Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria is adding a new geostationary communications satellite to its space infrastructure, with Thales Alenia Space contracted to build NigComSat-2A to deliver broadband, broadcasting and other communications services across a large part of Africa, Prime Business Africa reports.
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The nearly four-tonne satellite will cover an area stretching from West and Central Africa to Southern Africa and is expected to remain operational for more than 15 years, giving Nigeria additional satellite capacity as demand for digital services rises across the continent.
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State-owned Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT) said NigComSat-2A would provide broadband internet, television broadcasting, voice communications and streaming services to households, businesses, public institutions and industries, including users in remote areas where terrestrial networks are difficult to deploy.
The satellite will be built on Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus B2 platform and will operate from geostationary orbit. Its broad coverage footprint gives the project a regional dimension, extending NIGCOMSAT’s satellite communications reach beyond Nigeria’s domestic market.
NIGCOMSAT Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Nkechi Jane Egerton-Idehen said the satellite would strengthen Nigeria’s communications capacity while expanding access to broadband and digital services in underserved and remote communities.
NigComSat-2A is part of a two-satellite programme that also includes NigComSat-2B, aimed at renewing and expanding Nigeria’s orbital communications infrastructure.
Nigeria’s existing NigComSat-1R, launched in December 2011, provides services across C-, Ku-, Ka- and L-band frequencies. The new satellites are expected to add capacity and resilience as demand for broadband, broadcasting and digital applications increases.
The satellite programme is also being supported by new ground infrastructure. Hughes Network Systems said NIGCOMSAT had selected its JUPITER scalable gateway system for the ground segment supporting NigComSat-2A and 2B, with services across Ka-, Ku- and C-band frequencies.
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The combination of a new satellite and upgraded ground infrastructure is intended to improve the availability and reach of communications services in markets where terrestrial networks remain constrained by geography, infrastructure gaps or deployment costs.
The financial terms of the Thales Alenia Space contract were not disclosed.
For Nigeria, NigComSat-2A represents an expansion of its space-based communications footprint, while for African markets within its coverage area, the satellite is intended to provide additional infrastructure for broadband, broadcasting and other digital services.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
