Monday, March 12, 2012

NigComSat-1R to begin commercial operations March 19 ? The ...

The Nigerian Communication Satellite-1R, Nigeria?s replacement satellite launched into space on December 19, 2011 will begin commercial operations on March 19.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Mr. Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai, made this known to our correspondent on the sideline of the public forum on the draft Information Communications Technology policy in Lagos, on Friday.

?We will commence full commercial operations on NigComSat -1R on 19th of this month, ? he said.

According to him, as NigComSat-1R goes into commercial operations, huge impacts are expected in the country?s ICT sector in terms of cheaper Internet access as well as improved e-Commerce, telemedicine and e-Learning, among others.

Ahmed-Rufai stressed that NigComSat-1R would play significant roles in actualising the Central Bank of Nigeria?s cash-less economy, Nigerian Communications Commission?s rural telephony project, and the Independent National Electoral Commission?s e-voting project.

He added that it would also tremendously raise the revenue profile of the country especially as every home would access the Internet easily and affordably.

Ahmed-Rufai, said, ?Our strategic plan is centred on using our assets, the staff, the satellite and complementary ground infrastructures as an extraordinary vehicle to drive theNational ICT revolution in pursuit of self-reliance and required skills for engineering and technology domestication of secured satellite bandwidth and telecommunication services for defence, security outfits and other strategic telecommunications and broadcast needs of the nation.?

He had earlier said that NigComSat would partner with all stakeholders to complement existing terrestrial telecommunications infrastructures to promote universal access through innovative, affordable, high speed broadband telecoms services to enhance ICT usage, ICT skills and increase ICT Development Index of Nigerian citizens.

In view of this, the NigComSat boss said the government-owned satellite communication provider had partnered with Main One Cable Company to expand the coverage of the Main One Internet Protocol services via satellite.

In view of this, Ahmed-Rufai, said Main One IP services would now be available in the entire country where the fibre cable cannot reach as well as over 40 African countries.

He said, ?As of today, we are having IP services from Main One.Main One is a private initiative while NigComSat is a government initiative. People can now enjoy IP services on NigComSat-1R and Main One anywhere in Africa. Main One broadband capacity is in Lagos but to take it to a place like Abuja is a big challenge. But with NigComSat-1R, it is now in West Africa and the IP services will be available in 40 African countries courtesy of the satellite. This is a good example of Public Private Partnership.?

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Source: http://www.punchng.com/business/technology/nigcomsat-1r-to-begin-commercial-operations-march-19/

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