ATCON Urges Members to Patronize NIGCOMSAT for Broadband Penetration

Engr. Olusola Teniola, President of Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, has urged telecommunications operators to embrace the services of Nigeria Communications Satellite, NIGCOMSAT, in order to leverage on satellite technology for the deployment of broadband for socio-economic development of the country.

He stated this at the strategic Business Interactive Session between NIGCOMSAT and members of ATCON held on Wednesday, at the Lagos Travel Inn, Ikeja, Lagos.

He noted that the aim of the business interactive session was to show majority of operators that they can buy capacity from NIGCOMSAT at a very good and affordable price.

He said, “This initiative is borne out of the need to bring NIGCOMSAT’s services to ATCON’s teeming members because it has shown that majority of ATCON members do not know that they can buy capacity from NIGCOMSAT and those who know do not patronize NIGCOMSAT because they thought NIGCOMSAT’s prices are very high.

“Be that as it may, ATCON primary focus with respect to pervasive broadband is to see how our members can leverage on satellite technology for the deployment of broadband for socio-economic development of our country.”

Engr. Olusola Teniola, President of Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria ATCON making a remark at the event

He explained that this initiative would undoubtedly help the industry to realize its broadband target set by the federal government.

According to him,”This initiative would undoubtedly make our industry to realize its broadband target set by the federal government.

“As you may be aware, the continuous existence of our members is paramount to us and as part of adding sustainable value to the business of our members, we designed this strategic business interactive session to foster a mutually beneficial business relationship between our members and NIGCOMSAT with a special emphasis on broadband penetration across the country.

“Other strategic objectives of putting this timely initiative together are; to make NIGCOMSAT offer its quality services at a cheaper rate for the patronage of our members.

“To create an enduring business relationship and partnership between our members and NIGCOMSAT.

“And to support broadband service via satellite technology and to rejuvenate the satellite business among our members.”

Mrs Abimbola Alale, MD, NIGCOMSAT said that this gathering of telecoms stakeholders only emphasized collective desire to critically examine the prospects, challenges and future plans in attempting to redefine the relationship between telecoms operators and NIGCOMSAT in deepening broadband penetration nationally.

She added that the need for a mutual relationship to achieve broadband penetration in the country is long overdue and that Nigerians are waiting with keen interest to see how they will achieve it

According to her, “In this information age, broadband/communication services cannot be limited to few cities and towns in our country.

“The farmer, the market woman, the student and a host of others are critical stakeholders in the nation’s quest for digital economy and inclusiveness.

“Whilst I appreciate the business focus and contribution of ATCON in taking services to our people in urban and sub-urban areas, I also believe that our collective efforts will yield better results across all parts of the country in order to boost the overall business environment.

“A forum like this therefore, is not only timely but also critical to forge the frontiers of telecoms operators and satellite operators for a common good.”

Some participants at the event.

“It is certainly true that there is tremendous capacity of broadband here in Lagos, but what about other areas in the country?

“We are therefore faced with a challenge to urgently cover those areas where broadband services are needed.

“I am hopeful that our resolutions today will chart a roadmap that is achievable.

“We are all aware that one of the cardinal objectives of ATCON is to ‘bring together under one umbrella all companies in the field of telecommunications and auxiliary services for the purpose of sharing industry information, networking, associating and otherwise enhancing the stature and relevance of telecommunications industry’, it is on this principle that NIGCOMSAT would like to partner with ATCON to ensure that the federal government’s plan of broadband penetration is achieved.

“We cannot do this alone without proper engagement with you. You are the vehicle to reach the rural populations and we can provide the infrastructure that you can leverage on.”

Alale revealed that Nigeria’s foremost satellite, NigComSat-1R is performing optimally and that the Ka-band payload consists of eight (8) active transponders with a bandwidth of 120 MHz each for communication and broadcasting services.

She promised to make NigComSat-1R readily available to serve as our nation’s gateway for ease of doing business in this digital age.