NICOMSAT Joins iDirect To Expand Satellite Broadband

Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has entered into a partnership with a US-based satellite communications technology company, iDirect, to boost internet broadband penetration especially in rural areas in the country.

Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mr Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai, said the move would enhance NIGCOMSAT’s existing Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) solutions for affordable Internet services to the military, government, education and enterprise markets.

Ahmed-Rufai added that high-speed Internet has the potential to transform the Nigerian economy, hence the decision to partnership with iDirect to deploy a satellite network that affordably supports increasing broadband penetration in Nigeria and the African region.

“iDirect’s solutions will enable us to offer a broadband service that meets the diverse requirement of multiple end users, and can grow to meet further connectivity challenges,” he said.

Speaking on the partnership, Regional Vice President for iDirect in Europe, Mr Majdi Atout, said there is tremendous potential for growth in Africa, but much of that potential hinges on developing an infrastructure that can support high-speed data sharing and broadband Internet access.

He added that iDirect platform offers NIGCOMSAT a high-performing and flexible solution that supports the company’s goal of building a more open and connected Africa.”

According to Atout, the flexibility of the iDirect Evolution platform enables NIGCOMSAT to deliver affordable and easily deployable Internet service across Nigeria and the West African sub-region for a range of applications to end users.

“ iDirect’s seamless integration with fibre networks will also allows NIGCOMSAT to deliver broadband connectivity to remote communities, ensuring that rural users gain the economic and social benefits of broadband access,” he said

He also said NIGCOMSAT will take advantage of the performance and efficiencies of iDirect’s iDX3.0 software, which allows the company to switch between TDMA and SCPC Return channels to adjust service levels based on dynamic applications and changing traffic patterns.

—Henry Ojelu