Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, has unveiled a new satellite cellular backhaul service platform in Nigeria.
According to a statement from the company, the platform is located at the Open Access Datacenter (WIOCC) marking a major milestone in our efforts to enhance Nigeria and Africa’s connectivity infrastructure.
Intelsat CellBackhaul Nigeria, a fully managed cellular backhaul service, will assist mobile network operators (MNOs) and internet service providers (ISPs) in Nigeria and West Africa by addressing challenges in expanding mobile coverage.
The company says the service will also enable rapid, cost-effective network expansion through Intelsat’s satellite and terrestrial network.
“This is a great day for Intelsat, Nigeria and West Africa, bringing new capabilities and solutions to the market. Satellite technology is critical to closing the digital divide. ”Rhys Morgan, RVP, EMEA, Intelsat said.
”To connect unconnected populations in rural and remote locations, satellite backhaul is often the most viable option for a rapid, reliable, cost-effective connectivity solution,”
Despite notable progress, Sub-Saharan Africa remains a region with the widest usage and coverage gaps (59% and 15% respectively). Almost half of the 400 million people who lack mobile broadband coverage worldwide live in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A major challenge in closing this gap, especially in rural areas, is that expanding mobile networks is often slowed by the high cost and slow pace of traditional infrastructure deployment methods and deterred by low returns on investment.
This new solution in Nigeria joins existing platforms in other African countries, serving millions of people across thousands of cell towers.
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