially those in underserved regions.”

    “This collaboration with Hotspot highlights our unwavering dedication to connect the unconnected and ensure that no community is left behind in the digital age”, she added.

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    Hotspot’s Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Morenikeji Aniye, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that “We are thrilled to work alongside NigComSat in this endeavour.”

    “At Hotspot, connecting the millions of unconnected persons remains a cardinal objective of our mission. By combining our expertise and resources, we will be able to deploy innovative solutions that bring reliable and affordable internet access to rural communities, empowering them to participate fully in the digital economy and access essential services,” Aniye said.

    NigComSat is a communication satellite service provider with coverage over African countries and parts of Europe and Asia, while Hotspot Network Limited is a one-shop for all networking and telecommunications needs.

    The rural connectivity project is also in partnership with Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).

    The project is expected to deliver rural connectivity on NigComSat-1R Ka-Band platform.

    So far, Hotspot has proposed targeting a sizeable number of rural communities across Nigeria with the service.

    Our correspondent gathered that the joint initiative between NigComSat and Hotspot will commence immediately, with plans to roll out the first phase of the project in some selected rural areas within the next six months.

  • NigComSat begins internet connectivity in 774 councils

    NigComSat begins internet connectivity in 774 councils

    The Nigeria Communications Satellite (NigComSat) Limited has begun VSAT installations to cover 579 of the 774 local government areas of the country.

    The project would operate via satellite coverage, leveraging the ku-band network asset of NigComSat-1R for the Federal Government.

    The phase one of the project has been rolled out and is expected to cover 45 local government offices in eight states, including Borno, Cross River, Imo, Kogi, Kwara, Ogun, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

    NigComSat’s Managing Director, Mrs. Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen, said the portable inverter system with solar panel used for the project would provide uninterrupted power supply.

    The agency boss said using green energy solution has been delivered while members of the installation team were in the local government areas.

    She said the installation began on March 5 in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    A statement by the agency’s Head of Media, Stephen Kwanda, said Mrs. Egerton-Idehen explained that Kogi State was the first to benefit from the project, covering five local government areas of the state.

    It said the project aligned with the Ministry of Communiacation’s strategic blueprint and a significant step in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinibu’s mandate to deliver efficient public service to Nigerians at the local government level.

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    The NigComSat boss said five more local government areas had been added by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, to the 40 in the initial plan to scale up the coverage of the first phase to 45.

    She listed the local government areas as Kabba/Bunu, Lokoja, Okehi, Bassa, and Okene.

    Others are: Adavi, Ajaokuta, Kogi, Mopamuro, and Dekina.

    In Kwara State, Ilorin West, Offa, Irepodun, Ilorin South, and Kaiama local government areas would enjoy the gesture, while in Imo State, Ikeduru, Oru East Ihitte/Uboma, Orsu, and Oguta local government areas would be covered.

    In Zamfara State, four local government areas of Anka, Birnin Magaji, Maru, and Zumi would be covered by NigComSat, while Galaxy Backbone is to cover Bungudu Local Government Area.

  • NigComSat kick starts FG’s 774 internet connectivity projects

    NigComSat kick starts FG’s 774 internet connectivity projects

    The Nigeria Communications Satellite (NigComSat) Ltd has commenced the VSAT installation project designed to cover 579 Local Government Areas of the country out of the entire 774.

    The project would operate via satellite coverage leveraging the ku-band network asset of NigComSat-1R for the federal government.

    The phase one of the project has been rolled out and it is expected to cover 45 local government area council offices across eight states in Nigeria including Borno, Cross River, Imo, Kogi, Kwara, Ogun, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.

    The Managing Director of NigComSat, Mrs Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen, said the portable inverter system with solar panel intended to provide uninterrupted power supply using green energy solution has been delivered while members of the installation team are already in the local councils.

    She added that the project installation began on March 5, in the Kabba-Bunu local government area of Kogi state.

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    Mrs Egerton-Idehen explained in a statement signed by Stephen Kwanda, Head of Media, NigComSat that Kogi state is the first to benefit from the project covering five local government areas of the state.

    He said the project aligned with the ministry’s strategic blueprint and was a significant step in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinibu’s mandate to deliver efficient public service to Nigerians at the local government level.

    The NigComSat boss stated that five more Local Government Areas have been added by the Minister of Communications, Dr Bosun Tijani, to the 40 in the initial plan to scale up the coverage of the first phase to 45.

    The NigComSat boss listed the local government councils benefiting from the projects as Kabba/Bunu, Lokoja, Okehi, Bassa, and Okene.

    Others are Adavi, Ajaokuta, Kogi, Mopamuro and Dekina.

    In Kwara state, Ilorin West, Offa, Irepodun, Ilorin South, and Kaiama local government areas would also enjoy the gesture while in Imo state, Ikeduru, Oru East Ihitte/Uboma, Orsu, and Oguta local government areas would be covered.

    In Zamfara state, four local government areas of Anka, Birnin Magaji, Maru, and Zumi would be covered by NigComSat, while Galaxy Backbone is to cover Bungudu local government area.

    NigComSat ambition, according to the Managing Director, is to complete the project in record time and ensure that Nigerians enjoy the benefits of inclusivity at the local government areas across the c

  • Fed Govt inaugurates NigComSat Accelerator Programme

    Fed Govt inaugurates NigComSat Accelerator Programme

    The Federal Government has inaugurated the Nigeria Communications Satellite (Limited) NigComSat Accelerator Programme to boost Nigeria Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and address security challenges.

    The programme, which was aimed at getting start-ups to adopt space technology to solve critical national challenges, attracted participants from the six geopolitical zones of the country.

    According to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NigComSat,  Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, the programme was among others packaged to move the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Digital economy sector’s contributions to the country’s GDP from 17.8 per cent to 22 per cent.

    Mrs Egerton-Idehen said NigComSat is creating a technology platform that would promote financial inclusion, address security challenges with deployment of top notch technologies, support logistics businesses as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and fintech companies.

    The Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, who inaugurated the Programme at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja called for concerted efforts from stakeholders in the technology sector for the eight-point agenda of President Bola Tinubu to become a reality.

    Tijani, who was represented by the Director of Frequency in the Ministry, Joseph Aguren, said the Ministry anchored its philosophy in driving the digital innovation sector through five pillars to create job opportunities for youths and other entrepreneurs.

    Explaining the rationale behind the Programme, Tijani said  NIGCOMSAT is on the march to re-engineer the youth, pioneering start-ups, space enthusiasts, and early-stage companies with space-tech solutions to the challenges confronting the country.

    According to her about 468 start-ups applied for participation in the programme, but that only about 20 were selected for the launch phase.

    She said the Programme which had the theme: ”Fostering Innovation in Satellite Technology “, was a transformative journey spanning key stages that combined mentorship, networking and exposure to catapult Nigerian start ups into space-tech realm.

    Tijani said: ”NIGCOMSAT Limited in recognition of the transformative potential of the nation’s space and satellite-related enthusiasts has established the programme in a comprehensive 24-week initiative aimed at fostering innovation, providing mentorship, and propelling startups into the global spotlight.

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    “We started the first phase of this programme with the publicity of the program and invited start-ups who submitted applications in the first week of January to the first week of February 2024.

    “This took us to the evaluation and selection, the shortlisting, the interviews, and the final selection which took four weeks to complete. We are now at the launch phase which is taking place today. After this, we shall move into the DEEP-DIVE which will last for twenty- four weeks.

    “The twenty-four weeks include the Sandbox Environment, Mentorship and Check-in Sessions, Strategic Growth Support, Visibility, and Market Access, and lastly the Wrap-up.

    “This programme is geared towards a win-win situation for all stakeholders. It will position NIGCOMSAT Ltd as a key player in fostering innovation in the satellite industry. It will equally open and identify potential collaborators with emerging start-ups as well as gain positive exposure through successful start-ups.

  • NIGCOMSAT well equipped to help tackle banditry, terrorism, says MD

    NIGCOMSAT well equipped to help tackle banditry, terrorism, says MD

    The Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) has called for the adoption of homegrown satellite solutions to address the pressing challenges of banditry and terrorism in the country.

    The agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idohen, stated this while addressing reporters yesterday in kaduna.

    She said NIGCOMSAT is fully equipped to provide tailored solutions to meet Nigeria’s unique security needs.

    The NIGCOMSAT chief executive said it was imperative to utilise domestic satellite capabilities to fortify the country’s security landscape.

    Mrs. Egerton-Idohen expressed concern over the prevalent trend of security agencies seeking foreign partners for satellite assistance.

    “Why go abroad when we have the expertise and capacity right here at NIGCOMSAT?” she queried.

    Her call came on the heels of increasing incidents of banditry and terrorism across the country.

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    She said: “NIGCOMSAT aims to position itself as a key player in fortifying national security by leveraging its satellite resources to enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, and communication for security agencies.

    “In the aspect of security, most countries prefer to use their own private satellite to address security concerns. So, one of the things we’ve been doing is to go back to our security agencies and bring them back on the table.

    “We don’t see why they have to go to foreign satellite partners to address these concerns when NIGCOMSAT covers every single breadth of Nigeria. We have the available capacity and the expertise to give them the solution they need.

    “It is a plea we have been making. We do want to work with the security agencies. We have already started working with some of them, but we think there is more opportunity to do more. We have the capacity and capability to do it. I think it is becoming important that it becomes a high priority.”

    Acknowledging technology as the engine of economic growth, Mrs. Egerton-Idohen highlighted NIGCOMSAT’s dedication to providing the nation with dependable internet services.

    She urged the Kaduna State government to collaborate with agency to provide broadband access and other solutions that could enhance various sectors, including small and medium enterprises, education, and healthcare.

    The chief executive said as part of initiative to foster innovation in satellite technology, the agency was promoting the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme.

    The programme, she added, was designed for early-stage companies with space-tech solutions to catapult startups into the global space-tech arena through mentorship, networking, and exposure.

  • NigComSat to deepen broadband penetration

    NigComSat to deepen broadband penetration

    The new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat), Mrs Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen, yesterday promised to reposition the satellite company to deepen broadband penetration to un-served and underserved communities of the country.

    Speaking during her maiden tour of facilities and stakeholders in the information communication technology (ICT) in Lagos, she said the company was poised to increasing its relevance and deliver on the digital economy aspirations of President Bola Tinubu and the blueprint of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani.

    She said the Federal Government understood the role of NigComSat in increasing access to and advancing communications capabilities for the benefits of the populace, especially the underserved and unserved populations.

    Mrs Egerton-Idehen promised to leverage partnership and collaboration with the private sector to move the satellite company to the next level.

    “We are poised to increase the relevance of NigComSat by delivering on the mandate which the Minister has set in the ministry’s blue print despite the ever changing landscape by ensuring that it works toward creating a technology roadmap that is relevant to the market,’’ she added.

    We are counting on critical stakeholders in the industry to support NigComSat, the nation’s premier communications satellite operator and one of the few in Africa,” she said.  

    Realising the importance of broadband to economic development, the Federal Government had developed another Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020 – 2025 which will deliver data download speeds across Nigeria of a minimum of 25megabytes per second (Mbps) in urban areas, and 10Mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90per cent of the population by 2025 at a price not more than N390 per 1GB of data (that is two per cent of median income or one per cent of minimum wage).

    Broadband penetration in Nigeria may have crossed 50 per cent in the country. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), penetration reached 47 per cent in July this year owing to the huge expansion and investments on broadband infrastructures.

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    The National Broadband Council was reconstituted in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Minister of Communications with members drawn from relevant stakeholders including: Ministry of Communications (MoC), NigComSat, NCC, Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), NIPOST, Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), National University Commission (NUC), National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), Federal Ministry of Finance (MoF), and Federal Ministry of Environment. Others are Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Ministry of Transport and Aviation, State and National Economic Council, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Special Adviser to the Minister on NIPOST and Special Adviser to the Minister on IT.

  • NigComSat : low connectivity fuels rural poverty

    Lack of connectivity is one of the major factors fueling rural poverty across the country, Nigeria’s Communications Satellite Ltd. (NigComSat), has said.

    Its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Abimbola Alale, lamented that the telcos have consistently focused attention in providing access to rural areas such as Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, adding that if the provision of telecoms infrastructure to rural areas is prioritised, it would stop rural/urban drift and its attendant adverse effects on infrastructure, security and others.

    Speaking in Lagos at the strategic business interactive session organised by NigComSat in conjunction with the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ARCON), Mrs Alale said satellite technology remains the best technology option for rural connectivity.

    Also speaking on the occasion, the firm said it is eyeing both local and international market to offer its services to the educational, health, oil & gas, and security sectors of the economy.

    Its Executive Director, Marketing and Business Development, Hon Samson Osagie, said the firm is also targeting the broadcasting and financial sectors, adding that it also has its eyes on state governments.

    He said: “We are using NigComSat-1R to provide communications solutions that are tailor made to clients’ needs in order to enhance service delivery.”

    On the services available on the platform, he said they include  VSAT – Ku-band (iDirect); C-band (iDirect); Ka-band (Newtec), DTH Services – 100 SD channels;; Cisco Platform; Transponder Leasing; Internet of Things (IOT) & customer service management (CSM) services. Others are colocation and backup services, training, and turnaround services.

    He said the firm provides broadband internet and multimedia services, telemedicine, ele-education, e-services (such as e-Government, e-Commerce, e-Agriculture), tele-presence: video conferencing with voice over internet protocol (VoIP).

    On direct to home (DTH) services, Osagie said the satellite was designed to offer standard definition channels on a Pay TV & Free-To-View service delivery model, stressing that the system was designed for easy upgrade to High Definition channels

    He identified opportunities in broadcasting/DTH, IOT/CSM for other satellite operators, transponder lease, tracking & navigation and others, adding that the firm is open to  strategic partnerships.

    According to him, NigComSat-1R C-band foot print include Southern Mauritania, Southern Mali, Southern Niger, Southern Chad, Southern Sudan (Half), South Western Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and  North Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Others are Central African Republic, Cameroon, Togo, Ghana, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Senegal, Gambia, Cameroon, Gabon. Equatorial Guinea, South Western Chad, Angola, Congo Brazzaville, Namibia, Zambia, Southern Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, Western Zimbabwe and Northern South Africa.