NIGCOMSAT Limited, Nigeria’s leading provider of satellite communication infrastructure, has announced a partnership with Hotspot, a technology company specialising in rural connectivity solutions, to enhance internet access in underserved communities across the country.
According to the firm, the strategic collaboration aims to deploy cutting-edge satellite technology and innovative connectivity solutions to remote and rural areas that have traditionally lacked internet access.
It noted that by leveraging NIGCOMSAT’s extensive satellite infrastructure and Hotspot’s expertise in rural connectivity, the partnership sought to bridge the digital divide and unlock new opportunities for socioeconomic development.
The Managing Director and CEO of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Egerton-Idehen, said, “At NIGCOMSAT, we are committed to leveraging our 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.”
He stated that the agreement, signed at Hotspot, aligned with NIGCOMSAT’s commitment to enhancing its coverage throughout Nigeria and beyond.
NIGCOMSAT Ltd. provides communication satellite services over African countries and parts of Europe and Asia, while Hotspot Network Limited is a one-stop shop for networking and telecommunications needs.
He added that the rural connectivity project was in partnership with the Universal Service Provision Fund, targeting numerous rural communities across Nigeria with services delivered via the NigComSat-1R Ka-Band platform.
Hotspot’s CEO, Engineer Morenikeji Aniye, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are thrilled to work alongside NIGCOMSAT in this endeavour. At Hotspot, connecting the millions of unconnected people 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.
He remarked that the joint initiative between NIGCOMSAT and Hotspot would commence immediately, with plans to roll out the first phase of the project in select rural areas within the next six months.