Nigeria targets 5G deployment through satellite

Nigeria targets 5G deployment through satellite

The Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) said it is on the verge of deploying 5G using its satellite, NIGCOMSAT 2.

The government agency said this at the Stakeholders Engagement Forum with the theme ‘NIGCOMSAT: The Roadmap for enhanced service delivery’.

Managing Director/ CEO of NIGCOMSAT, Dr. Abimbola Alale, who spoke at the forum in Lagos disclosed that the organisation is already in the process of building and commissioning the satellite in collaboration with its Chinese partners, Great China Wall.

The forum with the theme, “NIGCOMSAT: The roadmap for enhanced service delivery” had many stakeholders in attendance.

The CEO said the goal of the forum was to get feedback from stakeholders and seek collaboration towards the successful launch of the 5G.

She said, “As players within the industry, we are bound by common goals and interests. We must therefore view the stakeholders’ meeting as critical to the growth of the industry. We will also discuss Satellite Communication as a panacea for Nigeria’s security challenges.

“The theme for this year’s forum is in line with our philosophy as a business entity. We seek continual improvement, not only in our service delivery, but also in our relationship with you, our stakeholders.

“I believe our deliberation here today will stimulate ideas that will metamorphose into a strategic framework for a more robust industry.”

She hinted on collaboration between fibre operators and satellites. Stakeholders however agreed several areas can be covered using Satellite.

Chairman, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo noted that there are still some blind spots in Nigeria not covered by internet services including in Lagos and Abuja.

Also Engr. Joseph Anagonye, Head Spectrum Management Department, Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy said more investment in satellite communication would make the impact of 5G to be felt across the country.